The dangers tractor trailer drivers face don’t end once they reach their destination. Whether at the warehouse, dock, or construction site, drivers are exposed to struck-by, crushed-between, and other safety hazards. OSHA is teaming with the trucking industry to raise awareness of these hazards and help prevent serious and fatal injuries.
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According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), at least 96 fatalities in truck transportation occurred in Midwestern states from 2015 to 2017. Thirteen of those fatalities appeared to be related to coupling (attaching) and uncoupling (detaching) trucks from the rig.
OSHA and the trucking industry developed a new flier that addresses the three most common hazards: parking, backing up, and coupling and uncoupling vehicles. Important steps include training workers to:
- Park vehicles on level ground;
- Set the emergency brakes;
- Place wheel chocks between the tandem wheels of the trailer to prevent the vehicle from rolling; and
- Get out of the vehicle and look for people and other obstructions before backing up.
Visit OSHA’s Trucking Industry webpage for information on other industry hazards.