Common Occupational Accidents for Truck Drivers

Trucking is a hazardous job. Long-haul truck drivers are 12 times more likely to die on the job and 3 times more likely to have a work-related injury that requires time off than the general work population.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that there are roughly 17 deaths and 7 non-fatal workplace injuries per 100,000 workers in the transportation, warehousing and utilities sectors.

If you are truck driver, an injury can end your career and leave you dealing with medical bills and financial uncertainty. So, occupational accident insurance can help you a lot. But let’s see what occupational accidents truckers face more often.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)

A Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) truck driver injury is when non-impact overexertion or bodily reaction affects nerves, tendons, muscles, or supporting body structure that happens over time.

These issues can be caused by loading or unloading the truck or lifting boxes, cartons, containers, tanks or bins. They can also occur when using vehicle dollies or loaders and working on vehicle tires.

Falls from elevations

Most of these injuries occur after falling from the truck to the ground. A much smaller part involves falling to a lower level, falling on stairs, and falling into openings. The most common injuries are back, and knee sprains as a result of falling from the truck.

Falls on the same level

One in 170 truck drivers will suffer injury and lose work days because of a fall on the same level. This represents about 9% of the total missed work days. These injuries can happen when lifting the latch on the back of the truck, putting on tire chains or unloading the truck. Back and knee sprains are the most common injuries caused by falls on the same level.

Struck by or Against Injuries

Truck drivers can be struck by or against objects when lifting hitched trailers, opening containers and attaching trailers to trucks. The objects that a trucker may hit or be hit by include vehicle parts, lift-gates, winch bars, pallet jacks, boxes or cartons or binders and chains. The most common injuries caused by being hit or struck by objects are back sprains and strains that happen when boxes or cartons fall on the driver.

Vehicle-related injuries

Truck accidents can result from any number of causes including driver error, mechanical failure, or improper loading. More than 50% of all truck driver fatalities are caused by vehicle-related injuries. Truck drivers may be hurt when they lose control of the vehicle or when they collide with another car.

Truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Truckers should be very careful on the job and take precautions. There are a lot of safety procedures and measures to prevent occupational accidents, but no matter how careful you are there’s still a risk.

Occupational Accident Insurance can help you a lot if you get injured in a work related accident. We can offer you great rates and fast free quote. Check them out now and contact us if you need more info.