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Why Delivery Truck Drivers Have One of the Highest Rates of Injuries and Fatalities Among All Occupations
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21Dec
Why Delivery Truck Drivers Have One of the Highest Rates of Injuries and Fatalities Among All Occupations
At Waple & Houk, PLLC, our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys know that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), delivery truck drivers have one of the highest rates of injuries and fatalities among all occupations.
The BLS reports there are 1,705,600 delivery truck drivers in the U.S. workforce, and their employment is expected to increase by 12% by 2028, faster than the median growth rate for all occupations.
Unfortunately, with substantial growth in the industry may come higher accident, injury, and fatality rates associated with the occupation.
Our North Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys discuss what is driving these statistics.
How Many Delivery Drivers Are Suffering Fatal and Non-Fatal Injuries Each Year in the U.S.?
Delivery drivers play a crucial role in our daily lives, taking charge of loading and unloading their vehicles while transporting goods locally. They often handle items like cargo, food, laundry, and other products, picking them up from distribution centers or stores and delivering them to homes and businesses. Beyond just transport, they frequently interact with customers to coordinate delivery schedules, collect payments, and manage paperwork such as delivery signatures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job comes with its share of risks. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers face a nonfatal occupational injury and illness rate of 262.1 cases per 10,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. Meanwhile, light truck or delivery service drivers see a rate of 233.0 cases per 10,000 FTE workers. The fatal injury rate is 27 per 100,000 workers, with a tragic toll of 966 deaths reported last year alone.
What are the Most Common Causes of Delivery Driver Work-Related Injuries and Fatalities?
Delivery truck drivers have one of the highest rates of injuries and fatalities among all occupations due to various factors inherent in their job roles.
Some of the key reasons include:
- Driving-Related Risks
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death on the job for delivery truck drivers.Delivery truck drivers spend significant time on the road, increasing their exposure to the risk of traffic accidents. This includes collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects.Delivery drivers may face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines that can lead to rushing, increased stress, and a higher likelihood of accidents. Extended driving hours and pressured delivery schedules can lead to driver fatigue, impaired reaction times, and an increased risk of accidents. - Material Handling/Delivery Hazards
Delivery truck drivers often manually handle heavy goods during loading and unloading. Improper lifting techniques and repetitive motions can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.Delivery truck drivers often navigate various environments, including residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, where hazards such as uneven terrain, poor lighting, or lack of clear pathways can contribute to accidents.In addition, delivery drivers make numerous stops during their routes, increasing the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls, especially when handling packages in various weather conditions. - Vehicle-Related Risks
Issues with delivery trucks, including mechanical failures, brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other vehicle-related risks, can contribute to accidents.To address these issues, companies must prioritize employee safety, provide comprehensive training, implement safety protocols, and encourage a culture of awareness and responsibility among their workforce.
Contact Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Charlotte Today
If you have been hurt while working as a delivery driver in North Carolina, contact our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte today by phone or schedule a free consultation online to learn more about how we can help you pursue the best outcome for your claim.
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Lou and Cheri were absolutely amazing! Cheri went above and beyond any expectations I had to make sure I was taken care of. Lou was there for all of my questions and made sure the mediation went the way it should by engaging the moderator and making sure the insurance company was held responsible for the compensation to me for my injuries. Thank you both and your entire team for helping me through this horrendous tragedy. I am forever grateful to you!
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I have never had to even think about finding a lawyer considering I’m only 31, never would I imagined needing one. But Waple and Houk saved my life. Lou Waple, I can’t say enough kind words about this man. He become part of my life not just a lawyer, he listened when I cried, he fought for me like no one else was, he got what I deserved in the end and if it wasn’t for him idk where I’d be...
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