Common Truck and Package Delivery Driver Injuries

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Common Truck and Package Delivery Driver Injuries

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Truck and package delivery drivers, particularly long haul truckers, typically suffer from low back pain and other work-related injuries. Due to the nature of their jobs, many truck and package delivery driver injuries are unique to their industry. For that reason, there is a high incidence of worker’s compensation for back pain among truck drivers. Here are a few of the most common injuries to look for:

• Back Pain
• Strains and Sprains
• Shoulder Pain
• Arm and Hand Tingling

Truck and package delivery driver injuries are prevalent in the industry because drivers often work long hours and are required to do heavy lifting in addition to driving. Long haul truckers are also susceptible to upper extremity injuries resulting from sleeping on their side in cramped quarters, driving with one elbow supported by the window frame and resting one hand on the constantly vibrating gear shift. Additionally, routine maintenance, loading and unloading of the vehicles is strenuous for both types of truck drivers and leads to truck and package delivery driver injuries.

The best way for drivers to avoid these common injuries is to:

• Get adequate rest
• Keep fit by exercising regularly
• Use good lifting techniques – bending at the knees and lifting
• Avoid repetitive motion if possible
• Take care of yourself on days off

Even when employing the above techniques, most drivers will experience truck and package delivery driver injuries over the course of their career. When injuries escalate to a point where they are unbearable and preventing the driver from doing their job, it is worth exploring worker’s compensation for back pain or other injuries.