In our industry, personal safety is always a concern. The use of proper PPE is vitally important to help prevent injury or death. The PPE required can vary greatly depending on the type of driving you are doing. If you’re pulling a van or reefer, minimal and in some cases no PPE is required. But just because it’s not required does not mean it’s a good idea to take chances. At the very least, when outside of the truck at a shipper or receiver, it’s a good idea to have on at the very least a reflective safety vest and steel toed boots. If you’re pulling decks, more PPE is generally required. Boots, reflective vest, hard hat and usually safety glasses with side shields. Some places also require long pants and long sleeve shirts. You may not understand, or accept the reasons for the PPE requirements, but in this industry, like many others, safety requirements are, as they say, written in blood. There are countless examples of workplace injuries and deaths that have resulted in these rules, and the tools used to reduce the risk.
Also, when you’re on the customer’s property, especially the dock, don’t be using your cell phone, either for a conversation, or listening to music. The distraction could lead to a serious incident.
