How Job Stress and Fatigue Put Employees at Risk

When most people think about work-related hazards, they might imagine construction zones or factory equipment. But for millions of workers, the real danger is the drive itself. According to the latest data, motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the United States. Behind many of these crashes are long hours, high stress, and burnout that plague certain professions.

In 2023, there were 5,283 occupational fatalities reported across the country. Of those, transportation incidents made up 36.8%, that’s 1,942 lives lost due to vehicle crashes while on the job. While this marked a slight decline from the previous year, the problem is far from solved.

This recent study by John Foy & Associates will explore this a bit more in-depth.

Who Faces the Greatest Risk?

Some workers face higher exposure to traffic risks than others simply because of the nature of their job. Based on the most recent data, the following occupations saw the highest number of motor vehicle-related deaths:

• Truck drivers and transportation workers: 1,011 deaths

• Construction workers: 243 deaths

• Managers in various industries: 105 deaths

• Police officers and firefighters: 98 deaths

• Farmers, fishers, and forestry workers: 87 deaths

• Healthcare and social assistance workers: 63 deaths

• Retail workers: 54 deaths

While men accounted for the vast majority of work-related fatalities (4,832), women are more heavily represented in industries like healthcare and retail, where travel between sites is common.

The Role of Stress, Fatigue, and Mental Health

A closer look at these numbers reveals a troubling pattern. Many of the professions with high crash rates also report high levels of occupational stress, irregular schedules, and mental health challenges:

• Truck drivers often spend long, isolated hours on the road, with limited sleep and little time for recovery.

• Construction workers deal with physically demanding labor, tight deadlines, and mentally exhausting work environments.

• Managers face intense pressure, especially in leadership roles, which can lead to chronic stress and burnout.

• Emergency responders are routinely exposed to trauma and violence, leading to anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.

• Farmers and forestry workers often experience isolation, seasonal stressors, and long hours during peak periods.

These mental and physical strains can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the likelihood of driving while distracted or drowsy.

Why Crashes Happen

Research from the CDC and other organizations confirms that work-related vehicle crashes often involve preventable behaviors such as:

• Speeding

• Distracted driving

• Driving under the influence

• Fatigued driving

Workplace culture and job demands can also push employees to take unnecessary risks, like driving when overly tired or rushing to meet deadlines.

What Employers Can Do

The good news? There are practical steps employers can take to reduce the risk of vehicle accidents among their staff:

1. Provide fatigue awareness training: Educate employees on the signs of fatigue and how it impacts driving.

2. Enforce phone-free driving policies: Eliminate distractions by prohibiting phone use while behind the wheel.

3. Maintain company vehicles: Routine checks and servicing can help prevent mechanical failures on the road.

4. Establish clear safety protocols: OSHA recommends comprehensive driving safety programs for all workers who operate vehicles.

5. Support mental health: Offering resources, flexible scheduling, and mental health days can go a long way in preventing burnout.

Final Thoughts:

Every time someone gets behind the wheel for work, they face a risk that often goes unnoticed. While transportation will always be a part of many jobs, it shouldn’t come at the cost of employee health and safety. By understanding the connection between workplace stress and road accidents, employers can take action to protect their teams — and potentially save lives.