We’ve Gone Interactive
MIA has been publishing its Beyond the Cab newsletter since 2000 and has distributed it via e-mail. However, that one-way method of communication robs each of us of the collective wisdom of each of Beyond the Cab’s readers. So beginning with this issue (February 2008) we have made a significant change. We have added an interactive feature. With this and with each subsequent issue of Beyond the Cab, you are not only permitted… but encouraged to share your opinion, insight and ideas. If this is something new and different for you, don’t be intimidated. Click here to learn how easy it is. Then come back and enjoy this first issue of Beyond the Cab – Interactive.
The Perspective of a Loss Control Consultant
As a loss control consultant with Midwestern Insurance Alliance, I am constantly keeping my eyes open for products that could help prevent injuries of employees within the trucking industry. This single-minded product focus causes me to thumb through as many trucking industry trade magazines and I can; has me running from one booth to the next at the Mid-American Truck Show; and causes me to spend way too much time on the Internet. It is also the reason that I frequently ask safety directors to reveal what products they have used (and recommend) to prevent injuries to drivers, mechanics and other employees.
When I find a particular product that appears will help reduce injuries, I try to get beyond the marketing hype and make a judgment call regarding the product’s efficacy. If the product addresses an actual hazard within the trucking industry; has the capacity to make an impact; and is priced within reach of the average trucking company, then I file that product in my memory. Later, through on-site consultations with MIA’s policyholders, or through venues such as newsletter articles, I recommend these products to trucking companies for addressing specific hazards.
In the first issue of this new interactive format for MIA’s Beyond the Cab newsletter, I will introduce both some of my long-standing safety product recommendations for the trucking industry, as well as some that I have learned of only in the past year. Although this newsletter includes links to specific products or manufacturers does not constitute an endorsement of their particular company or product. Instead, the purpose of recommending specific products is to increase your awareness of the availability of a particular type of safety-related product and how it might prevent employee injuries within your company. You are encouraged to look for other distributors or other manufacturers who may have a more suitable product design or a more palatable price-tag.
Slips and Falls
It’s February, and slips and falls on ice can be costly and frustrating. If you managed a retail business or a manufacturing operation you could address the issue of slips and falls on ice by keeping your parking lot and sidewalks free of ice. But there is little that the safety director of a trucking company can do to prevent drivers from slipping and falling on ice while they are away from your facility. So you just cross your fingers and tell your drivers to “Be careful”– right? There are an increasing number of companies manufacturing and marketing strap-on traction-aids that are easy to put on and take off and would work great for a truck driver. These products include Grip-X from Jordan David, and a similar line of products from Sure Foot Corp.
Pulling Fifth-Wheel Release
Routinely using a fifth-wheel hook is an easy step toward preventing injuries associated with pulling the fifth-wheel release handle. There are a variety of hooks on the market (available in just about every truck stop). Here is one online source.
Releasing Tandem Locking Pins
Although there is a move toward pneumatic tandem slide releases on semi trailers, there are certainly a lot of trailers on the road that require the driver to manually release the tandem locking pins. STA-RAT (short for “Semi Tandem Axle-Release Assist Tool”) is designed to eliminate the difficulties associated with releasing the tandem locking pins and holding them retracted until the tandem slide is completed. Another tool designed to prevent back and shoulder injuries associated with releasing the tandem locking pins is The Persuader.
Tarping Flatbed Trailers
Certainly tarping flatbed trailers presents exposure to a number of injuries, including falls from the trailers and strains associated with manually handling tarps. This powered flatbed trailer tarping system can tarp a load on the back of a flatbed without personnel having to climb onto the bed of the trailer or on top of loads.
Trailer Access/Egress
Whether getting on/off a flatbed trailer or getting in/out of a van trailer, hazards associated with falling or muscle strains are increased when drivers use the ICC bar as a step. There are a wide variety of ladder or step products to address this hazard. Some store out of the way when not needed. Others, such as one found on truckertotrucker.com and one located at truckersmall.net are portable and hence can be used if your drivers change trailers frequently.
Let’s here from You!!!
The above represents a sample of the products available to aid in preventing injuries in the trucking industry. What specific product or type of product do you recommend?
