Safety Equipment Every Truck Driver Should Have
The specialized equipment and safety regulations are held to a very high standard to keep the drivers and other workers safe while transporting goods. Agencies like the United States Department of Labor (OSHA), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) set strict standards for personal safety and civilian safety. Trucking companies are responsible for upholding those standards, and improving the working conditions for their drivers and all employees. Companies in all trucking areas have their own specifications for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), companies like Argo Expedite have specialized PPE for drivers and Owner/Operators.
Hard Hat​​
Firstly, it's crucial to remember to wear a hard hat as a truck driver, especially when exiting the truck cab. The specific safety gear required may vary based on your cargo and location. In places like mills, plants, wood yards, or forested areas along the road, wearing a hard hat is essential for both safety and visibility.
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The standard for hard hats is ANSI Z89.1-2003, and they must be worn whenever you step outside the truck cab, whether in the woods, at a mill, or while securing cargo by the roadside.
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Protective Eyewear
Safeguard your eyes – you only have one pair. Ordinary sunglasses or prescription glasses don't meet industry standards for eye protection. Look for ANSI Z87.1 stamped on your eyewear for compliance. Choose safety eyewear based on the specific hazards you encounter at work, including blunt impact, radiation, splashes, dust, and small particles.
Different loads demand different protective gear.
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Wear protective eyewear regularly, and it's a must when:
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Mill/plant policy mandates it.
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On a landing with equipment like a chipper or grinder, or during loading/unloading.
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Engaging in maintenance and repairs, especially beneath the truck.
Protective Gloves
Never forget to wear protective gloves - it's a must. Gloves are perfect for tasks like loading, unloading, and trailer hook-ups, ensuring your hands stay safe during non-hazardous work.
Whether you're stepping out for maintenance or to keep the cab clean, always wear your gloves. Avoid the hassle of cleaning greasy or contaminated hands inside the truck - make safety and cleanliness a breeze.
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Safety Boots
You wouldn't show up to a work site in your flip-flops, would you? Of course not, which is why correct footwear is a requirement. Steel-toed boots with a steel shank or a non-skid sole in the bottoms are the preferred and required choice of footwear for truck drivers. Your footwear needs to be able to stand up to objects falling on your feet or even rolling objects. They should also protect your ankles and provide adequate traction in all conditions you are exposed to. MEMIC states that "the number 1 cause of workplace injuries are due to slips, trips and falls".
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Safety Boots: ANSI Z41-1991 or ASTM 2413 05.
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High Visibility Clothing/Safety Vest
To be safe, you have to be seen. The high visibility safety vests, which have reflective material sewn onto the orange fabric, must be worn while driving, pulling off on the road, or at a work site. Drivers are most at risk of danger when on the ground entering a work zone of an operating piece of equipment without being seen (Smart Drive Test).
Underneath the vest, our cryogenic drivers are required to wear a long sleeve shirt or a jacket. Any exposed skin has the potential of being burned if exposed to cryogenic fluids, so the thicker the material, the better.
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Hearing Protection
Last, but not least is hearing protection. Much like our eyesight, when you lose your hearing, it's gone. Ear protection must be available at all times and is required if the driver is operating or is near a loader, or a chipper, or any other large equipment.
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Other Helpful Equipment for Driver
After hearing from some of our drivers, here are a few things they always have on them in case of an emergency.
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First aid kit
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Emergency kit
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LED flashlight
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Road flares
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Tool kit
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Extra fluids
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Road atlas/navigation system
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Jumper cables/jump starter
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Reflective triangles
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Spill response kits
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Survival Car Emergency Kit
The Survival Car Emergency Kit is a crucial accessory for anyone who drives regularly. This kit includes several essential items:
Digital Auto Air Compressor Tire Inflator: This device allows you to quickly and easily inflate your tires, ensuring you can continue your journey safely in case of a flat tire.
Roadside Safety Tool Kit with Gloves: This kit provides essential tools and safety equipment, including gloves, to help you handle roadside emergencies like changing a tire or performing minor repairs.
First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen on the road, and having a first aid kit on hand can be a lifesaver. It provides the necessary supplies to treat minor injuries until professional medical help arrives.
12 Feet Jumper Cable: A dead battery can leave you stranded, and a set of jumper cables can help you jumpstart your vehicle with the assistance of another driver.
Tow Strap: This is essential for situations where your vehicle needs to be towed or pulled out of a difficult spot.
Flashlight: A flashlight is invaluable during nighttime emergencies or when you need to inspect your vehicle in low-light conditions.
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Cargo Control E-Track Ratchet Straps
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Cargo Control E-Track Ratchet Straps are essential for securing cargo during transport. They provide a reliable and adjustable means to prevent shifting or damage to goods, ensuring safety on the road. These straps are versatile, easy to use, and help maintain compliance with safety regulations, making them a vital tool for truckers and logistics professionals in ensuring that loads remain secure and transportation is as safe as possible.
Pallet Jack Fork
A Pallet Jack Fork is a vital tool for truck drivers who handle cargo. It enables efficient and safe loading and unloading of goods onto and off trucks. These forks make it easier to maneuver pallets and heavy loads, reducing physical strain and the risk of injuries. Truck drivers rely on Pallet Jack Forks to streamline their logistics operations, save time, and ensure the secure transport of goods, making them an essential asset for their daily tasks.
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