Citation

Lin LJ, Harvey Cohen H. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1997; 20(4): 287-300.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes the results of a voluntary employee injury/illness reporting system implemented for the U.S. motor carrier (trucking) industry. Believed to be the largest database of its kind, three thousand and fifty three (3,053) accidents were reported by a cross-section of over two dozen trucking companies throughout the United States during the three-year period of program implementation. Data analyses indicate that 'slips and falls', followed by 'struck by' and 'overexertion' injuries were the accident types most frequently reported. In addition, detailed accident scenarios were identified, including the four most critical accident problems in the industry, namely those involving vehicle ingress and egress, overexertions, motor vehicle collisions, as well as those occurring during vehicle repair and maintenance activities. Recommendations emphasizing ergonomic solutions are proposed bearing on issues of improved equipment design, use of personal protective devices, employee safety training programs, and facility/vehicle maintenance programming. Relevance to industryThis paper reflects the scope and magnitude of common injuries and illnesses experienced by workers in the trucking industry. It serves not only as a safety alert to the industry, but also as a guideline for the reduction of injuries and improvement of the work environment. Potential countermeasures are identified to allow for systematic, short- and long-term problem solutions to increase safety and decrease accidents within the industry.