Delivery personnel face unique risks while making a living. From vehicle accidents to overexertion, the job of delivery personnel can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken.
An injury at work could cause financial hardship if you are unable to continue your job or require specialized medical attention.
Common causes
It is essential to recognize the typical causes of injuries to determine when workers’ compensation can be claimed.
Delivery truck drivers and delivery personnel face risks of serious injury while on the job. The most frequent causes of injuries in this type of work are:
- Vehicle accidents
With so many hours of driving on highways and city streets, it’s quite understandable that vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury among those doing this job.
Collisions can cause a variety of injuries, including whiplash, broken bones, brain damage, paralysis, neck and back strain, cuts, and scrapes.
- Physical overexertion
Overexertion is a common problem among delivery drivers and truckers due to the physically demanding nature of their jobs. It occurs from using too much force when lifting, pushing, pulling, throwing, carrying, or otherwise moving objects.
This can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and strains in the back, neck, shoulders, and arms.
To prevent overexertion injuries, employers must provide training on proper lifting and moving techniques, as well as provide safety equipment such as back braces or ergonomic tools.
Additionally, employers should encourage employees to take frequent breaks throughout the day to reduce fatigue and improve overall safety.
- Slip and falls
When you work as a delivery person, you can easily encounter dangerous conditions that lead to slips and falls. You may slip loaded with merchandise, or you may not see dangerous conditions in the hallway due to poor lighting, such as wet floors or objects left there.
Compensation
If you are injured on the job while delivering products, you are often eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In many cases, this could include both medical assistance and temporary disability assistance.
Contact the Julie O Law team if you were recently injured while working as a delivery person. We have the experience and knowledge to advise you and help you decide what your best course of action should be.