Sure, you probably already know that being a truck driver can be a dangerous at times. Yes, driving long hours puts you at a higher risk of being in a motor vehicle accident. But did you also know that you are at a higher risk for certain types of injuries? And these are injuries that can keep you off the road and limit your ability to make a living as a trucker.
Research Identifies Common Trucker Injuries
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that long-haul truckers experience injuries and illnesses that involve more time away from work at a rate that is more than double of that of other hazardous professions, like construction.
It is normal to expect that truckers could experience injuries from being in an accident or loading and unloading heavy boxes and cargo from their trucks, however, some injuries just occur from:
- Driving and sitting in one position for an extended time
- Continuous bouncing and vibration of your truck seat
- Repetitive motions with body
- Gripping the steering wheel improperly
- Getting in and out of your truck
A recent study conducted by the University of Alabama-Birmingham showed that out of the injuries reported by truck drivers, 26.3 percent were arm injuries and 21.1 percent were back or neck related. The study also found that 60 percent of injuries were sprains, strains and other conditions that affected the body’s musculoskeletal system, including:
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
These Tips Can Help Prevent Injuries
If you work long hours, get little exercise and tend to eat on the run, which means your diet might not always be so great, you are more prone to common trucker injuries. But these tips can help reduce your chance of injury.
- Get plenty of rest before hitting the road
- Try to stay fit, stretch often and exercise at least three times a week
- On your days off try to eat healthy and get exercise
- Take frequent breaks to stretch, get up for a quick walk or take a quick rest
- Avoid overdoing the caffeine because exhaustion will just continue to build until your body crashes
- Wear a supporting back brace or use a mechanical lift when lifting heavy objects
- Remember to bend with your knees and not with your back when lifting
- Avoid repetitive motions, such as reaching overhead or gripping steering wheel too tightly
- Don’t jump down or sling yourself up in and out of your truck
- Prevent falls when exiting or entering your truck by using at least three points of contact
- Keep truck in good working condition to reduce vibrations
By following these steps, you are proactively working to reduce your risk of injuries and helping to ensure that you can keep on trucking for years to come!
