Due to a broad system of highways all over the country, the trucking industry continues to grow. Trucking is the primary way of moving freight, and multiple products can be shipped in a single smooth operation. Also, the employment contribution of this industry is higher than other methods of freight transportation.
There are plenty of job listings available for truck drivers in California due to the high demand. However, people hesitate to apply as this industry also has many concerns regarding safety and unfair work hours.
Drivers Paid “By-The-Mile” or Per Load are Entitled to Hourly Pay
Truck driver pay is sometimes calculated “by-the-mile.” However, drivers may spend some parts of their day on the job without the wheels rolling, and they end up not getting paid for those times. Some examples of these unpaid tasks include truck repair, completing paperwork, and loading and unloading.
In California, companies that choose to pay by-the-mile should also pay the drivers hourly to compensate for every minute worked. They are also entitled to meals, rest breaks, and overtime pay, if needed.
Also, drivers that are paid per trip or per load do tasks that are not related to the load itself, like waiting for dispatch and attending meetings. Regardless, companies should pay hourly wages because truck drivers also work by the hour.
Health and Safety Risks
While many trucking accidents are caused by road hazards or driver error, there are dangers truck drivers face that can lead to long-term health issues, like physical injuries. Almost all musculoskeletal injuries experienced by long-haul truck drivers are on their necks, backs, and arms.
When they suffer these injuries, they often lose out on their pay until they recover. Sometimes, their compensation or insurance payments may be delayed due to investigations or negotiation of liabilities. When this happens, seek help from a law attorney as soon as possible.
Strains and sprains are also common among truck drivers. While these are less serious injuries that will heal over time, the outcome is usually less certain if the affected area is the back, as it might be broken bones.
This may result in complex regional pain syndrome, a nerve disorder that can last a lifetime. Most serious traumatic injuries also take months to heal and can even result in permanent disability.
Here are some of the usual injuries experienced by truck drivers:
- Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Truckers who are involved in collisions usually have a higher risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord issues. This is because the truck’s height and weight are more challenging to control, and because truck drivers usually have slower reflexes due to long working hours and fatigue.
Some common head injuries that truck drivers might have include concussion, hematoma, skull fracture or hemorrhage. Spinal cord and brain injuries commonly require long years of rehabilitation and treatment that often leads to the trucker leaving their job.
- Upper Extremity Injuries
Injuries or fractures in the arms, hands, elbows or shoulders are common among truck drivers. These are often caused by strenuous activities like raising and lowering the truck hood, lowering the landing gear and pulling the fifth wheel pin. Some trucking habits like resting the hand on the vibrating gear shift can also result in upper extremity issues.
While the risk of danger in driving a truck cannot be eliminated, there are ways to reduce elbow, shoulder and wrist injuries. You should be aware of the activities that can cause these types of injuries, then make sure to stretch and warm up these areas. When you feel pain, don’t ignore it and consult with your doctor to avoid the injury from becoming serious.
- Lower Extremity Injuries
Knee, leg and ankle injuries are also common among truck drivers. These often include cartilage and bone injuries, ligament injuries and meniscus tears. Common causes include falling cargo, slipping on the truck’s stairs and constantly carrying heavy equipment or boxes.
To avoid these kinds of injuries, make the most of your stops. You can do a few stretches, squats, lunges or planks. These simple exercises can help ensure your body is in good shape. When you have some downtime on your days off, prepare for the hours you’ll spend sitting on the truck again by doing exercises.
- Neck or Back Injuries
Long-haul truckers often experience painful neck and back injuries due to long sitting hours, loading and unloading heavy cargo and even the vibration of the vehicle. Avoid having long-term pain by taking breaks and stretching.
Also, it’s important to check the alignment of the driver’s seat. If it’s not correctly aligned or you’re sitting uncomfortably, it can cause strain on your back and neck that can lead to injury. Remember that the steering wheel should not interfere with operating the pedals, leg movement, or cause bumping with your knees when you get in and out of the truck.
Here are other tips for proper ergonomics for truck drivers:
- Change your position in the driver seat at least once or twice every hour. A small adjustment helps in relieving tension from your body.
- Don’t slouch and ensure your bottom is aligned with the back of your seat and your torso is upright.
- Make sure the back of your knee is less than one inch away from your seat cushion.
- Move your hand position frequently and adjust the backrest so your arms are at a slight angle when holding the steering wheel.
- Avoid gripping the steering wheel too hard for a long time. Take some time to do some hand exercises like stretching or gripping a stress ball.
- Adjust your seat to ensure your feet can reach the brake, clutch and gas pedal.
Highly Experienced Injury and Wage Attorneys
Truck Driver Rights aims to protect the rights of truck drivers by assisting you to seek compensation in case of personal injuries, mediations, or class action lawsuits.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling 877-700-0009 or filling out our online form.