Exploring the Health and Economic Burden Among Truck Drivers in Australia: A Health Economic Modelling Study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Health Economics
• Transport Logistics

Background:

• The transport and logistics sector is vital to Australia's economy.
• Limited research exists on the economic and clinical impact of poor truck driver health.
• This study quantifies the work-related mortality burden in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the 10-year work-related mortality burden among Australian truck drivers.
• To assess the associated economic costs, including healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
• To underscore the significance of health issues within the transport workforce.

Main Methods:

• Utilized dynamic life table modeling for a 10-year simulation (2021-2030).
• Modeled deaths within the Australian working population and specifically male truck drivers.
• Incorporated data on work-related mortality, productivity loss, healthcare costs, and value of statistical life year (VoSLY).

Main Results:

• Poor truck driver health resulted in an estimated loss of 21,173 discounted years of life lived and 18,294 discounted Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) over 10 years.
• Associated healthcare costs reached AU$485 million (discounted).
• Societal costs included AU$2.6 billion (discounted) in lost productivity and AU$4.7 billion (discounted) in lost life years.

Conclusions:

• The health and economic repercussions of poor truck driver health are substantial.
• Findings emphasize the critical need for targeted interventions to mitigate work-related injuries and diseases in transport workers.
• Addressing driver health is crucial for both economic stability and public health outcomes.