Kentucky truck drivers probably know that injuries on the job may affect income and cause time off from work. In 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that truck drivers have some of the highest number of workdays lost due to illness or injury. While the total annual rate of non-fatal injuries and illnesses for U.S. workers is 104 out of 10,000, the average rate for truckers is 307.5 per 10,000.
The most common injuries suffered by truck drivers are tears, strains and sprains, accounting for 32 percent of all the injuries. This may not be surprising considering part of a truck driver’s job involves physical labor. However, 2015 saw a decrease in injuries from the previous year. This may partially be due to some fleets instituting programs to address the health of truckers.
Drivers of light trucks or delivery services were injured more frequently than drivers of big trucks, but they took off fewer days before returning to work in 2015. Drivers of big trucks took off a median of 20 days while delivery and light truck drivers took off a median of 14 days. Some injuries may be unforeseen, too. For example, a Kentucky man was struck by an unidentifiable object that flew into the cab area of the truck, and an Indiana driver’s legs were severely injured when the poles he was unloading fell on him.
A worker who has been injured on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits; however, these benefits vary from state to state. An attorney may assist by compiling evidence that the injury occurred on the job and help a worker file for benefits. In the event the worker has been turned down for benefits, an attorney may help by filing an appeal.