Job content, psychological well-being, burnout and fatigue driving among heavy goods vehicle drivers in Ghana

Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers in Ghana face occupational challenges due to long hours, poor road conditions, and limited support, contributing to fatigue driving and increased accident risks. This study examines the association psychosocial work factors, psychological well-being, and burnout have with fatigue driving among HGV drivers in Ghana, aiming to bridge knowledge gap and inform policies prioritising driver safety and health. A cross-sectional survey of 1575 HGV drivers (910 truck and 665 tanker drivers) was conducted in Tema, Ghana. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyse the predictive influence of psychosocial work factors, psychological well-being, and burnout on fatigue driving. Group comparisons were done using independent t-tests. Data analysis was conducted using Jamovi 2.5.3 software. Regression analysis identified psychosocial safety climate (PSC) as a significant predictor of fatigue driving (β = − 0.1498, p <0 .001), suggesting a protective role. Other significant predictors included job insecurity (β = 0.0809, p < 0.001), psychological demands (β = 0.0663, p < 0.001), burnout (β = 0.0927, p < 0.001), and psychological well-being (β = − 0.0575, p <0 .001). Comparatively, truck drivers reported higher job demands such as psychological demands, fatigue, and work-family conflict, whereas tanker drivers reported greater levels of job resources such as PSC, decision autonomy, skill discretion, and social support. The data suggest that improving PSC, well-being, and reducing burnout are essential for addressing fatigue driving in Ghana’s HGV sector. Policies that enhance PSC, job security, support systems, and manageable demands can improve drivers’ safety and well-being.