Out-of-Vehicle Injuries and Ways to Prevent Them

When a company owns a fleet of vehicles you would think that highway crashes and parking lot collisions would be at the top of the list of accidents. But, actually the most common injuries in a fleet happen when the vehicle is stopped. These things include slipping on ice, tripping on a sidewalk curb while carrying an awkward package, or jumping down from the cab and rolling an ankle.

These injuries are almost always 100% preventable. A small investment in injury prevention training now can pay dividends (and prevent injuries) later.

Below is a list of the top out-of-vehicle injury causes with tips for prevention.

1. Hurrying
   Being in a hurry does not save time! It can, however, lead to injury. Slow down.
2. Distractions
   Not just a hazard while driving, distractions are a common cause of slips, trips and falls. Looking at your cell phone while walking is a big one. Wait until you are stopped or sitting before looking at your phone.
3. Improper Lifting
   Incorrect lifting techniques can lead to serious injury. Drivers also shouldn’t try to stop or catch falling cargo. Teach your team the right way to lift heavy objects.
4. Repetitive Strain
   When performing repetitive movements, drivers should stretch regularly to give their muscles and joints a break.
5. Getting In and Out of the Vehicle
   Drivers should maintain three points of contact (both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot) when getting in and out of the vehicle.
6. Cold Muscles
   Cold muscles are more susceptible to injury. Encourage drivers to stretch and warm up their muscles before starting the strenuous activity.
7. Lift Gates
   Train drivers to operate a liftgate before sending them out on a job. Drivers should never try to fix a broken liftgate. Call maintenance instead.

By training drivers in good injury prevention habits now, you can save a lot of time, money and pain for a lifetime.