Most common injuries in Washington State’s trucking industry

1. Sprains, strains, and over-exertion
   These are the top causes of work-related injury in the trucking sector in Washington. 

   • Often happen when drivers lift heavy loads, strap/unstrap cargo, or move things manually. 

   • Many sprains/strains linked to connecting/disconnecting trailers or opening stuck trailer doors. 

2. Falls
   Both same-level falls (slips/trips) and falls from height are frequent claims, especially among incidents requiring hospitalization. 

3. Vehicle collisions / transportation incidents
   These are less frequent than sprains/strains, but tend to result in more serious outcomes (fatalities, high medical cost, long lost work time). 

4. Non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders
   Disorders of the neck, back, and upper extremities (from repetitive motions, overuse) are common, across sectors (freight, courier, etc.). 

5. Fatalities

   • Transportation incidents are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the trucking/transportation sectors. 

   • In Washington state, truck drivers are among the occupations with high fatal injury risk. In 2022, heavy & tractor-trailer truck drivers accounted for 10 of the 25 transportation & material moving worker fatalities. 

Some Important Statistics

• Roughly 1 in 13 truck drivers in Washington suffer a work-related injury serious enough to miss work in a given year. 

• From 2006-2012: sprains, strains, and overexertion accounted for more than $107 million in costs and 576,000 lost work days. 

• Vehicle collisions / transportation incidents, though fewer, have higher fatality risk and high cost per claim.