Avoiding Truck Driver Work Injuries

As one would imagine, the more time spent on the road, the higher the odds of being involved in a traffic accident. The trucking industry is an important one in our country, and truck drivers play a key role in it. But there are certain hazards that come with this job that can put the health and safety of drivers at risk.

Collisions and other issues with the job of a truck driver can leave drivers with a host of different injuries that may have long-lasting and even lifelong effects. Some of these may include:

Common Physical Injuries as a Truck Driver

• Broken bones – These can take weeks or even months to fully heal, and in some situations may require surgery.
• Back injuries – Injuries to the back can lead to long-term chronic pain or even paralysis.
• Concussions – These can have serious consequences and can lead to cognitive issues, vision problems, light and noise sensitivity, dizziness, and memory loss, to name a few.
• Shoulder injuries – These can include rotator cuff tears, either from an accident or from loading and unloading the truck.
• Strains and sprains – These are the most common issues resulting from loading and unloading the truck.

Psychological Injuries

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – People who have experienced a traumatic situation can feel the effects long after the incident occurred. Anyone who has been involved in a major accident or witnessed a fatality from a motor vehicle accident can develop PTSD, which can completely debilitate a person and can even cause suicidal tendencies.

But is there a way to avoid such situations from occurring in the first place? In some cases, there may be. Consider the following precautions.

Take Breaks to Rest

Truck drivers are often on the road for hours, frequently driving through the night. But while they might be on a tight schedule to get their haul to its final destination, nothing should come before the health and safety of the driver and those around them.

Driving while overly tired or falling asleep at the wheel can compromise a driver’s ability to drive safely. If you’re starting to feel tired, be sure to pull over and take a break to rest up and re-energize before taking to the open road again.

Stretch

Overuse injuries can often be made worse if the driver is not physically conditioned for the job. Soft tissue injuries and sore muscles can result if the proper time isn’t taken to stretch the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As such, take a few minutes each day to stretch before, during, and after your drives.

Exercise

On days off, consider getting into a regular exercise regimen to strengthen and condition your muscles so they’re less prone to injury. A stronger body will be better able to handle the heavy lifting typically required of a truck driver and may help reduce the risk of injury.

Use Proper Form

When lifting heavy items, be sure to use the muscles in your legs rather than your back. Keep your upper body upright and bend at the knees to let your leg muscles do the heavy lifting. Avoid forcing your muscles to get the job done, as this will only increase the odds of injury. And if something is too heavy to lift on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Use a Brace

When lifting heavy objects, consider using a back brace to support your muscles and avoid injury. In addition, use a mechanical lift to take some of the load off your back.

Ensure a Clear Loading Area

To prevent unnecessary slips and falls, make sure the loading area you’re working in is free and clear of any debris or slippery substances that could pose a hazard.

Final Thoughts

There are things you can do to avoid injury while on the job as a truck driver, but many situations are out of your control. If you find yourself suffering from concussions, back injuries, shoulder injuries, or PTSD, you should reach out for help to seek compensation for any damages suffered. At Robinson Law LLC, Paula focuses on workers’ compensation law and can help you get the benefits you deserve.