Truck driving may not be the most dangerous job in the entire world, but like any other physical career, it does come with some common, physical risk factors. Part of your job as a professional truck driver in Cincinnati, OH is taking care of your body and preventing common truck driving injuries before they ever have a chance to happen. The truck drivers at Bay and Bay Transportation are here to share some easy tips and tricks to keep your body moving and mobile while you’re out on the road this summer season.
It always bears repeating that as a truck driver you absolutely must drink adequate amounts of water and get plenty of rest. Water and rest can mitigate the dangers of dehydration, dizziness, pulled muscles, over-extension, and overexertion. That’s right – all of the above can be avoided if you just drink water and sleep. It’s not foolproof, but a majority of your issues on the road can be made easier by staying hydrated and well-rested. Never take these things for granted if you’re planning on joining the truck driving career!
Since professional truck driving also includes hauling, lifting, loading, and unloading, occasionally you may need to exert some force on a stubborn object or two. Whenever this is the case, use all of the tools at your disposal to make the job easy on your shoulders, back, and wrists specifically. Use dollies for unloading and loading. If you must lift, do so with your legs and not your back, and if you find yourself getting sore wrists, adjust your grip to direct that strain onto your forearms. A lot of these methods are common sense for any seasoned truck driver, but sometimes simple ergonomics fall by the wayside when you’re in the middle of a rushed afternoon.
And finally, don’t forget that even when you’re behind the wheel, injuries can still occur at a moment’s notice. Keep your eyes peeled for erratic drivers, pull over and stretch if you feel your attention lagging, and if your shoulders or tailbone are getting sore, don’t be afraid to introduce a lower back pillow into your driving arrangement. Most on the job truck driving injuries are avoidable if you listen to your body and make adjustments when something starts to feel a little off. Even if you’re on a marathon drive and you feel like a little discomfort is worth making your deadlines, don’t forget that you only have one body. There’s no need to push it to the breaking point if you can make things a little easier on it.
Professional truck driving requires knowing your body’s limits and providing all of the advantages you can to keep things moving smoothly. Paying attention to your health and preventing avoidable injuries is just part of your day-to-day job, as much as operating a rig or following a route.
If you’re looking to hitch up with a truck driving job in Cincinnati, OH and interested in more information, contact the professional truck drivers with Bay and Bay Transportation. Call us at (888) 801-3026 or visit our website here for details.