Driving a commercial truck is arguably one of the best blue-collar jobs available. Professionals can largely set their own schedules and choose what kind of routes they want to drive, from hyperlocal routes for businesses that require direct delivery services to cross-country deliveries completed once or twice a week.
The one risk that everybody acknowledges in re: commercial driving is the possibility of a crash. Statistically, truck drivers are less likely than people in smaller vehicles to get hurt in such collisions, but the risk is still there. Additionally, there are also numerous other ways that truck drivers might end up hurt on the job.
1. Overexertion while loading and unloading
All too often, commercial drivers don’t just operate a vehicle. They also have to help load the trailer or unload it when they reach a client’s location. Lifting could lead to injuries that affect numerous parts of the body, including the arms, legs and back. Overexertion injuries may require a leave of absence while someone allows their body to heal.
2. Repetitive strain in the back, arms or legs
Needing to grip a steering wheel for 10 hours straight can injure someone’s hands and forearms. Frequently loading and unloading can cause injury to legs and backs. The more frequently someone has to grip, list and twist on the job, the more likely they are to develop a repetitive strain injury that could leave them unable to continue performing the same job responsibilities.
3. Struck-by injuries
There are many ways that a truck driver could end up hurt in a struck-by incident while on the clock. They could get hit by a forklift or a falling crate while in a warehouse. They could suffer similar injuries caused by shifting trailer contents. Both machinery and merchandise could lead to a worker getting struck by another object and potentially seriously injured.
With the exception of contractors and owner-operators, most truck drivers will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after they get hurt on the job or get diagnosed with a condition related to their work responsibilities. Learning more about job hazards and workers’ compensation protection can benefit those in high-risk professions, including truck operators.