An Agenda for Advancing Research and Prevention at the Nexus of Work Organization, Occupational Stress, and Mental Health and Well-Being.

Work characteristics and worker well-being are inextricably connected. In particular, the characteristics of work organization shape and perpetuate occupational stress, which contributes to worker mental health and well-being outcomes. Consequently, the importance of understanding and addressing connections between work organization, occupational stress, and mental health and well-being-the focus of this Special Issue-increasingly demand attention from those affected by these issues. Thus, focusing on these issues in the long-haul truck driver (LHTD) sector as an illustrative example, the purpose of this commentary is as follows: (1) to outline current research approaches and the extant knowledge base regarding the connections between work organization, occupational stress, and mental health; (2) to provide an overview of current intervention strategies and public policy solutions associated with the current knowledge base to protect and promote worker mental health and well-being; and (3) to propose a two-pronged agenda for advancing research and prevention for workers during the 21st century. It is anticipated that this commentary, and this Special Issue more broadly, will both echo numerous other calls for building knowledge and engaging in this area and motivate further research within complementary current and novel research frameworks.

Health and Safety Practices and Perceptions of COVID-19 in Long-Haul Truck Drivers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) perceptions of COVID-19 and their use of health and safety practices. METHODS: 146 LHTD completed an online survey to collect data on their experiences with COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and thematic analysis for open-ended responses. RESULTS: LHTD were aged from 22 to 79 years (mean age 48.1 ±â€Š11.8); 82.2% were men. Almost half of the sample were not concerned about COVID-19. Those not concerned were significantly less likely to employ health and safety practices (eg, wearing masks, social distancing), were less educated and healthier. They also perceived COVID-19 to not be real or a serious threat to their health. CONCLUSIONS: Tailored education approaches are needed to provide evidence-based data on COVID-19 risks and complications.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Work Environment in Long-Haul Truck Drivers.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the working conditions of long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) before and during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to assess the perceptions of LHTDs on accessing food, restrooms, and parking. METHODS: An online survey was disseminated between August 2020 and March 2021 to various trucking organizations across Canada to collect data on health and wellness during COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and thematic analysis for open-ended responses. RESULTS: The sample included 146 LHTD (mean age 48.1 ±â€Š11.8; 82.2% were men). Participants reported issues with finding parking, washrooms, and food. Compared with before COVID-19, LHTD worked significantly more hours and consumed more caffeine; and more than 50% reported being fatigued. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the working conditions of LHTD is critical to support their health and wellbeing, both during and after the pandemic.