Posted On: January 05, 2024

Trucking Hazards: Navigating Road Risks

Introduction

Truckers face a high risk of injury and death in their line of work because they spend long durations on the road. While maneuvering large vehicles with heavy loads, especially in areas unfamiliar to them. A lot of the time these truck drivers are on long shifts, mentally fatigued, and physically exhausted. There were 11 percent of worker deaths reported in 2017 across all occupations in the trucking industry and 75 percent of those injured truckers were involved in transportation incidents.

Truckers Safety Hazards

There are several crucial hazards that every truck driver should be aware of to mitigate the risk of potential hazards.

Strains and Sprains:

These injuries occur due to spending long periods on the road and continual physical exertion involved in tasks like loading and unloading, cargo securing, and operating heavy equipment, such conditions can increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Affecting different areas of the body, including the back, shoulders, and limbs.

Fatigue:

Fatigue is a medical terminology that refers to the experiences of low energy levels, and is used to describe a state of tiredness or exhaustion. It can be physical, mental, or a combination of both and is usually caused by several factors, including overexertion, lack of sleep, mental strain, dehydration, chronic illness, and environmental factors.

Transportation Accidents:

Driving big vehicles is not that easy; having large blind spots and challenging maneuverability may increase the risk of accidents, especially when it’s dark, the weather is bad or the roads are icy. These conditions can also lead to traffic collisions.

Slips and Falls:

Slipping and falling happens a lot in transportation jobs. This is a big problem because it can be unsafe. Bad weather like rain or snow makes the surface slippery. Doing tasks like loading and unloading escalates the possibility of injury. Sometimes, the ground may not be even, which also increases the chances of slipping and falling.

Ergonomic Injuries:

Truckers can face ergonomic injuries, which happen because of uncomfortable seats or poor workplace designs that impact their bodies. Engaging in tasks for long periods can result in discomfort or issues in the neck, back, and shoulders.

Preventive Measures:

Strains and Sprains: Truck drivers need to take a bold step toward preventing strains and sprains. Frequently changing positions and stretches can increase your flexibility, and mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Stretches also help truckers in pulling and lifting movements.

Fatigue: To avoid accidents and reduce fatigue, it is advisable that they sleep at least 8 hours, and also take power naps in their scheduled breaks if needed. To maintain energy levels truckers, have to eat healthy food and drink plenty of water.

Transportation Accidents: Plan the trip according to the environmental factors and if you are not familiar with the route, also research before getting on the road to reduce the risk of injury. Besides that, drivers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and must avoid all distractions.

Slips and Falls: When truck drivers are not driving, they are on their feet. Their first step to prevent slips and falls is to wear the right footwear, and if they spot fluid spills, clean them immediately. Since truck drivers frequently climb in and out of the truck cab, it is imperative to be mindful of the technique, as it can increase the chances of twisting an ankle or injuring the back.

Ergonomic Injuries: To keep truck drivers safe from ergonomic injuries, it is important to design truck cabs with comfortable seats and back support. Encourage drivers to take breaks during long trips and provide seats that can be adjusted for their comfort. Also, teach them about good posture and stretches to ease any muscle strain. These steps can make driving safer and more comfortable for truckers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while trucking hazards pose significant challenges, awareness, proactive safety measures, and ongoing training are pivotal in minimizing risks. Embracing technology, following regulations, fostering a safety-driven culture, and prioritizing driver well-being collectively contribute to a safer, more efficient trucking industry. By acknowledging these hazards and implementing robust strategies, we can collectively navigate these challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future on the roads.