Five facts that might surprise you about truck driver injuries
New national data provides a startling look at the work-related injuries suffered by truck drivers. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that while many would assume there are other seemingly more treacherous professions, truck driver injuries rank in a way that might surprise you.
Consider these five facts from the Department of Labor:
- For every six workers in the United States who are killed while working, one is a truck driver.
- Among the occupations with the highest incidence of nonfatal injuries and illnesses on the job which affect the ability to work, tractor-trailer drivers rank 6th.
- Across all occupations, these truck drivers also have the highest number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses that lead to missed days of work.
- Drivers of large trucks are three times more likely to suffer an injury than other workers in America who required days off from the job.
- For back and other musculoskeletal disorders, tractor-trailer truck drivers also ranked No. 3 among all occupations for these types of injuries that lead to missed days of work.
When you think about the job that truck drivers do - getting in and out of a large vehicle, driving long hours, loading and unloading - it makes sense. It’s scary to think that so much of your job could potentially lead to an injury and possibly affect your ability to support yourself and your family.
If you have been injured on the job and denied workers’ compensation, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.