Truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road, putting a significant degree of stress on their lower back. However, there are many hidden risks that cause debilitating back pain that fleets need to address. Back pain, even slight, affects employee productivity and morale. Drivers that are in pain will need to make more frequent stops, which delays deliveries. Their quality of life also suffers, which can lead to other health complications as well as hurt workplace morale. Warehouse workers that load cargo can also suffer from these issues as they do the majority of the heavy lifting.

Identifying typical causes of significant back pain can help fleet managers keep their employees in optimal health with minimal business interruptions. The following are the most common sources of back pain in the workplace and methods to prevent them:

  1. Insufficient or improper training at the start. While many fleets rely on warehouse workers to load cargo, it’s not unheard of for a driver to help. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to lift and carry heavy items the correct way. Fleets that allow drivers to participate in loading need to make sure they train drivers on the proper techniques to do so. If the fleet doesn’t want drivers lifting heavy loads, they need to emphasize this during onboarding and continued training and safety meetings. This training should also educate new drivers on good posture behind the wheel.
  2. Failing to provide regular training or refreshers for form. Showing an employee how to lift heavy items at onboarding and then never addressing it again is a combination that is sure to lead to back injuries. Skills erode over time, and employees need consistent and varied reminders. Sending employees the same text or email stating to lift with their legs, not their back, will likely go ignored. Focus on diverse messages that target different issues (i.e. maintain the natural curve of the spine, hold items close to the body, etc.) to help keep knowledge fresh to avoid injuries. The same holds true for drivers, as their posture behind the wheel has a direct effect on their lower back.
  3. Inadequate understanding of the risks involved. When employees have to lift heavy cargo on a regular basis or drive for hours and miles on end, they are unlikely to recognize their increased risk of developing a back injury. Once this desensitization occurs, they are more prone to error and poor form, such as twisting while carrying heavy objects or forgetting to stretch often. Much like reminders about form, employers need to underscore the importance of knowing personal limits and taking frequent breaks. Employers can incorporate breaks into the workday schedule to help facilitate this.
  4. Emphasizing deadlines over safety. The trucking industry operates on tight timelines and the urge to rush is all too real for many drivers and warehouse workers. However, rushing to make a delivery is asking for injuries. Employers need to emphasize that employee safety is always the top priority.

Back pain is a very real problem for the trucking industry but not an unavoidable one. To learn more about keeping trucking employees healthy and safe while performing their job, contact the experts at DriverCheck.