According to a new report on the transportation sector, the industry is expected to expand by 3.4 percent over the next 5 years.
Individuals working in the trucking sector put forth a significant amount of effort and shoulder a lot of responsibility. For instance, truck drivers must adhere to hours of service regulations while remaining on time for deliveries. They also must have the necessary documentation on hand for proof of insurance.
These never-ending duties may cause truck drivers to overlook crucial safety protocols. To prevent this, fleet owners must emphasize the importance of workplace safety to their employees. A focus on health and well-being, after all, leads to fewer truck crashes and lower insurance costs.
The top 5 hazards that are present in the transportation industry will be covered in this article, along with suggestions for mitigating them.
5 Transportation Industry Safety Risks
Distraction and Fatigue
Fatigue and distraction pose the greatest risk to truck drivers due to the long hours and constant solitude. Normally, fatigue can be cured with adequate rest, but given a driver’s rigid schedule, this might be challenging to do. Nevertheless, it must be done.
Essentially, fatigue reduces focus and attention, slows response time, and increases the likelihood of mistakes being made. Unfortunately, many of these errors can lead to injuries, fatalities, and costly lawsuits.
To combat driver fitness issues, truck drivers are encouraged to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, take breaks every 2 hours, opt for healthier food options, exercise when possible, and stay hydrated.
For night driving tips for truckers, refer to our blog post.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
You might be surprised to learn that professionals in the transportation industry frequently experience slips, trips, and falls. This often occurs when climbing in and out of the cab after a long day of traveling. It’s particularly common during the winter when surfaces are slippery and wet.
You should wear closed-toed sneakers or boots with strong traction to fight this problem. Take your time when getting in and out of the truck and make sure your feet and hands are firmly placed on a stable platform.
Road and Weather Conditions
For truck drivers, inclement weather can be extremely dangerous. In addition to making nearby objects less apparent, heavy rain can cause your tires to lose traction and cause you to lose control of your truck. Therefore, it’s advised that you check the weather forecast and map out your route in advance.
For truck drivers, unfamiliar roads are just as much of a challenge as bad weather. Winding roads might make you feel uneasy and increase your risk of getting into an accident.
Vehicle Maintenance
When a driver is pressed for time, they may neglect their pre-trip inspection. It’s vital to remember that doing this would be a bad decision because you’d be endangering your goods, other people, and yourself. You must conduct a walkthrough before each journey to identify anything that appears damaged or out of place.
Pre-trip inspections are very important and shouldn’t be overlooked. The engine compartment, lights, brakes, tires, coupling devices, windshield wipers, horn, and other components would typically be checked.
When you don’t keep up with maintenance, you risk receiving serious infractions from roadside inspectors. A high CSA score or failing your new entrant safety audit are the last things you want. To learn what severity weighting is, refer to our blog for more information.
Navigating Other Drivers
To keep themselves and others safe, transportation professionals must take necessary safety precautions when navigating congested roadways. You have an obligation to perform at your best since you’re likely operating the largest vehicle on the road. By keeping safety in mind, you can avoid any potential dangers and hazards.
