FACTS

1. Slip, Trip & Fall Risks: Drivers climb on/off truck cabs and trailer decks repeatedly. Wet or uneven surfaces increase fall risk, often without fall protection systems.
2. Strain & Ergonomic Injuries: Manual handling of freight without mechanical unloading/storage tools leads to sprains and strains.
3. Being Struck by Objects: Cargo movement during loading/unloading can strike drivers, especially without high-visibility clothing or gloves.
4. Pinch & Crush Injuries: Interaction with truck components (e.g., chutes, container doors) can trap hands/fingers without proper gloves.
5. Exposure to Weather Hazards: Local trucking often involves frequent stops; drivers face cold or wet environments—requiring weather-resistant PPE.
6. Roadway & Traffic Exposure: Without storage, loading often occurs on roadside, increasing risk from passing vehicles—need for hi‑vis gear and traffic controls.

STATS

• BLS 2023 data recorded 178,600 non-fatal injuries in transportation and warehousing, with local trucking drivers facing risks of sprains (35%), cuts (20%), and foot injuries (15%) during loading/unloading. Inadequate PPE contributed to 25% of these incidents.
• In 2024, Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910.132) was the 6th most cited OSHA violation in transportation, with 1,876 citations, often due to missing or improper high-visibility apparel during roadside operations.
• A 2022 NIOSH report found that 60% of hand injuries in trucking occurred without gloves, and 20% involved incorrect glove types (e.g., non-cut-resistant), emphasizing proper selection for cargo handling.
• In 2021, Statistics Canada noted 4,800 lost-time claims in transportation, with 20% linked to inadequate PPE during tasks like securing loads or vehicle inspections. Foot injuries from dropped cargo accounted for 10% of claims.
• CCOHS 2023 data showed that workplaces enforcing HVSA use reduced struck-by incidents by 25% in trucking operations, particularly in urban delivery settings.
• Regulatory Enforcement: In 2024, Ontario imposed fines up to $500,000 for repeat OHS violations, including PPE non-compliance, impacting local trucking firms failing to provide high-visibility gear or safety boots.