Day: February 25, 2018

Diabetes is a Real Problem for Your Long Haul Drivers

Shunting trailers without the help of terminal tractors can be dangerous. And so can hauling those trailers. In recent studies, long-haul drivers have been shown to be exceptionally at-risk of Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle, a main risk factor in this chronic condition across the board, is to blame.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Common in the United States, Type 2 diabetes has experienced a four-fold increase from 1980-2014. Growing in prevalence, this condition affects the way the body produces insulin, limiting its effectiveness in metabolizing sugar.

Drivers Have a Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes than Others
A 2010 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study revealed keen insight into long-haul driver behavior and health. Truck drivers have a significantly higher risk of Type 2 diabetes than the average American: 14% of drivers suffer Type 2 diabetes, versus 9.4% of the general population.

What Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices Put Long-Haul Drivers At Risk?
The lonely, sedentary nature of long-haul runs are not conducive to healthy living, nor is eating outside of the home – the only option for drivers on long freight routes. Frequent sleeping away means no or minimal access to healthy, fresh, home-cooked fare.

Tight schedules combined with lackluster rest in strange hotels often increase fatigue and stress, limiting opportunities for exercise. In fact, more than one-quarter of study respondents reported no exercise in the past 7 days. Fifty-one-percent smoked. Sixty-nine-percent were obese (versus 33% of the general population); 17% morbidly obese – 10% higher than the general public. All of these are known risk factors for poor health and diabetes.

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OSHA on Dumpsters – Fatalities Do Happen

Most businesses have a dumpster on-site, many of which are pushed, pulled and otherwise manhandled without the help of a waste caddy. Far from the innocuous trash compartments we take for granted, they hold a deadly secret: These bland-looking boxes take the lives and limbs of many office workers annually – and that’s without getting into those who specialize in waste collection.

Not Just a Dirty Job, a Deadly One
Garbage collection comes in at #7 on the list of deadliest jobs, according to the 2009 Bureau of Labor statistics, robbing 25 lives for every 100,000 full time workers. Think because your office staff handles this job on rare occasions that they’re immune? Think again. Based on OSHA reports, dumpster accidents are frequent and serious.

Dumpsters and Trash Compactors Involve Many Overlooked Hazards
Every year, employees are pinned, crushed, punctured, suffer limb amputation, are exposed to chemicals and bacteria, trip and fall, and are even take calls when dealing with dumpsters and trash compactors. Worse, employers overlook these risks, assuming dealing with dumpsters and trash is common sense, and sending employees to deal with the dangers without proper instruction and safety equipment.

Dumpster Safety is Detrimental
It’s important to be aware of hazards and work cautiously around dumpsters and compactors:

– Keep the area free of clutter.
– Never move items within a dumpster with hands/feet, or climb into a dumpster.
– Don’t dispose of hazardous waste in solid waste containers.
– Use caution when opening/closing the lid, noting pinch points and carefully placing hands. Be especially careful on windy days.
– Learn the essential ergonomics of moving dumpsters, or ensure safety with a waste caddy.

Protect your employees and make disposal a snap with a waste caddy from DJ Product. Learn more today.