Trucking

Safety level

Infographic of time-loss injuries in the trucking industry in 2022

The trucking industry is an essential part of the economy of Nova Scotia and employs over 20,000 in workers in the province. It faces considerable safety risks. From musculoskeletal injury risks to the obvious hazards associated with long hours on the road, trucking is an industry where safety is critical.

The following workplace hazards are common in the trucking industry:

  • Fatigue
  • Musculoskeletal (sprains/strains) injuries
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Chemical hazards
  • Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains/strains)
  • Vehicle collisions

Use the OH&S Risk Mapping Tool for injury prevention to identify and mitigate these risks.

The Trucking Safety Association works to reduce the impact of workplace injury in the trucking sector. Employers and workers can use their training videos as educational resources to improve safety in the workplace.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

Working to Well - Return to Work website

Physical Hazards

 
PHYSICAL HAZARDS PREVENTION:
Uneven, unstable or slippery work surfaces, and areas? Stabilizing work areas
Working on platforms or at height? Fall protection systems
Working with hazardous materials? Regulatory guidelines (ie: federal and,provincial law, TDG, WHMIS, etc.
Working alone? Communication system set-up
Lifting and moving heavy loads? Proper first aid kit
Securing unstable/awkward cargo or couplings? Well-maintained equipment and vehicle
Driving in extreme weather? Safety training for all tasks, including hazard assessment
Paying constant attention to public drivers? Proper licensing and classifications
Roadside adjustments or repairs? Personal protective equipment and proper work clothing
Exposure to the hazards of other worksites? Involving workers in the design of safe working processes

 

Ergonomic Hazards

 
ERGONOMIC HAZARDS PREVENTION:
Repetitive work motions? Proper work positioning
Forceful motions of the hands and wrists, arms and shoulders, knees and legs? Training in safe lifting, moving and securing, of heavy/awkward cargo
Rigid positions of the back? Hazard assessment process for work areas and tasks
Awkward working positions? Involve workers in the design of safe, working processes
Awkward or uneven work areas? Rest and stretch breaks
Heavy and awkward loads to lift and transfer? Preventative measures for tools, equipment, and vehicles
Equipment or vehicles that vibrate? Inspection and maintenance measures

 

Environmental Hazards

 
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS PREVENTION:
High noise levels? Noise zones
Temperature extremes? Safe practice for outdoor work
Wet environments? Rest periods in comfortable areas
Chemicals or toxic fumes? Water supply for drinking and washing
Biting insects, rodents or wildlife? Toilet facilities
Breathing and lung irritants? Adequate airflow and ventilation
Working around unstable objects? Air quality testing
Skin irritations? Industry codes of practice
Moulds, fungus and mildew? Involve workers in the design of safe work processes
Confined spaces? Safe work training, practices and proper equipment