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Building a Safer Workplace: Reducing Workplace Injuries and Workers' Compensation Claims for Drivers

  • 6 hours ago
  • 1 min read

In our recent webinar, hosted by SMSC Safety Consultant Nate Gump, this session explored the often-overlooked workplace injury risks drivers face and their significant impact on workers' compensation claims. While motor vehicle crashes often get the most attention, most driver injuries occurred during non-driving tasks such as entering and exiting vehicles, loading and unloading freight, working in yards and docks, and managing environmental exposures. Attendees discovered practical, data-driven strategies to reduce injuries, improve compliance, and control workers' compensation costs.


Key Takeaways

  1. Most driver-related workers’ compensation claims stem from non-crash injuries, particularly overexertion, slips, trips, and falls, occurring during routine tasks.

  2. OSHA regulations apply to drivers, including those regulated by DOT/FMCSA. Employers must address walking-working surfaces, ergonomics, environmental exposures, and recordkeeping obligations.

  3. Common OSHA citations in transportation environments often result from deficiencies surrounding housekeeping, access/egress safety, and ergonomic risk management.

  4. Implementing layered engineering and administrative controls, supported by driver training and leadership engagement, can significantly reduce injury frequency and claim severity.

  5. Leveraging OSHA logs, workers’ compensation data, and trend analysis enables organizations to proactively target risk exposures, improve compliance, and control long-term insurance costs. 




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