A career as a driver or delivery worker may seem ideal for anyone who enjoys being behind the wheel and meeting a variety of people. But workplace accident statistics indicate that drivers and delivery workers suffer a disproportionate share of injuries each year.
The transportation industry as a whole ranks number one year after year for workplace fatalities across the United States. These figures include fatal injuries to long-distance truck drivers as well as local drivers. However, local delivery drivers frequently face a broad range of risks.
What Are the Risks?
An obvious risk for a driver or delivery worker is being involved in a collision. Whether you are operating a heavy truck, passenger vehicle, moped or bicycle, the more miles you travel the greater your risk of a collision.
The risks do not stop there. The very nature of the work often requires a driver to lift boxes and packages throughout the day, risking muscle sprains and strains, neck and back injuries and slip- and-fall injuries. Those boxes and packages can be dangerous if they contain flammable material or toxic chemicals. This is particularly true if packages are not properly marked and workers are unaware of what they are handling.
Finally, a driver or delivery worker does not get to choose where deliveries are made, meaning the worker may be required to travel through high-crime areas. As a consequence, drivers and delivery workers may be increased risk for injuries caused by workplace violence.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation
Despite the risks, a job as a driver or delivery worker can be both financially rewarding and interesting. If you are a Pennsylvania driver or delivery worker and you suffer a workplace injury or illness you could be entitled to benefits through the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system.
