Economic pressure, multitiered subcontracting and occupational health and safety in Australian longhaul trucking

• Published in: Employee relations Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 212 - 229
• Main Authors: Mayhew, Claire, Quinlan, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01-05-2006
• Subjects: Australia; Contingent workers; Employment; Injuries; Occupational health and safety; Road transport
• ISSN: 0142-5455
• DOI: 10.1108/01425450610661216

Purpose The purpose of this research is to analyse the relationship between economic pressure, multitiered subcontracting and occupational health and safety OHS outcomes for employee and ownerdrivers in longhaul trucking, using Australian evidence. Designmethodologyapproach The analysis is based on direct interviews with 300 longhaul drivers, using a structured questionnaire along with an examination of documentary records, statistics and government reports. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on selfreported acute and chronic injuries, the incidence of occupational violence, truck crashes, indicators of illicit drug use, hours of workfatigue and psychological distress. Findings Variations between ownerdrivers and employees working for small and large firms were investigated. Overall, ownerdrivers reported worse OHS than small fleet and, more especially, large fleet drivers. Evidence also indicated a connection between economic pressure, the expansion of contingent work and negative OHS outcomes. Research limitationsimplications Further longitudinal and comparative research is needed to test the hypothesized link between competitive pressures, supply chain rationalization and OHS outcomes. Research to investigate these issues in other countries is required in order to compare findings with those for Australia and to assess the effectiveness of new enforcement initiatives. Practical implications Findings suggest the need for policy interventions aimed at improving OHS to address commercial practices, including elaborate subcontracting chains, more explicitly than is currently the case with road transport regulation. Recent moves in this direction are identified. Originalityvalue Unlike manufacturing, healthcare and the public sector, there have been few studies of the OHS effects associated with contingent work arrangements in transport. In addition to helping to fill this gap the paper provides evidence on the effects of competitive pressure and supply chains on work practices and OHS.