New Safety and Wellness Symposium launched for drivers!
New Safety and Wellness Symposium launched for drivers!
A brand new Safety and Wellness Symposium for truck drivers has been announced – and the really great news is that drivers can attend FREE OF CHARGE.
The Truck Driver Safety and Wellness Symposium is being hosted by the Department of Transport (DoT) and the Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will deliver the opening address. The event – scheduled for
7 March at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Gauteng, under the theme “Your Wellness is OUR Concern” – is taking place in collaboration with the SaferStops Association. The event represents a crucial step towards addressing the well-being of truck drivers in the road freight industry.
Road freight plays essential role
Recognising the indispensable role played by the road freight sector (which transports on average an estimated 140 million tonnes per annum), Mihlali Gqada, freight specialist at the DoT, emphasises: “It is vital that we shed light on truck stops, driver wellness, and safety within the industry.” The symposium stems from insights gleaned from the 2023 truck driver survey conducted by the SaferStops Association. It lays the groundwork for a concerted effort to improve safety standards and overall well-being for drivers.
According to Nicci Scott-Anderson, founder of the SaferStops Association, drivers will be in for an absolute treat. Here are just some of the highlights of the event:
- Drivers will be able to have the most comprehensive modern medical checks available in South Africa. They will receive spectacles at no extra cost if needed.
- Drivers can enjoy a complimentary neck and shoulder massage.
- A hydration assessment will be on offer.
- Drivers can participate in a masterclass on how to complete a last will and testament, so that their families can rest in the knowledge that this is properly taken care of.
- Engen will introduce their new healthy meal option available at their truck stops.
- SaferStops will be registering the attendees for the SaferStops App, a joint venture with Ctrack. Drivers will have access to armed guards when faced with a high-risk situation. This free subscription will be extended to their families.
- Michelin will sponsor the Gala Dinner Braai.
“This memorable event will show drivers our appreciation, acknowledging their dedication and hard work,” points out Scott-Anderson.
Sponsors step up
As is often the case in the South African transport industry, a variety of companies and organisations have stepped up to the plate, and they are sponsoring the event.
“I want to acknowledge the DoT and these companies and organisations, which share our commitment to improving driver safety and wellness. The symposium is an opportunity for each one of us to step up and support drivers in our own ways,” says Scott-Anderson.
The symposium aims to go beyond conventional talk shops. Instead, a comprehensive and engaging day has been designed to incorporate all the key government departments, industry and government associations, state-owned enterprises, the industry bargaining council, the private sector, and truck drivers, as well as representatives from the transport operators.
Statistics have shown that accidents involving trucks can largely be attributed to the fatigue of truck drivers. Driver fatigue poses a serious risk to road safety; this is an issue that is not faced by truck drivers alone, but also by motorists in South Africa.
Besides fatigue, there are numerous other health and wellness challenges that truck drivers face, including unavailability of sufficient medical facilities along the route; a lack of health and wellness facilities, healthy ablutions, and proper sleeping areas at truck stops; unhealthy food and a sedentary lifestyle that leads to obesity and cardiovascular diseases; and isolation and loneliness from missing family and friends. All of these issues take a toll on drivers’ mental and physical well-being.
Significant audience
The symposium will host 180 truck drivers from all provinces; 180 fleet, human resources, and risk managers; and nearly 400 delegates.
Scott-Anderson emphasises the holistic approach to the symposium, adding: “Our focus extends beyond safety measures to include healthier lifestyle options, better support systems, and a commitment to lifelong learning – encapsulating mental, physical, emotional, environmental, social, and financial wellness.”
“This event is not just about promoting healthy habits. It showcases the government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of drivers – the backbone of the road freight industry,” Gqada concludes.
For additional information on the event, please contact Ayanda Pasiya at pasiyaA@dot.gov.za or Raine at raine@saferstops.co.za. Register for the event here.
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