Workplace Safety for Truck Drivers

A long-haul trucker, working 60 hours a week, can log in over 107,000 miles in a year. In 2019, 4,479 fatal crashes involving large trucks were reported, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Trucking safety is an important matter for every truck driver, their passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. Truck crashes aren’t the only hazards they face, although they’re the most preventable.

Top Trucking Safety Issues

Drivers, fleet owners, and employers must be aware of the hazards and laws so that workplace safety can be improved. For truckers, the workplace is on the road. But truck drivers may sometimes be present at loading docks and other facilities. Awareness of these safety factors can help avoid accidents, time off work, and requiring a personal injury attorney.

  • Not Wearing Seat Belts: Seat restraints help prevent serious injuries and even death should a crash occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14% of drivers admit to not wearing a seatbelt (sometimes or all the time). 
  • Driving in Unsafe Conditions: Far too many truck drivers continue driving when tired or fatigued, while many work in bad weather or heavy traffic when the accident risk is higher. Based on CDC stats, 24% of drivers go on when fatigued, and 47% drive in unsafe conditions.
  • Unrealistic Deadlines: This increases the likelihood of speeding, experiencing fatigue, driving in bad weather or through heavy traffic, and violating driving-hour regulations. The CDC found that 73% of drivers believed their delivery deadlines were unrealistic.
  • Crashes: Given the size and weight of a truck, the chances of a crash and experiencing an injury are higher compared to smaller vehicles. 35% of drivers reported experiencing at least one crash during their career, according to the CDC.
  • Improper Training: Drivers early in their careers are at risk if they have not received adequate training. A comprehensive training program educates drivers on safety, correct operation of trucks, and how to respond to different situations. 38% of entry-level drivers reported having inadequate job training.

Common Injuries and Illnesses Among Truckers

Strains and sprains are the most common injuries that truckers face. Repetitive strain is a possibility when sitting for many hours on end, especially with the movement and vibration that can occur on uneven roads. Bruises, cuts and lacerations, soreness, pain, and fractures occur as well, while multiple traumatic injuries can have life-changing consequences.

Other Workplace Dangers

A truck accident isn’t the only danger a trucker faces. Since truck drivers work so many hours and must handle a variety of tasks, overexertion is a possibility, whether from driving long hours or doing the heavy lifting during loading and unloading. Contact with sharp or heavy objects, being struck by an object, slipping and falling at level, or falling from a height are other potential causes of injury or death.

There are also numerous violations that can put truck drivers at risk. Some of these include a lack of guardrails on loading docks and platforms, lack of personal protective equipment, and improper grounding of electrical equipment. Fork lifts are often operated at trucking facilities and can be dangerous if improperly driven or maintained. Some other issues cited by regulatory agencies include a lack of showers and eye washes as well as improper guarding of grinding machinery. These are all issues that drivers, employers, and facility operators should be aware of and take measures to mitigate.

How to Promote Workplace Safety for Truckers

Trucking safety can be improved at many levels, including:

  • Truck Drivers: Must always wear seat belts, ensure passengers buckle up, and follow all regulations that restrict cell phone use or texting. It’s also essential to avoid drowsy and distracted driving.
  • Employers: Should establish safety policies and education programs for drivers, and work alongside shippers, receivers, and dispatchers to manage delivery schedules.
  • State Officials: Enforce seat belt laws so police officers can pull over and ticket a driver/passenger for not wearing one. Officials can also work with employers to educate drivers on seat belt use and incorporate safe driving techniques in driver education manuals and classes.
  • Federal Government: Draft new seat belt laws, limit the number of hours a driver can work in a day, and require rest breaks for drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Administration also administers the Compliance, Safety, Accountability program, in which safety data for individual companies can be accessed online (can be searched at https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/).
  • Law Enforcement: Should enforce laws promoting driver safety and coordinate enforcement with state motor carrier safety inspectors regarding seat belt/cell phone use, weight limits, cargo securement, maximum driving hours, etc.

Workplace Safety and Truck Accident Lawsuits

Whether a driver’s actions, operator’s error, or employer’s or manufacturer’s negligence contributed to an accident that caused your injuries has a big impact on your personal injury case. A party can be liable for violating safety guidelines and regulations. Let us evaluate your truck accident case to determine the facts and get you maximum compensation. We’ve awarded millions of dollars in damages over the years. To get started, schedule your free consultation with The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani by calling 888-952-2952 today.

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