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Access Type
WSU Access
Date of Award
January 2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
Economics
First Advisor
Michael H. Belzer
Abstract
This dissertation examines the influence of working conditions and compensation on the safety and health of long-haul truck drivers through three interconnected research papers, employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore both direct and indirect effects. The research offers new insights into occupational safety and health within the trucking industry.The first paper focuses on the benefits of addressing sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), alongside providing adequate health insurance coverage. It demonstrates that enhanced access to treatment for sleep disorders and improved health insurance significantly reduce accidents caused by drowsy driving. These health interventions not only promote driver safety but also enhance productivity and performance, linking driver health to overall safety outcomes. The second paper investigates the role of fringe benefits in reducing driver fatigue and improving safety. Using SEM, the study shows that fringe benefits have a direct positive impact on safety by decreasing the incidence of safety hazards, while also improving sleep quality, which indirectly reduces fatigue. The results clarify how fringe benefits affect driver health and safety, both directly and indirectly. The third paper explores the dual impact of company-imposed and self-imposed pressures on driver safety and health. Factors such as tight schedules, unrealistic expectations, and financial pressures are identified as key contributors to unsafe driving behaviors, including driving while fatigued and violating hours-of-service regulations. These pressures also negatively impact drivers' health, exacerbating safety risks. The study underscores the need to address both external and internal pressures to improve driver safety and well-being. Collectively, the findings of these three papers emphasize the critical importance of adequate compensation and favorable working conditions in enhancing driver safety and health. The research reinforces the hypothesis that improved compensation reduces accident likelihood, in line with existing literature. Ultimately, this dissertation demonstrates the essential interplay between health, compensation, and working conditions in promoting the safety and well-being of long-haul truck drivers.
Recommended Citation
Crant, Aurelia, "Navigating The Road: Exploring The Direct And Indirect Effects Of Economic And Occupational Conditions On The Health, Safety And Well-Being Of Long-Haul Truck Drivers" (2024). Wayne State University Dissertations. 4134.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_dissertations/4134