Being a flatbed truck driver can be extremely dangerous at times. The job will expose you to a high risk level of getting injured, but the majority of mishaps can be avoided. In the past, trucking companies created a laundry list of safety reminders. These were often never enforced, which caused many truckers to become hurt and miss work.

If you have just started out driving a flatbed truck, it is natural to be nervous about the safety of yourself, other drivers, and your cargo. This means you’re taking your job seriously. Your goal should be to learn as much as possible and always get your cargo loaded and unloaded safely. To help you accomplish these goals, here are some basic safety tips you should know.

According to a report from the Trucking Safety Council of BC, falls from stationary vehicles account for about 46 percent of all falls experienced by truck drivers. This means that falling from a non-moving truck accounts for almost half of all falls that truck drivers experience. In total, falls from stationary vehicles account for 12 percent of all trucker-related injuries and $2.8 million in damages.

There are many dangerous situations truck drivers can experience that can be prevented before they actually happen. No person wants to spend time in a hospital or healing from their injuries at home. Instead, truckers want to report to their job each day and provide for their family. Even though basic safety concerns may seem minor, following every step can prevent serious injuries. Here are four flatbed truck driver safety tips that can help keep you and your cargo safe.

Commercial trucks are the largest vehicles on the road and operating them is a responsibility every trucker should take seriously. You want to be a driver that protects your safety and that of others on the road. The following are some safety tips every truck driver should follow to help keep good habits.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) does not define a ladder, but they accept the dictionary’s definition. Their standards are categorized by being either fixed or portable. A fixed ladder is one that is permanently attached to equipment, a structure, or a building. A portable one can be moved from one location to another as it is not attached. One other type of ladder in their categories is the mobile equipment ladder. This type is not required to be offset or have railed landings.

Loading and unloading flatbed trailers must be done correctly to avoid dangerous accidents. If you overload a trailer, you could lose control of it as you are transporting the load. If you forget to secure a ramp, this could cause serious driving hazards. Follow these tips to ensure you are loading and unloading your flatbed trailer safely.

Major companies often need items to be immediately transported across town or even across the country, but the load is too large for them to do it safely. In these cases, it is a smart decision to hire a flatbed truck driver. These individuals have the experience and knowledge necessary for transporting large items or shipments. If you are thinking about becoming a flatbed truck driver, it is important to know some of the basics, including why these trailers work well and how to use them safely.

Preventing slips and falls from flatbed trailers is vital to safety and to your ability to continue working. Sometimes safety methods and plans become outdated, which means your could be putting yourself or your drivers at risk. Whether you are taking a proactive approach or looking to prevent a second accident, these strategies can help you improve your safety and fall prevention methods.

Drivers of large transport vehicles require specialized training for the trucks they will be handling. Flatbed truck drivers have additional safety concerns due to the openness of their trailer and need specific safety training. These trucks typically carry irregular and more massive loads, and there is often less protection to keep the load stabilized. The following are eight safety precautions flatbed truck drivers should know.