Driving semi-trucks or 18-wheelers can be an excellent blue-collar career. People with relatively clear driving records and the right training can transport goods and raw materials over land for competitive wages.
Those operating semi-trucks can get hurt on the job just like any other professional might. When they end up injured, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Those benefits can help replace their lost wages and cover the cost of their medical treatment.
People often think of truck driving as a relatively safe profession, but there are many hazards truck drivers may encounter on the job. What are the top injuries reported by semi-truck drivers?
1. Sprains and strains
According to federal workplace injury statistics, injuries related to overexertion are the leading cause of lost-time incidents involving semi-truck drivers. Sprains and strains account for roughly half of all lost-time incidents involving commercial truck drivers. They may hurt themselves by responding aggressively to unsafe traffic conditions or while loading and unloading their vehicles.
2. Fractures and other crash injuries
Collisions are another common reason why truck drivers might get hurt at work. While they are less likely than those in passenger vehicles to suffer fatal injuries, they could easily break bones or develop other injuries from a crash that force them to take a leave of absence to recover.
Truck drivers involved in collisions may need to take eight weeks or more away from work to heal. They may need workers’ compensation to replace their lost wages and to pay for their medical treatment.
3. Pain from repetitive strain injuries
Truck drivers spend all day in a small space. They have to maintain constant control of a vehicle, which can put strain on their arms, hands, shoulders, feet and knees.
They may even develop injuries to the lumbar spine from remaining seated for so long while working. Repetitive strain injuries often require time off for the worker to recover and could sometimes force truck drivers to change professions or move into a lower-paid local transportation job.
Drivers who are aware of their job risks may find it easier to assert themselves if they get hurt at work. Filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits can help truck drivers recoup their lost income and pay for their medical care.
