Beyond Training: How Smarter Tools Prevent Injuries in Trucking

When people think about safety in trucking or material delivery, they often imagine collisions or traffic accidents. But according to OSHA, the two biggest risks actually happen when the wheels aren’t turning: falls and musculoskeletal injuries.

The first category—safety risks—includes slips, cuts, and falls that occur when climbing up or down a truck or handling equipment at height. The second—ergonomic risks—covers the daily wear and tear caused by heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and awkward postures. Together, these factors account for an astonishing 75% of workplace injuries in the industry: about 25% from falls and 50% from sprains and strains.

For many boom truck drivers and delivery operators, this isn’t theory—it’s routine. Each climb, twist, and lift carries risk. Over time, that risk adds up to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and lost workdays. Yet the solution doesn’t always require overhauling operations or adding endless safety briefings. It often starts with the right tools and the right design. A secure ladder or a strap launcher, for instance, can drastically reduce shoulder strain, improve stability, and make loading safer without slowing the job down.

The takeaway is simple: safety and productivity aren’t opposites—they’re partners. When companies invest in well-designed equipment and clear safety guidelines, they protect both their people and their bottom line. Fewer injuries mean fewer absences, fewer claims, and longer, healthier careers for skilled drivers.

🎧 To dig deeper into how smarter tools and preventive thinking are reshaping trucking safety, listen to our full podcast episode, “The Hidden Risks in Trucking: What OSHA Really Warns About,” embedded below.