Commercial truck drivers nationwide, including Arizona, might not realize that their occupation has one of the highest injury and fatality rates among all jobs. Workplace injuries are best prevented by a trucker's ability to recognize fatigue. Tired drivers become inattentive, and that leads to errors that could have devastating consequences. Frequent breaks are crucial, during which time, the driver should get out of the truck and walk around to stretch the muscles.
Truck operators experience road shock and whole-body vibrations that could cause injuries to the spine. The correct tire pressure and a slightly tilted seat could prevent that. In fact, the entire interior of the cab, including the height of the seat, the position of the backrest and steering wheel, insulation, and the instrument panel should suit the trucker's height and weight. If the driver wears comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing, it can further limit discomfort.
While comfort might avoid musculoskeletal problems, care must be taken to prevent other injury types. Many injuries result from jumping down from the cab or the trailer after sitting for long periods. Truck operators are often required to load and offload cargo, and using improper lifting techniques can cause serious injuries. Loading docks and truck stops are known to have hazardous walking surfaces that pose slip-and-fall hazards due to oil, grease, ice or other slippery substances.
These and many other hazards are par for the course for commercial truck operators. Although they will likely be eligible for workers' compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages, the process could be challenging if workplace injuries are suffered while traveling in another state. This is where the skills of an experienced Arizona workers' compensation attorney can be invaluable. Legal counsel can deal with employers and insurance providers to obtain maximum benefits under applicable laws.
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