Trucking

Safety level

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 238 lost time injuries in the trucking sector, with an injury rate of 2.05% per 100 covered workers.

Thanks to a strong focus on safety from the trucking industry, its safety performance is improving. The 2020 results mark a drop from 359 in 2019. 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

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