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Truck driving makes top 10 danger jobs
Page 9
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• Driving trucks is one of the top )0 most dangerous professions in the UK, with drivers more than six times more likely to suffer a fatal accident than other British workers.
A study by the Department of Public Health at Oxford University investigated the most dangerous occupations using mortality statistics, Fishermen came top of the mortality stakes, being more than 50 times more likely to have a fatal accident at work compared with other workers. Lorry drivers came in 10th, just above farm and sewage workers.
The mortality rate was 14.9 per 100,000 worker-years for truck drivers, compared with 103.1deaths for fishermen.
Dr Stephen Roberts, who headed the research, explains why truck drivers come out so high: "They are largely at risk due to traffic accidents," he says. "There were 325 deaths in the period we studied and 228 of them were motor vehicle traffic accidents." Road safety organisation Brake says it is not surprised. "That's why Brake does what it does, says a spokeswoman. if more companies implemented and knew about better practice then we wouk:I see truck driving falling out of the top10."
Another study currently underway by a team at Aberdeen University is examining how vibrations from vehicles affect the back, shoulders and neck Of professional drivers.
The 18-month study seeks to determine a relationship between people regularly exposed to such vibrations and those suffering from back part. Researchers are appealing for drivers to come forward and help in their investigation.
To participate or enquire further call Dr Lanre Okunribido on 01224 558199.
• The dangers of being on motorway hard shoulders were graphically illustrated this week when a truck crashed into the back of an ambulance, killing the man it had arrived to treat.
Avon and Somerset Polk have arrested the 52-year-el lorry driven from Pontypool, o suspicion of causing death dangerous driving. He has bee release on bail.
Police have launched a investigation into the acejder which happened just befot 16110hrs on Sunday 18 August c the eastbound stretch of the PO motorway between junctions and 18. Two paramedics fro' Avon Ambulance Service wer treating a man, who had con plained of chest pains while was driving, when the crash hai period. He died instantly.
The HGV climbed an embarkl ment before somersaulting bar onto the motorway. Drivers wei forced to veer out of the way it spilled its load of steel acra two lanes.
The unnamed lorry driver Is been described as “walkil wounded". The paramedics wei treated for serious injuries Bristol's Frenshay Hospital.