Safety Tips for Delivery Drivers to Avoid Work Injuries
Delivery truck drivers face risks every day on the road throughout the year. This is why it’s important for drivers and employers to do everything they can to keep delivery drivers safe and to avoid a work-related injury. So what should drivers and employers do to avoid a workplace injury? Our workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl in Rhode Island and Massachusetts explain.
Delivery driver injury factors
Delivery drivers encounter various work-related injury risks due to the nature of their job. Some of the primary causes of injuries among delivery drivers are a result of:
- Lifting and carrying heavy packages: Transporting and handling heavy parcels can lead to strains, sprains, and back injuries. Proper lifting techniques and seeking assistance for bulky items are vital measures for driver safety.
- Extended periods of sitting: Spending prolonged hours seated inside delivery vehicles can result in musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain and stiffness. Regular breaks and incorporating stretching exercises are essential for mitigating these concerns.
- Slip and falls: Slip and fall incidents may occur while navigating diverse terrains and weather conditions during deliveries. These accidents can cause sprained ankles, fractures, and other injuries. Wearing suitable footwear and adopting cautious movements help reduce slip and fall risks.
- Repetitive movements: Engaging in repetitive actions, like bending, lifting, or driving for extended durations, can lead to overuse injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injuries. Adhering to proper ergonomics and taking regular breaks can alleviate these potential risks.
- Handling hazardous objects: Delivery drivers often encounter packages containing sharp objects or dangerous materials. Accidental cuts or injuries can result from handling these items. Wearing protective gloves and exercising caution during package handling can minimize such incidents.
- Traffic accidents: Delivery drivers face significant risks of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. These accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma. Practicing defensive driving, adhering to traffic regulations, and ensuring regular vehicle maintenance are crucial steps to mitigate this risk.
Safety tips for delivery drivers
Delivery drivers can take several steps in an effort to avoid a work-related injury during the holidays. Such safety tips include:
- Park delivery truck on level ground.
- Make sure the delivery truck is clearly visible and hazard lights are on when parking vehicle, especially in the dark.
- Don’t jump out of your vehicle while holding heavy packages.
- Wear shoes with good traction.
- Use a headlamp or flashlight if you’re delivering packages in the dark.
- Do not carry more than one box if any boxes are extremely heavy. Take multiple trips if necessary.
How employers can help delivery drivers
Delivery drivers aren’t the only ones who should take additional steps to avoid a work-related injury. Delivery companies need to do their part as well to keep drivers safe and injury-free. Some of the things delivery companies can do to help keep delivery truck drivers safe include:
- Make sure all drivers are properly trained, especially when it comes to knowing how to safely lift heavy packages or drive safely at night.
- Provide delivery truck drivers with reflective clothing and flashlights, especially since many drivers have to walk from their truck to someone’s house in the dark.
- Make sure delivery truck drivers have back support or other personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to prevent back injuries due to lifting heavy objects.
- Report all work-related injuries right away to the proper state authority so injured workers can receive workers’ compensation and other important benefits right away.
Contact an experienced workers’ comp attorney
When delivery drivers get hurt on the job in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, they are often eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, which can provide compensation for medical care and replacement income if an injured worker needs time off to rest and recover.
However, getting these benefits can be challenging. That’s why our workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl are here to help. Our attorneys have years of experience helping injured workers receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Learn more about your legal options. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a workers’ compensation attorney you can count on when you’ve been injured on the job. We can review your case, explain your potential legal options, and get right to work on your claim.