As online shopping continues to boom, everything from household essentials to business supplies is being shuttled across our highways, leading to an unprecedented surge in transportation jobs. In fact, the trucking industry alone welcomed 1.2 million new drivers in 2022. That’s a lot of newcomers hitting the roads!
If you’re among these new faces, or even if you’ve been navigating these routes for years, it’s critical to know your rights and how to stay safe while on the job. Tragically, according to the United States Department of Transportation, the past decade has seen over 370,000 transportation-related fatalities, affecting both everyday drivers and professional workers.
While there’s plenty of advice on what to do post-accident as a motorist, there’s surprisingly little targeted guidance for transportation workers who find themselves in these harrowing situations. This article aims to fill that gap by focusing on your rights and delivering practical safety tips to protect you throughout your journeys. Let’s begin!
Your Legal Rights as a Transportation Worker
As a transportation worker, you have specific rights designed to protect you while on the job. It’s crucial to understand these rights so you can ensure they are fully respected and enforced.
Know Your Work Hours
Under federal law, Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit the number of hours you can drive and work each day and week to prevent fatigue-related accidents. In general, you cannot drive more than 11 hours a day and must take a 10-hour break before driving again.
The maximum number of hours you can work in a week depends on whether your employer operates every day or not, but it typically ranges from 60 to 70 hours. It’s your employer’s responsibility to ensure your schedule complies with HOS regulations, but you should also track your hours diligently to avoid violations that could put you and others at risk.
Right to Compensation
You have a fundamental right to seek compensation if you’re injured while working. This includes workers’ compensation benefits, which should cover all your medical expenses related to the injury and potentially a portion of your lost earnings if you’re temporarily unable to work.
While you can certainly file a claim on your own, it’s often advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation. A local attorney, such as a Los angeles workers’ compensation attorney if you were injured in Los Angeles, will have a deep understanding of your state’s specific laws and regulations. They can help you handle the often complex claims process, advocate for your rights, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Workplace Safety Standards
You are entitled to a safe working environment. This includes well-maintained vehicles and the necessary safety equipment like reflective vests, gloves, hard hats, or fall protection gear, depending on your specific duties.
If your work conditions seem unsafe or your equipment is inadequate, you have the right to report these issues to your supervisor without fear of retaliation. Your employer should conduct regular inspections, promptly repair, and address any safety concerns you report.
Furthermore, your employer should provide you with the training you need to do your job safely, including defensive driving techniques, safe loading procedures, and handling of hazardous materials (if applicable).
What to Do in Case of an Accident?
Accidents can happen to anyone, even the most careful drivers. Knowing what to do right after an accident can help keep everyone safe and protect your rights.
Check for Safety
First, make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe. Check yourself and others for injuries. If it’s safe to do so, move to a secure location off the road to avoid any further hazards.
Call for Help
Immediately call 911 if there are any injuries or significant damage. The police can file a report, which is crucial for insurance claims and legal matters. They’ll document the scene and gather important information for your case.
Document the Scene
Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, including all vehicles involved, noticeable damage, and road conditions. These photos can be very valuable evidence if you need to prove what happened.
Knowing these steps can make a stressful situation a bit easier to manage. Always stay calm and focused, ensuring the safety of everyone involved and protecting your rights as a driver.
To Sum It All Up
By staying informed about your rights, taking care of your health, and knowing what to do in emergencies, you can help ensure your safety and a long and successful career in this fast-growing industry. So, share this article with as many drivers as possible to spread this awareness.
Also Read: Uniform Safety Standards: Importance In High-Risk Professions
