Introduction 54% of Singapore’s workforce are 40 years and above. Keeping this ageing population safe and healthy is crucial. As part of Singapore’s Action Plan for Successful Ageing, we focused on sectors with a higher prevalence of lower-income mature workers with limited access to healthcare. They have low to moderate health literacy and fare poorer in health. Their unstructured workplaces with multiple shift patterns make it difficult for them to participate in structured programmes. One of our priorities is the transport sector. Using a person-centric approach, we aimed to impact bus drivers by understanding their needs and addressing both age- and work-related issues through a customised programme brought to their doorstep.

Methods 2114 bus drivers from 2 market leaders were recruited. The holistic programme comprised:

1. Onsite 9 month Health Intervention Programme (n=1,114) Basic profiling showed higher disease rates. Fasting blood Chronic Disease Health Screening was conducted at 4 am at depots with a lifestyle survey. Using the results, bus drivers received monthly group health coaching at interchanges, where they build practical skills to manage chronic disease & bodily pain, and other OSH issues like glare. 8 months later, a post screening was conducted to track improvements.

2. Workplace Risk Assessment (n=1,000) conducted by OH specialists over 3 phases: risk identification, evaluation & management. This involved evaluating occupational hazards at depots, interchanges and within bus cabins, assessing actual driving, surveys on ergonomics & fatigue and focus groups with supervisors & staff.

3. Mental Wellbeing Training–90% of supervisors trained to pick up mental wellbeing issues in staff and make suitable referrals.

Results Our person-centric approach was well-received and results were encouraging. ~50% of those with abnormal screening results improved in at least 1 chronic condition by post-screening. Significantly, 1 in 4 improved from abnormal to normal health status in 9 months. After Workplace Risk Assessment, short-term interventions like driving ergonomics training and sunglass issuance have been put in place. Longer-term recommendations for national policies have also been submitted.

Discussion We achieved impact by seeing issues through the bus drivers’ lenses, working around operational schedules and challenging conventions. We were able to scale up quickly to impact all 10 000 bus drivers in Singapore. Going forward, we will strengthen efforts to ensure sustainability.