Schneider offers drivers over-the-road health perks
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Schneider National drivers in North America will get a full range of health and wellness services at no charge, the giant truckload carrier announced. Schneider has signed a multi-year agreement with Atlas Ergonomics to provide drivers health services at in-house Operating Centers (company-owned truck stops) across North America, including a facility in Guelph, Ont. The centers offer services such as physical therapy, blood pressure monitoring, diet and nutrition counseling and exercise education. The 12 centers are staffed by full-time, certified physical and occupational therapists who work one-to-one with drivers, and who can provide expert referrals for other challenges they often face, including sleep disorders, smoking, family and personal issues. To make the process simple for the driver, says Schneider, the in-house clinics are tied together through an electronic medical records system. In other words, treatment started at one location can be maintained efficiently at another. "Our success depends on our drivers,” said Wendy Sullivan, occupational health manager for Schneider National. "These hardworking people struggle with the same health issues as you and me, but their situations are often made worse because they're away from home for extended periods without easy access to health services." Says Drew Bossen, executive vice-president of Atlas Ergonomics: "Schneider's approach is unique and proactive, and demonstrates deep commitment to employees and their families. Other organizations respond to employees bringing issues forward, but the goal of this program is to seek out potential problems and make finding a solution as simple as possible." Over the next few weeks during training, drivers will complete comprehensive discomfort surveys, allowing Atlas to pinpoint specific problems, says Bossen. Both organizations also say they plan to expand the program's services and locations.