Driving a truck may be an effective way to earn money for yourself and your family. However, there are many hazards that you may experience while making deliveries to customers throughout Minnesota. These hazards may include irregular working hours, sitting for hours at a time and the stress that many people feel while stuck in traffic.
How an irregular schedule impacts your health
People typically like to wake up in the morning, work during the day and go to bed after it gets dark outside. However, as a truck driver, you may be responsible for working late into the evening or overnight. This can be dangerous because you’re more likely to experience symptoms of fatigue even if you get plenty of rest before your shift. In addition, you may rely on sugary snacks, soft drinks or energy drinks to help you stay alert. Over time, these products could cause obesity, diabetes or other physical ailments.
How sitting can impact your health
Research suggests that sitting is almost as bad for you as smoking several packs of cigarettes per day. As a driver, you’ll likely be on the road for your full allotment of 11 hours each day. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to walk, jog or otherwise stay active during your breaks. Sitting can also lead to a sore back, a pinched nerve or chronic leg pain. If you develop any of these injuries, it may be possible to request workers’ compensation benefits.
Time is money
Drivers generally don’t get paid to sit in traffic. Therefore, it can be frustrating to be stuck on a highway when traffic is moving slower than you’d like it to. However, it’s important to manage your stress as high blood pressure can increase your risk of a stroke.
If you are hurt while performing tasks for your employer, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages. An attorney may be able to help you learn more about your rights or assist in the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
