Safety publications spend most of their time and space on issues connected with driving safely. What is not covered as often is working safely around and on the truck to prevent injuries.
As a professional driver, when you are injured you are not at your best, physically or mentally. Many drivers will try to “tough it out” when they are injured for a variety of reasons. It is admirable to believe that not reporting an injury will help the company, but in reality it is not a good idea.
First of all, if you continue working while injured, as noted above, you will not be at full strength and could injure yourself more severely OR make a mistake in your driving and be involved in a traffic crash hurting other people.
An injury that is not reported can get worse if not treated. Later when you are in so much pain you can’t continue to “tough it out” and have to report it, the actual injury date and circumstances will be revealed. This could be considered a late report by your company, even though you thought you were saving the company money. The insurance company monitors records for late reports and will question policies and procedures regarding injuries and claims. Working and driving while injured, even if you think it is minor, can aggravate the injury making getting you back to full health and strength an even more painful and time consuming process. Report all injuries as directed by your motor carrier.
Since this is coming to you during winter weather, let’s take a look at some tips to keep you focused on not being injured:

- Slip-Trip-Fall: Non-driving work around a truck, especially in winter conditions, requires focus and preparation. Specialized equipment such as flatbeds or lift gates require attention to detail to be sure you are not injured. Use the 3-point contact getting in and out of the cab or on and off the trailer. Walk gingerly, testing each step. In extremely slick walking conditions it is helpful to “walk like a penguin” shuffling your feet forward without really picking them up. Use hand rails and keep your hands free to do so or keep your balance. If a part or connection you are trying to move or open is cold and won’t move, don’t force it. The metal or the part will most certainly be sturdier than the body part you are using and an injury will result.

- Winter and cold weather exposure: An article came across one of the major news wires stating that we now have snow in 49 of the 50 states, so most everyone who reads this will be dealing with winter conditions as you deliver your customers’ freight and get home safely. Dress for the weather. Don’t get out of the cab with a light coat or no coat. You will get cold quickly and the cold will cause you to not think clearly and create the potential for an injury. Many drivers think getting chilled will cause you to get a cold. Studies have proven that the chill does not give you the cold but weakens your body’s defense system so when you are exposed to someone who has a cold, your body is not able to fight it off.

- Prepare for the work: Think about what you need to accomplish and put on the correct protective clothing to get it done safely. You will be more comfortable and able to focus and most likely avoid being injured, which is what we want, to get you back from your trip in the same shape as you left. Stretch and get your muscles ready for work before you exit the warm cab out into the elements.

I have used the saying, “It hurts to be hurt” as I discussed injury prevention with professional drivers. I know it is a silly saying, but it is a easy way to remind ourselves that being injured is not good for us, our families or the motor carrier we drive for. Take care, stay focused and come home injury free!

Information provided is advisory in nature.

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