Truck driving can be a viable career for blue-collar workers. Truck drivers do not need to spend multiple years working their way up through practical experience as is expected of electricians or HVAC professionals.
In many cases, truck drivers simply need to complete a course and pass a test. Once they secure a commercial driver’s license (CDL), they can then look for employment. Truck drivers earn competitive wages and often receive excellent benefits as well. Unfortunately, that pay is competitive because the job is somewhat risky. There are many potential hazards that truck drivers face at work. The following are the most pressing medical concerns that truck drivers tend to suffer as a result of their employment.
Overexertion injuries
According to industry injury statistics, approximately half of all truck driver injuries involved sprains or strains. They overexert themselves while loading a truck or delivering a trailer. The driver may then be unable to continue working until their symptoms improve. The more physical labor that employers require from truck drivers, the greater their chances of injuring themselves through overexertion on the job.
Fractures
Collisions are a source of injury risk for truck drivers, and broken bones are a common injury in a crash scenario. Truck drivers sometimes also sustain fractures when there are incidents involved in loading or unloading a trailer. Fractures can theoretically force a truck driver to take weeks away from their job until the bone heals and they can continue performing all of the necessary job functions.
Repetitive strain injuries
Ongoing pain is one of the top injuries reported among truck drivers. They may develop pain in their hands and forearms from needing to grip a steering wheel all day. Pain in the lower back or hips from sitting all day is also relatively common. Back injuries from lifting and twisting repeatedly are also possible.
Many truck drivers are employees of transportation companies. They may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they sustain injuries while on the job. They can also qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after a healthcare professional diagnoses them with a repetitive strain injury or other medical issue caused by their employment.
Learning about job hazards can help truck drivers minimize their injury risk and recognize when they may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Those expecting a complicated claim might need help as they pursue workers’ compensation benefits, and that’s okay.