Many careers require occasional vehicle operation. Some people drive as one of their main work responsibilities. They deliver items or work for transportation companies. Others drive routinely to fulfill their job tasks. Public health nurses and home health aides may travel to patients’ homes. Repair professionals may go to businesses and residences.
Operating and riding in vehicles come with a degree of risk, and some types of vehicles are more dangerous than others. What are some of the most dangerous vehicles that professionals may need to operate while on the job?
Standard passenger vehicles
When looking at workplace safety incidents, crashes that occur in personal vehicles or company fleet vehicles are a leading cause of worker injuries and deaths. The employee might make a mistake or break traffic laws, or they might cross paths with someone who does.
Semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles
Semi-trucks can be dangerous for a lot of reasons. They can be difficult to operate safely, especially in times of inclement weather. If they collide with passenger vehicles, they can cause the total destruction of the smaller vehicle.
The professional operating the vehicle is also at risk of injury, although their risk is statistically lower than those in smaller vehicles. Commercial trucks can also be dangerous for anyone who encounters them at a loading dock or similar facility.
Forklifts, cherry pickers and similar equipment
There are a variety of mid-sized commercial vehicles intended for purposes including working on power lines or accessing goods and materials stored on high shelves. These machines can be dangerous if they malfunction. They can also be dangerous to other people near them, as workers may not be able to see or hear their coworkers while they are operating these specialized vehicles.
Tractors and other farm vehicles
Farm vehicles are actually very dangerous devices. Traditional tractors are imbalanced and are prone to tipping over, which can cause catastrophic injuries.
Tractors can easily cause motor vehicle collisions and traffic, as they are slow-moving when compared with passenger vehicles. Cultivators and other specialized farm equipment can also cause injuries if they make contact with agricultural workers in the fields.
Thankfully, workers’ compensation applies to vehicle-related incidents while on the clock, regardless of the type of vehicle. Reviewing a situation that led to an injury with a skilled legal team can help injured employees learn about benefits and manage the claims process.