Background: The trucking industry continues to have some of the highest work-related injury and illness
rates and costs of any industry in the United States. Until recently, little focus has been placed on
addressing non-motor vehicle collision related injuries within the trucking industry. Drivers are exposed
to multiple physical risk factors that contribute to occupational injuries in order to complete their job
duties, suchas loading/unloading freight,decoupling trailers, strappingdownloads andingress andegress
from the cab and trailer. About one-fourth of all truck driver injuries in the United States are related to
slips, trips, and falls near the truck.
Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive study is to report on recent injuries in the trucking industry in
Washington State. Data are presented by occupation and industry sector, in order to better understand
the magnitude of specific injuries in terms of time-loss days and workers’ compensation costs.
Methods: All accepted, compensable (time-loss) claims from 2005 to 2010 within the trucking industry
in Washington State were reviewed. Counts, rates, median and quartile data are presented. Logistic
regression models are presented to identify factors associated with more severe claims.
Results: Non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, back and upper extremities are the most
frequent injuries across all industry sectors and occupations in the trucking industry. Vehicle related
claims had the highest median costs and time loss days and Courier and Messenger claims had the highest
risk for higher time loss claims. Injuries varied substantially by sector and within sectors by occupation.
Conclusion: It is important to review work-related injuries within the trucking industry by sector and
occupation in order to maximize limited resources for injury prevention within this important sector.