Trucking is a rewarding job, but it’s also a dangerous one. It’s not uncommon to see accidents on the road caused by normal drivers. These are often smaller cars that are only driven a short distance, often on familiar roads. It probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but driving a heavy, unwieldy truck across the country causes the likelihood of an accident to skyrocket. That doesn’t mean you should let your fear of danger stop you from becoming a trucker, however. Instead, take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the most common on-the-job trucking hazards and how to avoid them. This way, you can drive feeling confident and prepared. Here are the most common hazards in the trucking industry.
Driving Injuries
The main reason why trucking is considered one of the deadliest occupations in the United States is because of the high rate of car accidents. It’s harder for truckers to get their vehicle off the road in a timely manner and when needed. A weighty truck won’t maneuver as well as a smaller vehicle, and truckers are often required to continue hauling throughout the night in harsh, often dangerous weather conditions.
Trucks are heavy enough on their own, but it isn’t uncommon for vehicles to be intentionally or unintentionally overloaded. One of the many dangers of an overweight truck is that it’s harder to control. This can greatly contribute to the likelihood of an accident.
What about accidents that are caused by something else, such as another driver or slippery roads? You can’t control what other people do on the road, but there are some precautions that you can take to keep yourself safe. Always follow the law, and make sure to stop if you’re feeling drowsy or if the weather conditions are hazardous.
Equipment-Related Injuries
Another one of the most common hazards in the trucking industry is equipment-related injuries. You’ll spend a lot of time maintaining your truck and lifting hefty equipment and goods. If you do any of this incorrectly, you can injure yourself or get trapped between the truck and trailer when uncoupling or decoupling. The best way to avoid injury is to learn how to lift these products correctly. Always use cargo-moving equipment to handle heavier loads, for one. You should also make sure to take your time performing maintenance on your truck. Rushing a tire change, for example, can increase your risk of injury while you’re performing the task. It can also lead to the task being completed incorrectly, which can result in an accident later down the line.
Ergonomic Injuries
It might seem nice to sit in a nice, comfy chair all day long, but doing so for too long can start to get uncomfortable. Sitting in the front seat of your truck is, understandably, a lot worse. Aside from the discomfort, sitting too much can permanently injure your back. The vibrations that occur while driving can contribute to sore, aching joints. To minimize ergonomic injuries while on the job, you should consider giving your truck a much-needed upgrade. Get an ergonomic seat, fix any problems that contribute to vibrations, and keep a high-quality pair of UV-blocking sunglasses in the cab for sunny afternoons.
