Health and working conditions of truck drivers in Brazil

Abstract

This paper intends to describe the public health policies and labor conditions of road haulage drivers. In order to give a brief overview of these policies, it describes some research results, some indicators pointing to a loss of quality of life of these workers by virtue of their habits, their physical conditions and labor laws. Finally, the path indicates some points traced by national policies that seek to preserve the quality of life of these workers. The method used was literature review found in scientific bases, pointing data that guide the discussions. Due to the necessity of road transport in Brazil, truck drivers suffer poor working conditions to meet the high demand for their services. Seeing that the road haulage driver is directly involved in the delivery and flow of Brazil's logistical process of deliveries from the raw materials to the final product to the consumer, public policies are urgently needed to adjust and improve all the working and physical conditions to this class of workers in accordance with law 13.103/2015. High rates of traffic accidents with truck drivers were recorded, however, conditions for good sleep do not favour truck drivers, destabilising their physical condition, and classifying these professionals as sedentary because of negative health habits.