Aiding driver wellness in October Transport Month

In celebration of Transport Month this October, Engen Petroleum will be offering free health screenings for truck drivers at two Engen Truck Stops in Gauteng.

As part of Engen’s Driver Wellness initiative, all truck drivers are invited to receive voluntary health screenings at the following Engen Truck Stops:

– Engen Market Gateway, Majorie Street, City Deep, on October 17 from 09:00 to 15:00.
– Engen Highveld 1 Stop North and South Bound, R21 Highway, on October 18 from 07:00 to 15:00.

Engen Driver Wellness is a mobile health awareness initiative that has now been running for six years. Over a seven-month period, from April to the end of October, the programme will reach 21 sites in five provinces this year.

The free voluntary screenings for drivers are conducted by qualified nurses and councillors. Tests are undertaken for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), body mass index (BMI) and HIV/Aids.

“Education helps to remind drivers and our employees why their health is important and how life choices impact on their well-being. Ultimately, this increases their health, safety and productivity,” says Engen’s corporate social investment manager, Mntu Nduvane.

“There has been a marked increase in the number of individuals using the services we provide. This is a clear indication that this intervention is making a difference to the well-being of drivers and will ultimately lead to a healthier industry,” adds Nduvane.

Engen’s most recent statistics show that cholesterol screening jumped by 63 percent between 2014 and 2015. Glucose testing went up by 18,5 percent and 16-percent more drivers tested their BMI. Blood pressure screening showed an increase of 16 percent, as did testing for HIV/Aids and sexually transmitted infections. TB screening saw a 15-percent upsurge.