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 Singapore

There are 10,000 public bus drivers in Singapore employed by 4 operators, with a median age of 50. They are less likely to prioritize health and have low to moderate health literacy. Their unstructured workplaces with multiple shift patterns make it difficult for them to participate in structured programmes. Challenging work operations prevent companies from coming on board the general workplace programmes as they do not address their operational constraints. Through extensive ground-sensing and job-shadowing, we saw issues from the lenses of bus drivers, worked around operational constraints and challenged conventions to make health & safety relevant and accessible. We formed a tripartite workgroup with the bus companies, union and healthcare partners on board. 2,114 bus drivers from 2 market leaders were recruited. The holistic programme comprised: (i) Onsite 9-month Health Intervention Programme (n=1,114)–Basic profiling showed higher disease rates. Fasting blood Chronic Disease Health Screening was conducted at 4am at depots with a lifestyle survey. Using the results, bus drivers received monthly group health coaching at interchanges, where they build practical skills to manage chronic disease & bodily pain, and other OSH issues like glare. 8 months later, a post-screening was conducted to track improvements. (ii) Workplace Health Risk Assessment (n=1,000) conducted by OH specialists over 3 phases: risk identification, evaluation & management. This involved evaluating occupational hazards at depots, interchanges and within bus cabins, assessing actual driving, surveys on ergonomics & fatigue and focus groups with supervisors & staff. (iii) Mental Wellbeing Training–90% of supervisors trained to pick up mental wellbeing issues in staff and make suitable referrals. Our person-centric approach addressing both age and work-related concerns was well received & results were encouraging. ~50% of those with abnormal screening results improved in at least 1 chronic condition by post-screening. Significantly, 1 in 4 improved from abnormal to normal health status in 9 months. After Workplace Health Risk Assessment, short-term interventions like driving ergonomics training & sunglass issuance have been put in place. Longer-term recommendations for national policies have also been submitted. Since the pilot, we were able to scale up quickly to impact all bus captains in Singapore. Concurrently, we are guiding bus companies to take the lead to ensure sustainability.

Level of Education: Continuing vocational education and training

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