Trucks
For more than 20 years, the Volvo Group has run a comprehensive wellness programme for our own employees, seeing first-hand how regular screening and early intervention can change lives. We wanted to extend this experience to the wider industry.
“Truck drivers are the people our products are built for, so taking our wellness expertise to them was a natural next step. Launching the initiative during Transport Month gave us the ideal opportunity to recognise the people who keep South Africa moving,” said Belinda Butler, Director: Marketing & Communication at Volvo Trucks South Africa.
During this Truck Driver Wellness Day, a total of 374 drivers were screened for blood pressure, blood glucose and HIV status.
The Reality Wellness Group shared the overall statistics with us, note, not personal information. Of concern, 76% of drivers screened were outside a healthy Body Mass Index range, while 77% had raised blood pressure. A total of 7% of participants had glucose levels outside a healthy range. The results show why regular screenings matter, as these conditions often present no symptoms until a serious event, such as a stroke or heart attack, occurs.
HIV screenings also showed a 5% infection rate among the drivers tested. Of further concern was the lower uptake of HIV testing due to the stigma surrounding this disease.
“Time is one of the biggest barriers for drivers. With tight delivery schedules, they rarely have the opportunity to visit a clinic during normal operating hours, while their lifestyle can also encourage unhealthy on-the-go eating habits. Bringing the screening to the truck stop created an opportunity for drivers to undergo health screenings while raising much-needed awareness,” said Jana Kieser, SHEQ Manager at Volvo Trucks South Africa. “Volvo Trucks and the Reality Wellness Group will continue to promote driver wellness and encourage regular screening to support early detection.”
This year, each driver received exercise resistance bands that are lightweight and easy to use in the comfort of their own cab.
Fleet operators can make a big difference by prioritising driver wellness initiatives, including regular screening as part of their employment. This could potentially include access to chronic medication during long trips, encouraging healthier food options at depots and promoting basic fitness solutions. Most importantly, companies need to create a culture where drivers feel safe disclosing health concerns without fear of losing their jobs.
“Volvo Trucks believes driver health is fundamental to the sustainability of our industry. Healthy drivers contribute to safer roads, more reliable operations and greater business productivity. Drivers' expertise keeps economies running, communities connected and goods moving, and Volvo Trucks remains committed to putting drivers first,” said Belinda Butler.
Belinda Butler
Brand, Marketing & Communication, Volvo Trucks
Tel: +27 11 842 5000
Email: belinda.butler@volvo.com
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2025 approximately 120,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.