Trucking is a major industry in Nova Scotia, and one that 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.
Last year there were 355 lost time injuries in the trucking sector, or roughly 5 per cent of all lost time injuries in Nova Scotia.
Thanks to a strong focus on safety from the trucking industry, its safety performance is improving. The 2011 results marking a drop of 123 lost time injuries compared to 2006. The most common type of injury in the trucking industry is to the back.
The Trucking Safety Association works to reduce the impact of workplace injury in the trucking sector.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Does your work involve:
• Uneven, unstable or slippery work surfaces
and areas?
• Working on platforms or at height?
• Working with hazardous materials?
• Working alone?
• Lifting and moving heavy loads?
• Securing unstable/awkward cargo or
couplings?
• Driving in extreme weather?
• Paying constant attention to public drivers?
• Roadside adjustments or repairs?
• Exposure to the hazards of other worksites?
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PREVENTION:
• Stabilizing work areas
• Fall protection systems
• Regulatory guidelines (ie: federal and
provincial law, TDG, WHMIS, etc.
• Communication system set-up
• Proper first aid kit
• Well-maintained equipment and vehicle
• Safety training for all tasks, including
hazard assessment
• Proper licensing and classifications
• Personal protective equipment and proper
work clothing
• Involving workers in the design of safe
working processes
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ERGONOMIC HAZARDS
Does your work involve:
• Repetitive work motions?
• Forceful motions of the hands and wrists,
arms and shoulders, knees and legs?
• Rigid positions of the back?
• Awkward working positions?
• Awkward or uneven work areas?
• Heavy and awkward loads to lift and
transfer?
• Equipment or vehicles that vibrate?
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PREVENTION:
• Proper work positioning
• Training in safe lifting, moving and securing
of heavy/awkward cargo
• Hazard assessment process for work areas
and tasks
• Involve workers in the design of safe
working processes
• Rest and stretch breaks
• Preventative measures for tools, equipment
and vehicles |
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Does your work involve exposure to:
• High noise levels?
• Temperature extremes?
• Wet environments?
• Chemicals or toxic fumes?
• Biting insects, rodents or wildlife?
• Breathing and lung irritants?
• Working around unstable objects?
• Skin irritations?
• Moulds, fungus and mildew?
• Confined spaces?
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PREVENTION:
• Noise zones
• Safe practice for outdoor work
• Rest periods in comfortable areas
• Water supply for drinking and washing
• Toilet facilities
• Adequate airflow and ventilation
• Air quality testing
• Industry codes of practice
• Involve workers in the design of safe work
Processes |