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SYDNEY - Almost 40 per cent of train drivers are obese, and heart health risks are the biggest threat to their fitness on the job, a review of medical checks has revealed.
Stringent tests implemented after the Waterfall train crash have turned up higher than average rates of obesity, hypertension and smoking among drivers. In the first year, 12 per cent of almost 750 NSW train drivers were judged unfit to work, mainly due to heart disease, diabetes and sleep apnoea.
Obesity was a problem for 39.7 per cent compared to 20 per cent of the general male population. 41 per cent were overweight. 19 per cent were in a healthy weight range.
AAP
