Trucking is notoriously known to be a hazardous profession, apart from accidents that occur on the roads, trips, slips, and falls account for a large number of injuries on the job. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of non-fatal injuries to truck drivers are not a result of transportation incidents.
Although accidents do happen, many of these incidents can be prevented by minimizing the risk of falling. Investing in truck drivers and providing proper training, fitting vehicles with proper equipment, and maintaining trucks, can go a long way to provide a safe work environment, prevent unnecessary accidents and reduce injury claims.
Tips to Prevent Slipping, Tripping, and Falling On the Job
Prevention is better than cure with these injury prevention suggestions. Keep reading for a list of handy tips to keep truckers on their feet, and stop injuries occurring as a result of a fall.
Invest in Proper Footwear
More often than not, when truck drivers are not driving, they are on their feet. Whether they are spending long nights driving between locations, climbing in and out of a trucking rig, or walking around shipping yards, come rain or snow, truckers rely on their feet to get the job done.
As a result, it is crucial to invest in proper footwear. Flip-flops or cowboy boots simply will not do. Invest in a pair of ANSI-certified steel-toed safety boots, trust me, your feet will thank you.
Evaluate and Maintain Trucks and Safety Equipment
Steps and handholds are only able to prevent accidents if they are properly maintained. Perform regular checks to ensure that steps and handrails are not damaged or missing. If there are any defects, be sure to report these, and check that they are fixed timeously.
Provide Proper Training
In addition to servicing trucks and maintenance equipment, it is absolutely critical for drivers to be trained properly. It can be extremely dangerous to use safety equipment incorrectly, in fact, it might not provide any protection at all or cause an injury.
Provide truckers with training on how to use their equipment and tools, and ensure that they are able to use them in the correct manner.
Avoid Jumping
As enticing as it may seem to disembark from the cab of a truck by jumping, do not do it. Jumping from even a short distance can place quite a bit of pressure on your lower back and joints, both of which are responsible for absorbing the impact upon landing. In addition to straining your body, you can easily fall and injure yourself if you don’t land in the right way.
Maintain Three Points of Contact
The safest way to prevent injury when exiting a truck is to climb out using three points of contact. This means that either two feet and one hand, or one foot and two hands must remain in contact with the truck. To effectively implement this technique, it is best to free both hands.
So, tuck away those tools or cellphone. This provides stability and reduces the likelihood of injury due to a fall.
Go Slow on Slippery Surfaces
Not only does ice, snow and rain covered roads present a challenge for truckers on the road, but it also makes it easier for shoes to lose their grip.
Inclement weather conditions and a lack of awareness of conditions whilst running, walking or climbing in and out of vehicles can be the perfect combination for disaster. Apart from wearing safety shoes with proper grip, it is crucial to pay attention to your surroundings to prevent yourself from landing on the floor.
Stay Safe with Paradiso Insurance
It is clear that the risk of injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls can be reduced with a few simple changes. In addition to the tips mentioned, it is wise to be prepared in the event that an accident does happen.
Providing an appropriate insurance package from Paradiso Insurance will further safeguard drivers and get them back on their feet when an injury does occur.
