Common health problems for truckers and their remedies

The trucking industry employs about 9.1% of the total population in the U.S. and generates $700 billion in a year. Nonetheless, the sector faces a significant challenge with maintaining  good health for truck drivers. As a result, drivers are opting out of the trucking world due to health concerns.

Below are some of the health issues faced by truckers and how to curb them:

Physical injury

Injuries in the trucking industry are inevitable. Being aware of the causes and solutions of these injuries can help you take preventative measures against future mishaps. Generally speaking, common work injuries fall into one of these categories: 

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) of the neck, back and upper extremities 

This type of injury occurs from loading and unloading trucks and often happen due to overexertion. Using proper body mechanics during this process can decrease your chances for injury. 

Falls 

Falling from your truck or stairs, putting on tire chains, or unloading the truck can all result in falls from the same level or from an elevated surface. Falls typically result in knee and back sprains. 

Being struck by an object 

In the trucking industry, you never know what will be coming your way! It’s common to either get hit by something or hit something. Watch your back! The most frequent injury is a back sprain as a result of getting hit with a box or object. 

Vehicle related injuries 

Driving a car already poses its own risks. Truck drivers are more at risk, they have larger vehicles and typically drive longer hours which increases the probability of getting into an accident. One scary thing for drivers in the trucking industry is getting rolled over with their own truck.  

Mental health issues

Truckers mostly drive alone, passing through extensive stretches of isolated and uninhabited areas. Loneliness is inevitable in certain  cases. In addition to this, truckers often work under stress due to fear of not meeting delivery times. They are also anxious about passing through known accident blackspots and afraid of being stuck in traffic, among other things.

To avoid the effects of long, isolated hours and other forms of stress from interfering with your health, remain in touch with family and friends when on the road and visit a doctor often. 

Obesity

In the trucking industry, being overweight or obese is brought about by long hours of physical inactivity. Sitting down for more than eight hours every day will lower your metabolism. Another major factor that leads to obesity in truckers is the lack of healthy meals available for drivers. More often than not, truck drivers have to rely on gas station food.

Pack some home-made food as often as possible and invest some time in finding the right eateries with healthy meals as opposed to fast food.

At TransWood, we value the safety and well-being of our drivers and those we share the road with. Visit our website or give us a call for more information about our company and future career opportunities.