Do You Know These 3 Truck Driver Safety Tips?
Thursday, September 7th, 2017
Truck drivers have the highest rate of fatality in the United States. According to the Department of Labor (“DOL”), deaths in the trucking industry increased in the early 2000s from 16.7 to 17.5 fatalities per 100,000 drivers. However, the DOL has also observed a steady decline since those high figures in illness and injuries. Injuries and illnesses dropped from 6.8 per 100 full-time employees to 6.1 during this time.
These numbers exist because, even with improvements, trucking remains a dangerous job. So what do you do to avoid these harms? The following are three safety tips you can use to protect yourself from slips and falls.
Never jump from the cab of your truck to the ground
You see this trick on television, but it is very bad for your knees, especially after a long haul. A substantial number of injuries occur as drivers attempt to exit their cab, from missing a step to just jumping down. Keep in mind that your senses are “deadened” after a long drive, so you need to be careful when you exit your truck. The human body is not designed to absorb the impact of a fall, especially after sitting for a long period of time.
Experts recommend using “three points of contact” to stay safe when moving down from your truck. Three of your four extremities should always be in contact with the truck when you are entering or exiting your vehicle. The three-contact rule ensures that you have sufficient leverage and balance to recover in the event you slip.
Watch your step
You are probably going to be operating in places with spilled oil and other slicks, so watch your step. One bad fall can severely injure your back or legs. A good idea is to wear non-slick shoes, similar to the ones worn by servers in a restaurant, to avoid slips and falls.
Use trailer safety devices
A good way to avoid dangerous falls and injuries is the use of safety equipment. The design of a semi truck encourages people to jump from their cab to the ground. However, as provided above, that is both bad for your knees and back, and can be extremely dangerous.
To alleviate some of the risk, you should use safety equipment that is designed to help you climb down from your cab. You can also purchase equipment like ladders to use when accessing your trailer. Make sure you purchase a ladder that is tested to withstand wind gusts and is non-slip.
Flatbed trailer safety with the Deckmate Ladder
There are many ways in which you can stay safe when operating your flatbed truck. Incorporating as many of these tips in your daily routine as you can will help protect your back and knees and prevent falls.
Gateway Supply in Pampa, Texas is here to help with your flatbed truck needs. We are the U.S. distributor of the Deckmate Ladder which is designed to allow you to climb your flatbed trailer easily and safely. These trailer ladders do not slide or tip, staying securely in place where attached. Call us at (806) 440-1126 or Contact Us by email to learn more about how the we can help you.