As a commercial truck driver, you do hard and praiseworthy work transporting goods people often take for granted. During your course of work, you may also sustain an injury.
Some injuries you sustain may put you out of work and leave you with hefty medical bills. If you sustain an occupational injury, you may be able to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. Here are some common ways you can get hurt as a truck driver.
Musculoskeletal injuries
The nature of your work makes you susceptible to back pain, tendonitis, strains, sprains carpal tunnel syndrome and neck pain. Sitting for long hours, constant vibration, poor posture and loading heavy items can all lead to damage to your ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves and joints.
You can prevent these injuries by using a back brace, asking for assistance, icing the inflamed area and taking regular rest breaks. Stretching and exercising can also help you avoid musculoskeletal complications.
Motor vehicle accidents
Of course, you are at a high risk of getting into a motor vehicle collision. Even the safest truck drivers can end up in accidents. You can never predict how erratic, dangerous or distracted other drivers will be. The best ways for you to avoid a collision include getting sufficient rest, driving defensively and maintaining your truck.
Falls
According to Safety+Health, 38.9% of truck driver injuries happen because of fall accidents. You may fall in a loading area due to slippery floors, poor lighting or clutter in the walking area. It is also possible for you to fall out of your vehicle. You can reduce your chances of falling by wearing non-slip shoes and being vigilant about your surroundings.
Out of the truck drivers who get hurt, about 53% require time off from work. If something like this ever happens to you, determine if you are eligible for workers’ compensation payments. You should not need to pay for a work injury out of your own pocket.
