The campaign is in partnership with the NGO Trucking Wellness, the Department of Roads and Transport and the Department of Health and is based at truck stops, which provide testing by qualified nursing sisters for blood pressure, diabetes, tuberculosis, BMI (Base Mass Index) and HIV/AIDS.
Engen Petroleum has a fleet of 180 bulk truck vehicles on the road and undertook the project to help its truck drivers to stay healthy, while offering the same assistance to other truck drivers and road users during their long-distance travels. Engen kick-started the project at the truck stop in East London, which is equipped with two mobile clinics, professional nurses and counsellors who conduct tests and counsel the drivers on their health and well-being.
"At Engen, we believe it is pertinent to be part of these efforts to create awareness about the well-being of truck drivers in general and those that represent Engen on the road. Such initiatives form a substantial part of our Corporate Social Investment objectives and our commitment to be a responsible, caring company," said Khanyisa Balfour, corporate social investment manager of Engen.
"The idea of running the Driver Wellness campaign links up well with the start of Transport Month and we are pleased to have played a role in informing, educating and offering options to those diagnosed with illnesses, while also encouraging those that are healthy to maintain their healthy lifestyle and take adequate precautions moving forward," she added.
On the launch day the medical and health tests with the truck drivers took place from the afternoon until late (between 5pm to 11pm) as the Engen Kempston Stop is one of many stops around the country where the drivers rest overnight, after spending long hours on the road during the day.
