Truck drivers in Ohio and elsewhere risk their lives hauling cargo across the country every day. The dangers they face are not limited to road accidents. The time they spend sitting in the driver’s seat takes a toll on their bodies, and their tasks during loading, unloading and connecting or disconnecting trailers pose additional safety risks. Understandably, trucker-related incidents make up a significant percentage of workers’ compensation claims.
Some of the injuries cited include:
- 35% — Bodily reaction and overexertion
- 30% — Falls caused by slips and trips
- 17% — Struck-by or crushed-by injuries
- 14% — Road accident-related injuries
Big rig drivers have no control over the negligence of other truck operators and extreme weather conditions. However, most of the injuries are preventable, and drivers of large trucks can take the following precautions while they are outside the cab:
- Do not neglect health and physical shape.
- The long hours in a driver’s seat and lack of physical activities cause injury risks when drivers load or unload cargo.
- Do some stretching to warm up the muscles before lifting, pulling or pushing heavy objects.
- Do not hesitate to ask for help to lift awkwardly shaped, large or heavy materials.
- Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, and look out for wet, slippery or debris-covered loading docks.
- Take the same care when working in the trailer, and steel-tipped safety boots can prevent foot injuries caused by dropped objects.
- Avoid parking the truck in areas close to other traffic, and wear a reflective vest outside the truck to improve visibility.
- Wear safety gloves to prevent hand injuries caused by pinch points.
Despite taking precautions, work-related injuries continue to occur. Injured truck drivers in Ohio might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages.