Risk Communication in the

Road Transport SectorDresden, 31 August 2001

Dr André Weel

Netherlands School of Occupational Health

Amsterdam

Branch Specific Approaches

Structure of my presentation1. Main health risks in road transport

2. Structures and strategies for risk control

3. Methods and tools for communication

4. Demands and needs

5. Recommendations

Road Transport Sector

1. Physical load

2. Psychosocial stress

3. Accidents

1. Main health risksin Road Transport Sector

Structures:

– Legal obligations

– Employers & Trade Unions

– Branch Bureau

2. Structures & Strategies for risk control (1)

Tasks of Road Transport Branch Bureau:– Management of OHS Contracts– Support of OHS & professionals– Support of Company Health & Safety

policy– Rehabilitation of disabled workers– Commissioner for scientific & technical

research

2. Structures & Strategies for risk control (2)

Strategies:

– Risk assessment

– Driver job analysis

– Risk based health surveillance

– Risk communication & instruction

– Branch statistics

– Monitoring of OHS performance

2. Structures & Strategies for risk control (3)

Target groups:

– Employers

– Employees

– OHS Professionals

3. Methods & Tools for Risk Communication (1)

Methods:

– Printed materials

– Video tapes

– Oral instruction & training

3. Methods & Tools for Risk Communication (2)

Printed materials for employees:

– Leaflets

– Journal

– Statement cards

– Games

3. Methods & Tools for Risk Communication (3)

Printed materials for professionals:

– Handbook OHS

– Checklists

3. Methods & Tools for Risk Communication (4)

Video tapes for employees:

– Fit on the road

– Planning or Running?

– Sit well

3. Methods & Tools for Risk Communication (5)

Instruction & training of employees:

– Preventive back training (3 days)

– Therapeutic back training

– Sitting instruction

– Stress recognition & management

– PTSS therapeutic sessions

– Alcohol

3. Methods & Tools for Risk Communication (6)

Instruction & training of OHS professionals:

– Application courses (7 days)

– Seminars & symposia

– Training in stress recognition & management

3. Methods & Tools for Risk Communication (7)

Employees: annual inventory

Employers: not satisfied about OHS

4. Demands & Needs (1)

Employers / employees not

satisfied about OHS Professionals:

• Too technical (expert) approach

• Bad mutual co-operation

• High turnover

• Insufficient communication!

4. Demands & Needs (2)

In employees:

• Evaluation study

• Effectiveness studies:

* risk awareness

* knowledge

* change of behavior at work

5. Recommendations (1)

In employers:

• Attention for company culture

• Effectiveness studies:

* risk awareness

* risk attitudes

* risk control policy

5. Recommendations (2)

In OHS professionals:

• Road Transport Care as an OHS specialty

• Focus on company culture

• Stay long enough to be effective!

5. Recommendations (3)