Abstract
Truck drivers are responsible for delivering loads or products from one place to another. Their role requires them to travel for extended periods to deliver loads to customers. The role of being a truck driver comes with challenges, as their long working hours keep them away from their families. The working conditions of truck drivers are a serious concern, as they affect many aspects of their personal and professional lives. While on the job, truck drivers must travel long distances, which can lead to exhaustion and various health issues; they also face risks such as hijacking, theft, and truck attacks. The safety of truck drivers is not guaranteed when travelling on roads. Another factor affecting the trucking industry is the accidents caused by fatigue. This occupation separates truck drivers from their families, and they miss important family events because of job requirements. The trucking industry has poor working conditions, and road safety is a current issue for truck drivers.
The study’s objective was to understand the working conditions of truck drivers and road safety in South Africa. For research, a qualitative study was utilised. Sixteen truck drivers from the identified trucking company were interviewed to understand their working conditions and road safety. The identified organisation is a retail distribution centre that is based in Gauteng, Johannesburg. To uncover truck drivers' lived experiences, a phenomenological approach was employed. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, and information from the interviews was analysed using thematic analysis.
The findings revealed the current working conditions that truck drivers are exposed to, which include longer working hours, not taking lunch, being paid only when the truck is in motion, resting at the fuel station, social isolation from loved ones, and work pressure. Working conditions of truck drivers can lead to being exposed to criminal activities and poor road and weather conditions. Furthermore, based on the results of the study, occupational health and safety of truck drivers is also affected by these working conditions, as they experience stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal problems. Fatigue caused by long working hours increases the possibility of truck drivers being involved in accidents and possess a risk to their safety.