4 tips to avoid trucker injuries from slips & falls

Post Date - Jun 15, 2022

As professional truck drivers, we all know that there are safety risks driving on the road. But you may not know that truck drivers have more nonfatal injuries than any other industry’s workers, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Slips and falls account for approximately 21% of all workplace injuries. While pretty self-explanatory, these injuries include drivers falling from the work surface (trailer, loading dock, ramp, walk-board), falling from a vehicle (truck cab, forklift, dollies), and slipping/tripping/falling on the work surface (ground outdoors, floor, street, loading dock).

Don’t think these injuries just strike elderly, unlucky or just plain clumsy folks -- even the most youthful and athletic drivers are not exempt from these incidents. One moment’s distraction is all it takes for a trucker to make a mistake when walking around his vehicle or climbing into the cab.

Here are some of Tyson’s top tips for practical ways you can prevent slips and falls.

THREE POINTS OF CONTACT

You’ve heard this before but it’s worth repeating! Use the “3 points of contact” rule when exiting or entering your cab. As you enter or exit the truck, three of your four limbs are securely in contact with the truck. So, if you’ve only got one hand gripping the truck, both of your feet should be making contact with the truck. Conversely, if only one of your feet is making contact, both hands should be firmly gripping the truck.

Also, don’t jump out of your truck – this puts a great amount of stress and pressure on your joints. Before you exit, look for debris, ice or water that might make the steps or ground treacherous. Wear footwear with good traction, especially in the winter months.

DRESS THE PART

Your first step against slips, trips, and falls in trucking involves your shoes or work boots. In most cases, truck drivers ought to wear non-slip work boots with textured treads to maximize traction. While cowboy boots and other footwear might look cool, those have smooth soles and could land you on the ground with an injury. Stick with sturdy shoes or boots with good traction that will keep you on your feet in rainy and icy weather.

TAKE YOUR TIME

It’s important that you make your movements carefully and deliberately. Always check each grip and platform that you are using to be sure that it’s not compromised by water, ice, snow, grease, or anything else. Whatever time of the year it is, analyze your surroundings and be aware of slip, trip, and fall hazards.

LIGHT IT UP

Make sure you have adequate light before moving around or out of your truck. If you can’t see, you can’t actively avoid hazards such as wet floors or obstacles. Keep a flashlight handy and light up your environment when it’s dark.

WORK WHERE THERE’S A FOCUS ON SAFETY

If you’re not driving for a carrier that prioritizes safety, consider joining Tyson’s private fleet. We reward safety with generous bonuses and make sure everyone in our fleet is equipped to operate safely.

With Tyson, you have the power of one of the largest food production companies in the Fortune 500 backing your success. Our private fleet has opportunities for OTR, Regional, Local, Teams, Students and Military CDL-A drivers. If you’re thinking of making a change, take a look at what we offer and connect with Tyson Foods today!