Keeping truck drivers in the best of health
Mercedes-Benz SA has implemented its fifth Fleet Owner Workplace Programme with customer Kelm Vervoer, a logistics solutions provider
MERCEDES-Benz SA (MBSA) has a longstanding commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and promoting employee wellness, not only among its own workforce but also within communities linked to its business. In the drive to promote healthier truck drivers and safer roads, the company and its partner organisation Corridor Empowerment Project continue to support fleet owners in truck driver health and wellness education.
The Fleet Owner Workplace Wellness Programme is an extension of the MBSA workplace wellness strategy. The aim of the programme is to assist fleet owners in taking a holistic approach to employee health and wellness, based on a proven model.
“SA’s trucking industry is at the economic heart of this country, pumping prosperity to our people. Healthy, skilled truck drivers are one of the key issues which we have chosen to wholeheartedly support as a corporate thought leader and responsible corporate citizen.
“As such, collaboration remains an important enabler for MBSA as we strive for the sustainability of the transport sector in SA, with employee wellbeing as a key contributor,” says Kobus van Zyl, executive director: Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa.
Through its corporate social responsibility programme, MBSA has earnestly supported the Trucking Wellness project since inception in 2009. Trucking Wellness is an initiative of the National Bargaining Council of the Road Freight and Logistics Industry which provides an education and basic healthcare service to truck drivers along the major freight routes in southern Africa. This includes dissemination of information, testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other lifestyle illnesses.
Kelrn Vervoer, a logistics solutions provider with a nationwide footprint, is the latest addition to the Workplace Wellness lineage. It launched its Workplace Wellness Programme on May 31. The programme will continue to run for the benefit of its employees with ongoing support from MBSA and the Corridor Empowerment Project. Its commitment to ensuring the health and wellness of its employees is substantial.
“At Kelrn, we are aware of the value of good drivers as well as employees in good health,” says Kenne de Kock, CEO of Kelm Vervoer. “We care about the health and wellbeing of our personnel and are grateful to be a part of the Fleet Owner Workplace Wellness Programme with MBSA. This has certainly proven to us that MBSA is one of the few manufacturers that not only cares about business but also truly cares about the wellbeing of its customers and stakeholders; especially that of long-distance truck drivers.
“This includes road safety as well. We applaud MBSA for playing its part within the road freight and logistics industry in SA.”
To date, five MBSA Fleet Owner Workplace Wellness Programmes have been implemented — at Aspen Logistics, United Bulk, Bakers Transport and City Couriers, with Kelrn Vervoer being the fifth — and continue to be supported. The fleet owners participating in the wellness programmes receive regular updated health information which can be shared with employees; biannual consultations on the refinement of their programmes; health skills training workshops; and support with wellness and HIV workplace policy development.
The programme provides fleet owners with the opportunity to develop and implement a customised programme that could minimise the risk of disease and HIV/AIDS on their respective business’ bottom line.