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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON JOB-RELATED INJURIES AND ILLNESSES FOR TRUCK DRIVERS?
Strains and sprains associated with lifting and twisting, as well as slips, trips, and falls, are some of the most common injuries for truck drivers. Other common injuries include back, neck, and shoulder pain from sitting for long hours in the same position. In addition, fatigue from long hours of driving can lead to an increased risk of accidents. In addition, some truck drivers may be at risk of developing hearing loss due to the loud noise of the engine.
There is also a chance that the long hours of sitting behind the wheel performing repetitive motions could lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel or tennis elbow. Truck driving is not just a career choice but also a lifestyle that can be quite hard on the body. It is quite common for truckers to drive many miles overnight, making sleep deprivation and disruption to their normal sleep cycle additional examples of occupational hazards. Finally, truck drivers may struggle with mental health issues due to long hours of isolation and lack of social interaction.
WHAT TYPE OF SAFETY MEASURES ARE TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED TO FOLLOW?
In South Carolina, truck drivers are required to adhere to the safety regulations set forth by state and federal agencies. These regulations include a minimum number of hours of rest for truck drivers, limits on the amount of time a driver can be on the road, and mandatory pre-trip vehicle inspections. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers are not allowed to work more than 14 hours without a break and should not drive for more than 11 hours straight. Drivers are required to record their hours in a logbook, which should be updated regularly.
Drivers must observe weight limits, speed limits, and other road safety laws. Finally, drivers must obtain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and pass a physical exam before they are allowed to drive. These regulations ensure the safety of truck drivers and other drivers on the road and protect the general public from potential risks associated with large, heavy vehicles.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES FOR TRUCK DRIVERS?
Unfortunately, due to the sedentary nature of the job, obesity is a common problem among truck drivers. Poor diet and lack of exercise are two of the most significant contributors to health issues for truck drivers. Long hours of sitting in the truck combined with unhealthy eating habits can contribute to obesity and other health conditions. In fact, the CDC reports that 7 out of every ten long-haul truck drivers are obese. Truck drivers are twice as likely to become obese compared to workers in other industries.
Smoking is also a common problem among truck drivers, as it can be a way for them to cope with the stress and fatigue of long hours on the road. Tobacco use increases the risk of health issues such as heart disease and lung cancer. Hypertension or high blood pressure is also a common problem among truck drivers. The CDC estimates that at least 26% of truck drivers suffer from hypertension and thus are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke. The same factors that cause obesity and hypertension (lack of proper diet and exercise) also place truck drivers in a high-risk category for diabetes. People with diabetes have too much sugar (glucose) in their blood, a condition that is dangerous and could lead to kidney failure and even blindness.
It is important to mention that staying healthy is not just important for a trucker’s personal well-being, but it is also a determining factor in keeping their CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). A trucker who becomes too ill to pass the CDL-required physical exam may be at risk of losing their license.
WHAT TYPES OF TRUCKING-RELATED OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AND ILLNESSES ARE COVERED BY WORKER’S COMP IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
In South Carolina, workers’ compensation covers occupational injuries and illnesses related to trucking, such as injuries caused by falling cargo, repetitive motion injuries, and respiratory illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous materials. However, it is important to understand that filing a claim for an occupational disease such as the ones discussed above may not always be easy, as proving that the trucker developed those conditions in the course of employment may pose a challenge.
If you are a truck driver who became injured or developed an occupational disease, you may want to reach out to a worker’s comp lawyer such as the ones at the Eller Frye Law Firm in Greenville, South Carolina. Our attorneys can help you understand your options and assist you with the process of filing a claim. Contact our office at (864) 686-4827.