A new online platform is helping improve safety and wellbeing for truck drivers facing long hours, fatigue, and high-pressure working conditions.
The HARMfree Transport and Logistics programme, developed with support from ACC and industry groups, offers free, transport-specific tools for employers to manage risks like stress, sleep deprivation and injury.
In 2024, ACC accepted more than 7200 new work-related injury claims from the transport and logistics sector, spending nearly $80 million on recovery. Workers in the sector were off the job for more than 384,000 days due to injury.
Hall’s Cold Chain Logistics health and safety advisor Nik McNamara says the platform has become a key part of supporting the company’s 330-plus drivers.
“That’s why it’s so important for us to look after our drivers and help provide them with the tools they need to keep themselves safe on the road,” she said.
Truck drivers often work 10-to-12-hour days, six days a week, and face fatigue, isolation, and stress.
“As a truck driver your mind needs to be 100% on the job,” McNamara says.
“When our drivers turn up to work, every part of them needs to turn up. If something’s bothering them at home or they haven’t slept well, their mind’s somewhere else, it’s not on the job, and that’s when there’s a risk.”
HARMfree was developed by the New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) with an $850,000 ACC Workplace Injury Prevention grant, alongside partners including the National Road Carriers Association, AutoSense, Success Formula, and Fatigue Management Fit For Duty.
HARMfree aims to raise awareness of the psychosocial hazards for workers in the transport and logistics industry, HARMfree programme manager John Sansom says.
“These hazards include high work demands, low social support, irregular schedules and lack of communication, which could lead to poor outcomes like injuries, stress and sleep disorders.
“The platform is about empowering industry leaders with the knowledge and tools to make meaningful changes in their workplaces.
“We’re seeing strong engagement from companies that want to take proactive steps,” Sansom says.
HARMfree also runs regular “Connect” events — both webinars and in-person sessions — in locations such as Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Nelson and Christchurch. Topics include sleep health, fatigue management, and workplace design.
A recently added section focuses on recovery at work, supported by funding from ACC’s Innovation Fund.
McNamara, who was sidelined from driving after a back injury, says staying involved during recovery was crucial.
“Pushing and pulling pallets is part of the job, so when I injured my back it meant I couldn’t do that for a while.
“I was well supported through my injury and found a way to stay involved while I was recovering – that’s how I ended up in office work fulltime.”
McNamara says it’s great to see ACC investing in injury prevention tools and also supporting people in their recovery at work.
“Truck drivers love their job, they love their trucks, and they take great pride in their work, so when they injure themselves it’s so important for them to stay connected to their workplace and feel like they are contributing in ways that are helpful to the business and helpful to their recovery.
“Depending on their injury, they might still be able to work reduced hours or do other suitable duties.
“I check in with them daily, remind them that they are a part of the family and we are here to support them through their injury and recovery.”
The HARMfree Transport and Logistics portal
- Resources – a library of best-practice downloadable resources, including templates, standard operating procedures, and multilingual materials.
- Training – courses to upskill and empower leaders and workers across a range of training options and providers.
- Self-assessment – a workplace self-assessment tool to help businesses identify areas for improvement.
- Online forum – health and safety champions in the sector can connect via an online forum, enabling them to share knowledge, and learn from one another.
- Events – invites to in-person ‘Connect’ events, seminars, and webinars throughout the year covering a range of topics.
*Go to harmfreetransport.nz for more information.
