Tips for Keeping Safety Up This Quarter

The fourth quarter of the year is notorious for being a busy time in nearly every industry. However, no one feels the pressure and time crunch of the fourth quarter more than those of us in the transportation industry. Unfortunately, busy seasons are often correlated with higher instances of workplace accidents and injuries. Keeping safety up to par during the busy fourth quarter should be a top priority for everyone in the transportation industry. Here are some tips for prioritizing safety this year, regardless of how busy this season gets.

Be Aware of the Most Common Injuries

The best way to keep safety up to par during the busy fourth quarter is to be aware of common injuries that occur in the transportation industry when things get busy. When it comes to trucking, most people automatically assume that accidents on the road would be a trucker’s only concern. However, truckers do a lot more than simply sit in their truck and drive. Common injuries during busy seasons include slips, trips, and falls while loading and unloading the truck. Sprains and strains are also common during this process.

Of course, it is also very important for truckers to be cautious on the road, particularly during the end of year rush. Motor vehicle collisions account for many injuries in the transportation industry, so safe driving practices will always be of high importance.

Unloading and Loading Cargo

Loading and unloading cargo and other shipment materials is a strenuous and arduous task. If you use improper form or lift more than your body can handle, an injury is bound to eventually occur. Musculoskeletal injuries are extremely common in the trucking industry, particularly during busy seasons when items need to be moved quickly. It is vital that truckers and other loading/unloading employees are trained in using proper form to safely maneuver items to their appropriate location.

Exiting the Cab or Trailer

Many injuries among truckers are a result of incorrectly or carelessly exiting the cab or trailer. Truck drivers should have three points of contact with the truck at all times when entering the cab — using the hand grips and steps for support. This means one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot in contact with the truck. The driver or passenger should step into the cab rather than pull themselves up to avoid straining the arm. Exiting the cab should be done the same way — utilizing steps and hand grips. The same three-point contact rules apply for entering and exiting the trailer. Trailers have a high drop, and can cause serious injury if a fall occurs.

Vehicle Collisions

Lastly, maintain the safety of drivers by stressing the importance of safe driving while on the road. Large trucks are only responsible for 3% of injury-causing motor vehicle accidents. However, these accidents tend to cause a much higher rate of serious injuries or fatalities because of the size and weight of the truck involved. While many of these collisions are at the fault of motor vehicles, truckers should always be highly aware of their surroundings and ready to make quick, safe decisions.

The transportation industry should stress that drivers get a full 8 hours of sleep each day and make frequent stops to rest. Drivers should never operate their truck if they are sleepy or not feeling well. A driver’s focus should always be on practicing safe driving techniques so that no errors causing serious injury or death occur

Importance of Safety All Year Round

Even when things are busy, safety needs to remain the number one priority at all times of year. National Retail Systems, Inc. and our dedicated fleet of drivers always keeps safety at the forefront of our practices. We are the ultimate 3PL option, bringing lean logistics to businesses around the world, and we encourage you to reach out if you are interested in truck driving jobs in your area. Contact us today for more information and with any questions you may have. We keep safety up to par year round, all while maintaining cost effective results for our customers.

The Ultimate 3PL

National Retail Systems, Inc. (NRS) includes Keystone Freight Corp. & National Retail Transportation, Inc. (NRT). NRS is an asset based 3PL that has been providing logistics services for the World’s leading retail companies for 60+ years. Our hub locations include: New York & New Jersey; Los Angeles, CA; Inland Empire, CA; Savannah, GA; Columbus, OH; Greensboro, NC; and Baltimore, MD.