How to Keep Your Employees Safe from Injury While Loading and Unloading

The dangers of being a semi-truck driver aren’t restricted to the road. If your driver is also responsible for getting the cargo in and out of the truck, or even just preparing the truck for unloading, then their risk of injury is high. A trend of injuries can make your company’s coverage policies skyrocket, so make sure you:

1. Equip every truck with the tools to minimize cuts and lacerations.

Hand injuries are common in every physical job, but that doesn’t make them any less severe. Train new employees on how to use the loading and unloading gears, as well as how to inspect the truck without cutting their hands on sharp edges. Keep a pair of protective gloves in the truck and add them to your regular audit list so no truck is out on the road without protective equipment. Adding a basic first-aid kit can also help cuts from getting infected, especially if the driver is in the middle of a rural route.

2. Take precautions to stop slips.

Even in summer, it’s important to talk about slippery, dangerous environments. Snow and ice might be a few months away, but there are still slick roads and thunderstorms to keep track of. Grease and oil on the trucks components can also be dangerous if the driver is climbing up the truck and grabs the wrong handhold.

While it might be impossible to prevent every injury, having easily available equipment in the truck can reduce the risk. Equip each truck with a flashlight and batteries. Make sure every running board has a coarse surface that is designed for extra grippiness. Gloves that provide extra friction can also counteract slippery handles.

Precautionary equipment might seem like an unnecessary expense, but these tools can help keep your drivers safe. They also reduce your risks of a ruinous insurance claim. Go to J.E.B. Insurance Services, LLC. for more tips to keep your company safe and to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your trucking insurance. We provide commercial truck insurance in the states of Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska.

David Ott

David Ott