I just couldn’t resist parodying a popular song since in my last blog, I emphasized the problem facing many truck drivers – gluteus maximus (butt) weakness related to all the sitting drivers do.

During our many years of testing long haul truck drivers, I’d like a nickel for every time I’ve heard: “I’ve been driving a truck for 20+ years, why do I have to take a physical abilities test? It’s obvious I can do the job.” Or that I’ve had the company owner challenge Pre-Hire Physical Ability Test (PAT) results with: “Why did that driver fail the test? He’s been driving for our competitor for 20 years?”

Does using a physical ability test really reduce workplace injury—and create return on investment?

Every decision you make for your business affects its bottom line, so the return-on-investment question is vital.

Physical Ability Testing

Containing the everyday costs of doing business is central to the profitability of any company, no matter what industry you’re in. Well-run organizations project the potential return on investment for each cost reduction strategy that they are considering. For employers with physically demanding jobs, a budget line item that often gets attention is the one associated with workers’ compensation expense. A variety of well-known approaches to reducing that expense exist, ranging from safety and training programs to claims management.

Nuclear verdicts are a hot topic in the trucking and transportation industry, and for a good reason. In 2010 there were less than 10 cases against trucking companies with a verdict over $1 million; in 2011, there were nearly 60, and there haven’t been less than 30 in a year since then. And it’s not just the number of cases that is increasing, but the amount of the verdict. The average verdict in 2010 was $2.3 million; in 2018, it was $22.3 million ¹.
A single finding against a trucking company can be catastrophic, sometimes even forcing their closure. With that in mind, is there anything a company can do to reduce the risk that one of their drivers will be involved in one of these cases? The answer is: Absolutely!

Many drivers don’t want to admit that they’re stressed because they see that admission as a sign of weakness. But commercial driving is a stressful occupation. And there’s no question that stress causes physical effects on the body, including chronic pain and fatigue. Stress day-in and day out means that a commercial driver’s body is in often in a fight-or-flight mode, which releases stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline. And if the stress is continuous, it can lead to burnout and a lack of motivation, which often results in feeling tired even after short periods of driving.

Possibly the most important fatigue-fighter is good quality sleep. if your drivers are feeling fatigued each morning and throughout the day, a lack of good quality sleep may be the problem. If so, a lack of sleep can contribute to chronic fatigue and exhaustion. In addition, studies have shown that poor sleep quality can contribute to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease and even shortened life expectancy. And of course, fatigue has immediate risks to your drivers, including impaired driving and other safety concerns.

Despite a driver’s best efforts to eat well, nutritional deficiencies can persist. They may cause drivers to feel sluggish and have difficulty focusing. And in driving, focusing is key. If drivers aren’t getting enough nutrients from a regular healthy diet, supplements are available to increase energy and minimize fatigue.

You’ve had to furlough some folks due to COVID-19. Perhaps they’ve been off work for about 6-8 weeks at this point. You’re bringing them back to work as you ramp up after the crises. That’s good news for everyone, right? Maybe not and here’s why.Let’s say your jobs have moderately heavy physical requirements…maybe lifting 40 lbs. and pushing and pulling 70 lbs. What ErgoScience found with a recent client who was conducting post-COVID Return-to-Work Physical Abilities Testing (also known as Fitness for Duty Testing) for similar jobs, was that 11 out of 50 (22%) employees returning to work after furlough, were not capable of performing the physical requirements of their former jobs! Another 4 of them (11%), had resting blood pressure that was too high to even allow testing! Our client questioned: How could that be??? They were all doing the jobs just 6-8 short weeks ago?

What’s the last thing you want to deal with after the COVID-19 Crisis is over? Most likely, at the top of your list, is an explosion of injuries among returning workers.