10 Most Common Injuries Truckers Get on the Job

Truck driving is a demanding job with numerous risks. Here are some of the most common injuries encountered by truckers:

1. Traffic Injuries

Truckers face a wide variety of hazards while on the road, such as unsafe car drivers and adverse weather conditions. They must also remain vigilant against fatigue and drowsiness while driving long hours on the highway. When involved in a collision or other traffic accident, it is important to seek prompt medical attention—even if you don’t feel hurt at the time. Some injuries may take days or even weeks to become notably painful.

2. Shoulder Pain

Maintaining the same position while holding the steering wheel day in and day out can lead to shoulder pain. It is also possible to injure your shoulder when performing tasks such as pulling the fifth wheel release.

3. Back Pain

Back injury is one of the most common risks faced by truckers. When seated for long periods of time, poor ergonomics in the cabin can put pressure on discs in the lower back or on the spine. Other causes of back pain include repeated reaching for the gear shifter, lifting heavy cargo with your back, or sleeping in the truck at an odd angle.

4. Neck Pain

Along with shoulder and back pain, it is possible to sustain neck pain as well while seated for long hours. A trucker’s seat also tends to vibrate and bounce, agitating the discomfort further.

5. RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries)

Knee injury is an example of a repetitive strain injury for truckers, due to repeated jumping out of trailers when loading and unloading the truck. Other repeated movements while driving can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.

6. Falling Injuries

When getting in and out of the cabin, truckers have to be cautious to avoid slipping off the step, which can vary in height depending on the truck. The “three points of contact” rule—keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the truck while entering or exiting—can help avoid falling injuries.

7. Crush Injuries

Damage to the back, neck, arms, and shoulders is possible when operating loading dollies and other transport equipment. Truck drivers also have to be wary of stacks of cargo tipping over, and to be careful not to accidentally shut the trailer door on their fingers.

8. Work Site Injuries

Since truckers have to work at a variety of warehouses, docks, terminals, and truck stops, each place has the potential to have its own unique safety hazards. Wet surfaces, uneven walkways, poor lighting, and moving equipment can all pose dangers.

9. Overexertion

Strains, sprains, and worse injuries can occur when lifting heavy objects the wrong way. While bringing in and taking out cargo, securing loads, and performing maintenance tasks, truckers are at risk of overexertion injuries.

10. Long-Term Lifestyle Impairment

Jobs that consist of sitting for long stretches of time can increase one’s risk of diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. The fact that the work of truck drivers consists of many hours of sitting followed by bursts of strenuous activity (reaching, bending, lifting, and stacking—at times under the pressure of a tight schedule) can lead to unexpected injuries in the long run.

By taking measures to address these common trucking injuries, employers and drivers can cooperate in creating a safer working environment. But when the worst does happen, Rose Legal can see to it that truckers injured on the job will receive the benefits they are entitled to by law.