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Montana Chapter, Northwest Log Truckers Cooperative |
Information and Preventatives For Your Back!
Another leading cause of driver injuries is improper lifting, usually in conjunction with loading and unloading freight. Drivers are especially prone when lifting is done under stress or following long hours of sitting.
Back injuries now account for between 25% and 40% of all workers' compensation claims. Since they are three times as likely to suffer a back injury as the average worker, truckers need to be trained to give their backs special attention.
Climbing over and under the rig. checking inside tires and crawling beneath the cab all exert different stresses on the back. To prevent injury, drivers should squat, as apposed to bending at the waist during the pre-tnp inspection procedures. Here are some simple guidelines:
rig.1. Drop down first on one knee, then both knees, when necessary to look under the
2. Support the body by leaning on hands
and knees.3. Keep the back straight - don't round the back when looking under the rig.
4. Reverse these steps to stand back up.
Even climbing into the cab improperly could cause a driver to wrench his back. They should not pull themselves up on the cab, which stresses weak muscles of the back and arms. Instead, drivers should be taught to use the stronger muscles of the legs to step up into the cab. The following technique is not only better for the back, it also diminishes the risk of falling:
1. Grasp the hand hold to steady yourself.
2. Step up, using the legs for power, not the arms.
3. Grasp the wheel when you reach the top and settle into the seat, keeping your back as straight as possible.
Sitting behind the wheel also puts pressure on the back and causes back and side muscles to tighten. A bumpy ride can increase stress to the back due
to frequent jarring, good posture should be stressed to help reduce the impact. Teach drivers the following procedures to help them concentrate on good posture. Over time, it should become a habit:straight line.1. Line up ears, shoulders and hips in a
2. Adjust seat, if possible, so knees are
level with hips.3.Use a back support, if necessary to
cushion lower back.Drivers should also be cautioned to remember that back muscles are constantly tightening as they drive. Extra care in movement is necessary when preparing to exit the cab after a long haul, avoiding any sudden erratic motion or weight shift. Here's the correct procedure for leaving the cab:
1.Grasp the wheel and back out of the cab.
2.Reach for the hand hold and gently lower yourself down.
3.Step down slowly all the way to the ground - don't jump.
Cranking a trailer can also be tough on the body - one arm pulls, the other cranks and you're forced into a stooped position.
Here's how drivers can protect their back:
1.Stand with feet apart, one in front of the other.
2.Pull out the lockpin and set the crank.
3.Bend knees and don't slouch as you begin to crank.
4.Use a smooth, easy motion so you don't jar your back.
Drivers should also use some of their break time walking around and stretching out to get the blood circulating and loosen stiff muscles. They should also use procedures and exercises in the accompanying story, "Oh, My aching Back " to keep backs in shape.
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