There are several trucking companies out there whose drivers experience a number of back strain injuries due to the nature of their work. Most people who see trucking as a profession assume they make deliveries by backing a truck into a loading bay.
The truth is there are several companies in the transportation industry that deliver goods to several retail outlets that have no loading bay at all. Just think of all the small restaurants, coffee shops, and clothing boutiques you see when travelling through town. All those shops require someone to deliver goods by hand.
Employers who have drivers carrying out tasks that involve manual material handling related tasks must take certain initiatives to keep them safe from back strains or other musculoskeletal injuries (MSI). This could be as simple as instructing drivers on safe lifting techniques.
SafetyDriven provides companies with videos that can be found in our Video Resource page. Some examples include “How to Safely Lift From Ground Level” and “How to Safely Lift Above Shoulder.” Both videos provide great information on how to safely lift materials.
The videos are great resources for any employer, but there are still best practices that ensure training programs are effective. Safety Advisors here at SafetyDriven can help employers in the General Trucking (732019) or Moving and Storage (732030) classification units with our mentorship program in order to develop training programs with best practices in place.
Contact SafetyDriven to determine if you are classified under General Trucking or Moving and Storage and qualify for our free mentorship program. Contact our office and speak with our Membership coordinator, Annette DeCaire at 604-888-2242 local 3 or email annette at safetydriven.ca
Reprinted from December 2014
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