TRUCKING INDUSTRY
Transportation Accidents
Truckers drive vehicles that have large blind spots and are often difficult to maneuver. The risk of having an accident is increased when they are driving in heavy traffic, at night, in inclement weather or on icy or uneven roads.
Ergonomic Injuries
Truckers often experience back, leg, arm or hand pain from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. Fork lift drivers and those moving materials in distribution centers can also get muscle pain or strains from loading and unloading cargo and performing repetitive tasks.
Falls
The cab of an over-the-road tractor trailer sits high above the ground. Climbing into or out of the truck puts drivers at risk for falls. Distribution centers or warehouses can be another high-risk area for slip, trips and falls due to cluttered or slippery walkways and inadequate signage.
AIRLINE INDUSTRY
Hearing Protection
Workers who are exposed to high levels of noise on a regular basis are at risk for hearing damage as well as permanent hearing loss. OSHA requires all employees who are exposed to 85 decibels or higher over an eight-hour workday to wear hearing protection. Noise can also be distracting for employees and prevent them from being alert to other hazards such as malfunctioning machinery or approaching aircraft.
Exposure to Extreme Working Conditions
Workers throughout the aviation industry are affected by working in harsh conditions such as extreme heat, cold, or storms. If you are working on the tarmac, you’re exposed to a variety of extreme work environments. Understanding the signs and symptoms of heat stress or cold stress can help prevent environmental injuries.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Whether it’s wet concrete, oil, debris, or uneven walking surfaces slips, trips, and falls account for many injuries within the airline industry. Eliminating potential fall hazards, keeping surfaces clean and free of debris and providing slip-resistant footwear are critical in preventing injuries from occurring.
Sprains and Strains
Overexertion due to lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects and repetitive tasks account for nearly half of all injuries in the airline industry. Injuries to the back, hands, and neck are common in workers who perform tasks such as moving baggage carts, lifting heavy cargo or working on engines. Providing proper safety equipment and training and installing ergonomic solutions can not only prevent employee fatigue, but significantly reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.
Regulations
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Oversees the formulation of national transportation policy and promotes intermodal transportation. Its agencies include: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the US Coast Guard (USCG).
CFR Title 49 – Transporation. The Code of Federal Regulations is developed by the Department of Transporation and covers the rules and regulations around the transportation industry.
49 CFR 392.16 - Use of a seat belt. Requires any commercial motor vehicle with a seat belt assembly installed must be worn when operating the vehicle.
OHSA 1910.135 - Personal Protective Equipment. This regulation addresses the general requirements for personal protective equipment including when it is required and what the employee and employer are responsible for. It also covers the design of personal protective equipment, hazard assessment and equipment selection.
OSHA 1910.95 - Occupational Noise Exposure. This regulation covers the sound levels when engineering controls or personal protective equipment must be provided to reduce the sound levels.
OSHA 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication. The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.
