For our customers out there on long haul trucks, not only are the long hours a challenge to your back, but so to is all the “other stuff” you’ve got to do in a day's work. What about loading, stacking & handling freight, these are all activities that can have an impact on the body.
So what are some of the things you can do to reduce the risk of injury? Let's start in the cab. Most of you out there on the road are well aware that sitting in a truck isn’t like sitting in a chair. With the vibrations of the truck, bumps in the road, and wear and tear on the seat over the 1000’s of kms, poor posture can exacerbate any ill effects. You've heard us say this before, but setting up your seat is critical to making sure you get the best chance of getting home and feeling in reasonable condition.
So what are some of the things you can do to reduce the risk of injury? Let's start in the cab. Most of you out there on the road are well aware that sitting in a truck isn’t like sitting in a chair. With the vibrations of the truck, bumps in the road, and wear and tear on the seat over the 1000’s of kms, poor posture can exacerbate any ill effects. You've heard us say this before, but setting up your seat is critical to making sure you get the best chance of getting home and feeling in reasonable condition.
Most of you out there are well versed in these tips, but they are worth repeating.Adjust the backrest so your arms are at a slight angle while you’re holding the steering wheel.
- Adjust your seat so your feet can comfortably reach the accelerator pedal, brake, and clutch.
- Your entire back should lean against the backrest.
- Instrumentation should be easy to see.
- You should be able to see all of your mirrors without slouching or twisting.
- If during your journey you find you can't see your mirrors, you are probably slouching. Situp. Don't re-adjusting your mirrors.
- Your thighs should be completely on the seat.
- The back of your knee should be no more (or less) than an inch away from your seat cushion.
- Change your position in the seat at least once or twice an hour. Small adjustments really do help.
- Move your hand position frequently.
- Don’t grip the steering wheel too hard for too long.
- Check your seat suspension. You don’t want it to be too soft or too hard.
We’ve got a whole list of tips for setting up your suspension seat, so if you need any more information, please give us a call.
It’s also important to take care of yourself out of the truck too. Stretch slowly and carefully after you get out of the cab. Exercise to keep yourself in good shape. Watch your posture in and out of the truck. Do these things, and you’ll substantially decrease your chance of injury while on the job.
Not any ground breaking stuff in there, just the basics.
We look forward to seeing you out there, doing your stretching routine next to your truck, next time we’re passing by a truck stop.
Not any ground breaking stuff in there, just the basics.
We look forward to seeing you out there, doing your stretching routine next to your truck, next time we’re passing by a truck stop.
#problemsolved #mmt
