Trucking Risk Advisor: Preventing Common Trucker Injuries
Transportation is among the top industries for lost-time claims and fatalities, according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada. Fortunately, most trucker injuries are preventable with the proper precautions.
What Causes Trucker Injuries?
Truckers typically experience long hours of driving with very little exercise. These factors make truck drivers prone to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)—sprains and strains to muscles, tendons and nerves. While MSDs often seem minor at first, they can persist and worsen over time to the point of drivers being unable to work.
Injuries to truckers are typically a result of the following factors:
- Tiredness and overexertion
- Getting hit by an object
- Falling
- Vehicle collision
- Repetitive movements
- Lifting heavy cargo
- Maintaining an awkward posture
Prevent Common Trucker Injuries
Prevent injury by educating truckers on the most prominent risks and providing the tools necessary to alleviate them. This includes:
- Adjusting schedules to allow for periods of rest
- Encouraging taking occasional breaks to stretch
- Ensuring drivers understand proper lifting techniques, safe driving techniques and are aware of weight limits
- Educating drivers on the dangers of distracted driving
- Developing and enforcing driver safety programs