Employment as a long-haul truck driver in Oklahoma can sometimes be a source of stress especially if you find yourself sustaining injuries on the job. It’s important to take steps to avoid preventable ailments, such as injuries to your shoulders, by following a few easy tips that will help you avoid pain and missed work.
Common causes of shoulder injuries
Workers’ compensation claims for truck driver shoulder injuries cost companies millions of dollars per year. Certain routine actions, if performed in an incorrect manner, can lead directly to this type of injury. You can cause wear and tear to your shoulder by pulling yourself up by the hand grips when you enter your truck.
You can also injure your shoulder by cranking and lifting certain items in an incorrect fashion or by routinely hauling heavy items in and out of your truck. Even the routine vibrations of the truck that occur during driving may be enough to throw your shoulder out of whack.
How to avoid injuring your shoulder
Taking better care of yourself while driving a truck can help you to avoid having to file for workers’ compensation after an injury. The best way to avoid injury through fatigue is to make sure to get enough rest while you are on the road. You should also make a point to start a regiment of stretching exercises to help keep you limber.
It’s also important to be extra careful when cranking the landing gear or dolly leg up and down. When lowering the trailer, a driver should face the vehicle as they crank. You should take the opposite approach and stand parallel with the truck while you are raising it. Doing so will save you a lot of wear and tear on your back and shoulders.
It’s also a good idea to set the crank handle in the proper fashion. You can do so by bending with your knees in order to avoid strain on your back. You can place one hand on the truck for extra stability.