Some jobs beget more of a risk of injuries than others because of the physical requirements of the profession. Truck drivers across North Carolina must deal with substantial risks and hazards when on the job.
Our purpose is to help those workers who may face a change in life because of injuries. As part of this goal, we would like to make everyone aware of the most common ways truckers may find themselves injured and out of work.
Common truck driver injuries
Truckers have a unique job, which puts them at risk for certain ailments and injuries. Take some time to become acquainted with the most common injuries.
Back injuries
Those who drive semi-trucks often have to perform physical labor as part of the loading and unloading process. This type of work is especially tolling on the muscles of the back. The spinal column is also at risk for injury, especially if the driver slips and falls while performing necessary load and unload duties. A driver should utilize a back or other supportive implementation as a precaution. Back injuries are serious and not something to take lightly.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
The large steering wheel and the constant use of the hands put truckers at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This injury develops after prolonged repetitive use of the muscles in the hands and wrists become inflamed and start to apply pressure on the nerve. When impulses do not flow through the nerve properly, it causes numbness and tingling in the hands. Weakness in the hands and loss of grip can cause severe hardship for truckers, especially when it comes to gripping the wheel and loading/unloading procedures.
Truckers provide an essential service to the economy. For more insight into how to deal with work-related injuries, follow the link to our page.