From driving to docking and loading, here are the hazards to watch and simple ways to cut your risk of injury* as a CDL driver.
It’s not exactly an industry secret that professional truck driving is a physical job. Beyond the hours on the highway, drivers climb in and out of cabs, walk slick yards, pull pallets, roll dollies, and work around forklifts. This physical activity can lead to sprains or strains, as well as slips, trips, or falls. Injuries can also occur from contact with equipment, overexertion, and roadway incidents.
So how do you avoid becoming one of the tens of thousands of CDL drivers who miss valuable time from work every year due to on-the-job injuries? Prevention begins with awareness.
In this blog, we’ll share 10 of the most common ways truck drivers get hurt, with quick prevention tips from industry experts (linked below) that you can put to work today.
1. Sprains & Strains From Manual Handling (Freight, Tarps, Dollies)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the most common truck driver injuries occur from lifting, twisting, and pulling heavy or awkward items. These activities cause strain on the back, shoulders, and knees. Sprains, strains, and tears are the single largest share of nonfatal driver injuries.
To prevent injuries like these, industry experts recommend:
- Break down loads when possible; use team lifts for anything bulky.
- Keep loads close to your body; avoid twisting while lifting.
- Use mechanical aids (pallet jacks, liftgates) and follow site rules.
- Ask for help when something feels borderline.
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls at the Dock or Yard
When you’re outdoors at the dock or yard, there’s always a risk of walking on wet or icy ground. Even just stepping in and out of your cab can be risky on a slippery surface. You may also have to deal with cluttered walkways and uneven surfaces. Any of these conditions can cause you to trip or fall, especially if you’re in a hurry. (And let’s face it, time is money when you’re a CDL driver.)
To reduce your risk, you can:
- Wear slip-resistant footwear and keep three points of contact on steps (such as one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot).
- Don’t jump from the cab or trailer and look for hazards such as wet or uneven surfaces before stepping out.
- Keep your truck floor clean and free of clutter to prevent tripping.
- Always face the truck when climbing in and out of the cab.
3. Falls From Height (Steps, Trailer Decks, Ladders)
Getting in a hurry and missing one step can cause a catastrophic fall, even if you’re just a couple of feet off the ground. This is especially the case when climbing onto trailers or catwalks.
To avoid a serious fall, try to:
- Use handholds and handrails, and don’t forget to maintain those three points of contact.
- Keep your vehicle’s steps and grab bars clean of mud and ice.
- Avoid climbing on loads; use platforms or fall-safe access if provided.
4. Contact With Objects/Equipment (Rolling Freight, Pinch Points)
Your truck is key to your livelihood, but it also comes with pinch points that can injure your hands or arms. There’s also the risk of cargo shifting, equipment rolling, or tipping during loading and unloading.
To reduce your risk during loading and unloading, try to:
- Chock wheels and secure freight before moving it.
- Make sure your vehicle is parked with a fully operational parking brake engaged during loading and unloading.
- Keep hands clear of pinch points such as doors and liftgates.
- Communicate with the dock staff and make eye contact before moving.
5. Forklift and Loading Dock Incidents
According to OSHA, many fatalities and serious injuries occur from forklift tip-overs and falls from docks. Powered industrial trucks are among the most frequently cited hazards during loading and unloading.
To prevent forklift and loading dock injuries, you can:
- Stay out of the trailer while powered equipment operates, unless you are specifically trained and authorized to do so.
- Verify dock plates/locks are in place and watch for trailer creep (which can cause gaps that you can fall through).
- Follow the site rules; never operate a forklift unless trained and cleared.
6. Roadway Incidents (Crashes and Near-Misses)
It’s a no-brainer that avoiding a crash or other roadway incident will keep you safe — and prevent you from injuring someone else. Not surprisingly, fatigue is one of the key causes of vehicle accidents. Rather than getting into every rule of the road you’ve covered in your CDL training, here are some basic tips for staying safe and focused on the road:
- Plan rest to align with HOS (hours of service) and real sleep needs; avoid long gaps without nighttime sleep.
- Reduce speed in work zones and bad weather; increase following distance.
- Check mirrors and cameras before moving in yards or tight docks (not every crash happens on the highway).
- Perform regular vehicle maintenance, such as ensuring your brakes and tires are in good condition.
7. Overexertion & Repetitive Strain (MSDs)
Long static postures (such as sitting in one position while driving long distances), whole-body vibration, and repetitive motions contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) — one of the most common workplace injuries for truck drivers, according to Safety+Health magazine.
In addition to back strains and sprains, you may also be at risk for tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. To avoid injuries like these, you can:
- Adjust your seat ergonomics, such as changing your posture on long runs.
- Stretch briefly at fuel or rest stops and focus on common pain points for drivers: back extensions and stretches for the neck, shoulders, legs, elbows, and hands.
- Rotate tasks when possible and use aids to reduce forceful exertions.
8. Exposure to Heat During the Summer
We’ve covered some of the basics for avoiding trips and falls during icy winter weather, but it’s also important to take precautions during the summer heat. Trucking safety managers and truck driving training professionals offer some tips for avoiding heat-related illnesses:
- Dress for the weather, such as loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a hat or cap.
- When you’re outdoors, try to find a place to take a break from the heat, such as a shady spot or an air-conditioned building if available.
- Hydrate! Even if you don’t feel thirsty, try to drink water throughout the day.
9. Fatigue-Related Truck Driver Errors
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has linked driver fatigue as one of the most “significant contributing factors” in collisions involving commercial vehicles. Following the FMCSA’s HOS regulations can help you get regular rest.
Here are some other tips from insurance and safety experts like Nirvana for prioritizing your sleep while on the road:
- Try to keep a consistent, regular sleep schedule when possible.
- Be strategic; don’t wait until the last minute to rest. Plan your off-duty periods in advance so you can find a quiet, safe place to take a break.
- Maximize your sleep time during your 10-hour off-duty windows (at least seven hours of consecutive rest).
10. Parking Lot Theft & Physical Safety Hazards
As we noted above, you want to plan ahead for finding safe places to rest when you’re on the road. Not surprisingly, industry experts like US 1 Network recommend well-lit areas that are authorized for truck drivers to park, such as truck stops and designated rest areas.
Other safety tips include:
- Steer clear of secluded locations or places that look abandoned.
- Check the websites of truck stops to see if they offer security features such as cameras, gates, and on-site security.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for solicitors or other suspicious-looking characters in the area.
- Ask other truck drivers: Check with online forums such as Reddit and discussion boards for safe places to park.
Quick Safety Checklist for Loading/Unloading
- Before the dock: Confirm dock locks/chocks, dock plate, and trailer condition; communicate with the operator.
- During handling: Keep a clear escape path; never step under raised loads; only trained staff operate powered equipment.
- Documentation: Follow site-specific procedures; report hazards promptly; photograph damage or unsafe conditions.
For additional safety tips, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Safety Management Council regularly shares resources on injury prevention and risk management across the industry.
Protect Your Body — and Your CDL
Even a minor injury can keep you off the road for days and sideline your earning power. It’s equally important to protect your driving record when tickets or citations happen (even if they seem minor). As a CDL truck driver, if you get a ticket, that offense can impact your CDL and your livelihood.
If you ever need help with CDL traffic tickets or roadside citations, Drivers Legal Plan® provides affordable, nationwide legal defense built for commercial drivers so you can keep working while your case is handled. Want to learn more? Contact us today!
*The contents of this article are intended to convey general information only and not to provide specific health advice, legal advice, or opinions. The contents of this article should not be construed as and should not be relied upon for health or legal advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current health or legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained in this article, and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues.