Truckers and Workplace Injuries

Truckers and Workplace Injuries

Discussions about truck driver safety often focus on the risk of motor vehicle accidents, or the hazards associated with obesity and lack of exercise. However, studies have shown that these are not the only dangers truckers face. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, accidents related to loading, unloading, and transporting cargo are also common causes of trucker injuries.

Workplace accidents are a common cause of lost revenue for freight hauling companies. Another common problem is late payments from clients. If you would like more information about freight factoring and how it can help your business, call TBS Factoring Services, LLC at 1-800-207-7661.

Preventing Common Injuries

Warehouses and loading docks can be very dangerous places if their employees are not fully committed to safety. Some basic safety measures that can reduce the chances of serious injuries include:

  • Ensure that all workers know and follow correct lifting and carrying techniques. According to OSHA, overexertion (stretching the body’s muscles too much) is a leading cause of painful injuries for people in the freight industry. Lifting and carrying heavy objects can gradually damage the spine, knees, and joints of the body, especially if people try to lift objects that are too heavy for them or fail to take regular breaks to stretch.
  • Keep the worksite as clutter-free as possible. Tripping over debris on the floor, or slipping on spilled liquids, can cause head injuries, spinal damage, and bone fractures. People can also be hurt by objects falling from shelves or moving objects such as cranes. Incidents like these are far less likely to occur in a neatly maintained workspace.
  • Make sure all machinery is safely maintained and regularly inspected. All-too-common violations of OSHA standards include lack of guardrails, exposed electrical wiring, malfunctioning machinery, and insufficient safety equipment. Failure to comply with legal regulations can have financial and legal ramifications in addition to health risks.

Accidents in the freight industry can cause lasting pain, disability, and even fatalities. Safety should always be a top priority when working with large machines and heavy cargo.

Contact a Trucking Factor

TBS Factoring Services, LLC can help your freight hauling business remain solvent by purchases your invoices. To learn more, contact our freight factoring agents at 1-800-207-7661.