What Drivers Can Do to Prevent Injuries
Injuries to log truck drivers affect not only drivers and their families, but also their employer. Continue reading to learn about a few of the most common ways drivers are injured and how to prevent these injuries from occurring.
Motor Vehicle Incidents
Log truck drivers get exposed to many types of risks, including motor-vehicle incidents such as rear-ending other vehicles or rollovers. One of the best ways to prevent log truck incidents is to ensure all drivers are trained and licensed for log truck operations. Drivers should:
- Keep log trucks maintained and inspected
- Be aware of potential hazards of hauling logs
- Maintain a safe speed
- Watch their surroundings and look for potential obstacles
- Always wear a seat belt
- Avoid distracted driving
Climbing In and Out of Truck Cabs
Slips and falls are often to blame for injuries to log truck drivers while climbing in and out of truck cabs. Drivers should always use the "3-Points of Contact" method while climbing in order to protect themselves from being injured due to slips and falls. This method requires two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet, to remain in contact with the ground, handholds, or foot cleats at all times. Wet, muddy boots may cause a driver to slip, and maintaining “3-Points of Contact” usually prevents a fall. Additionally, ensure that your handholds and foot cleats are in good condition before attempting to climb. Finally, pay special attention to the ground surface when climbing down. Stepping on an uneven surface like a rock or root can cause an injury or cause you to fall.
Securing a Loaded Trailer
Log truck drivers are at risk of serious injuries when securing loaded trailers, including rotator cuff damage caused by tossing the straps overhand. We recommend using the underhand toss or sidearm flip methods instead, as these techniques reduce the risk of injury and costly medical procedures. Not only is surgery expensive, but it also requires the driver to miss days of work, which can be a burden on both the driver and their family.
Ask your BITCO Risk Control Consultant for more information on techniques and safety practices. Click the "Find an Agent" button to locate a BITCO agent near you.
For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.
