01759896

Monograph

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/181560.aspx

Transit workers experience more health and safety problems than the general workforce, primarily as a result of a combination of physical demands, environmental factors, and stresses related to their jobs. This report focuses on the prevalence of these conditions, costs associated with these conditions, and statistical analysis of data on participation in and the results of health and wellness promotion programs. The objective of the analysis was to improve understanding of how extensive these problems are and to identify potential approaches that transit agencies can undertake to develop an effective response. In preparing this study, the research team undertook a multifaceted approach that used diverse sources of information including case studies, interviews with industry and health experts, primary data collection, and rigorous statistical-econometric analysis. The study includes a summary of previous research on methods to improve the workplace environment and to establish effective practices for health promotion and wellness programs. To date, there is limited research on the effectiveness of health promotion programs for transit workers. This report provides some additional research on that topic, measured by the reduction of sick or personal days, workers’ compensation payments, or health claims. The report also includes case studies on health and wellness programs at five transit agencies. The report documents the substance of the programs and the resources and organizational strategies agencies and unions have used to put sustainable programs in place. While no programs address all the chronic conditions most common among transit workers (i.e., few appear to address respiratory health), they do focus on issues that affect transit workers’ overall health and work performance. The statistical analysis incorporated in the study is more suggestive than definitive, but it does provide a model that agencies with access to the appropriate data could use to evaluate their programs. In addition, the information provided about the health and wellness programs in the case studies and the implementation strategy chapter offer further assistance to transit agencies currently improving existing or designing new health, wellness, and safety programs.

Project F-26

English

153p

2020

TCRP Research Report

9780309673617

Digital/other

Appendices; Figures; References; Tables

Costs; Data analysis; Economic impacts; Employee assistance programs; Health; Occupational safety; Public transit; Statistical analysis; Transit operators; Transit personnel; Workforce

Administration and Management; Policy; Public Transportation

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Dec 10 2020 11:25AM