Driving a semi-truck or similar large vehicle professionally can be lucrative. People can earn competitive wages and secure excellent benefits with little more than a high school diploma and specialized training.
The demand for transportation professionals remains consistently high. Companies of all types rely on semi-trucks to transport goods and materials across the United States. Truckers haul milk and petroleum products. They bring trailers full of fresh produce across the country to other regions.
Unfortunately, the benefits and pay are a reflection of the risk involved in working as a commercial driver. There are many serious job hazards for those who operate 18-wheelers, with the three below being among the most common.
1. Motor vehicle collisions
Typically, crashes between commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles are more dangerous for people in the smaller vehicles. However, truck drivers can also sustain significant injuries in a collision while on the clock.
They can break bones, suffer brain injuries or develop whiplash. In some cases, they might develop post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing the aftermath of a particularly severe collision. Crashes are a leading source of injury and death on the job even though large vehicles offer more protection than smaller ones.
2. Injuries from loading and unloading
There are many ways for truck drivers to hurt themselves when loading and unloading trailers. They could end up struck by a forklift or another piece of equipment. They could throw out their backs carrying heavy items or repositioning them in the trailer.
Even if drivers simply need to detach the trailer and pick up a new one, they could injure themselves during that process as well. The more active work a trucker must do during the loading and unloading process, the greater their chances of sustaining significant injuries.
3. Repetitive strain injuries
Frequently lifting and twisting while loading can cause repetitive strain injuries instead of traumatic injuries. Truck drivers may slowly develop painful symptoms and functional limitations from constantly pushing their bodies.
Even the act of driving could potentially cause repetitive strain injuries. Truck drivers can develop carpal tunnel syndrome and similar injuries from gripping a steering wheel all day.
Provided that a truck driver is an employee, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Connecting recent injuries with job responsibilities can help truck drivers obtain workers’ compensation benefits. They may be eligible for wage replacement and medical benefits until they recover.