Workplace injury

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by truckerc2020, Jul 8, 2020.

  1. truckerc2020

    truckerc2020 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 8, 2020
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    Hey y'all, I had a workplace injury roughly 2 months ago, I fell off the truck and broke my wrist, had to get a plate and some screws. I have my follow up about it tomorrow, but my company wants me to come back and train this new guy. According to them I wouldn't need to perform any physical activity except shadow and supervise his driving and him strapping/unloading his load. The thing is though we work in delivery of construction materials, so the terrain can be asphalt or mud, and everything in between. My boss and I had a little discussion as well about getting in the truck with 3 points of contact. I broke my dominant wrist, he claims that I can get in and out of the truck with 3 points of contact with 2 feet and 1 hand. Making sure I have both feet securely planted before making any body movement. But Even if I move one foot off of the step to step down this doesn't sound like consistent 3 points. My worry is that with having my wrist still on the mend, that I'm at higher risk of falling off the truck again or slipping and trying to brace my fall with my dominant arm.

    TLDR my questions are;
    1. Are 3 points of contact with 2 feet and 1 hand considered safe actions, especially while one arm is still on the mend?
    2. Is it safe to work in constantly changing conditions where there is slip or fall hazards with a wrist still on the mend?

    Before anyone asks, yes, I did have 3 points with 2 hands a 1 foot when I had my initial fall. I lost my grip or footing on the way down.
     
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  3. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    First I would consult with the workers comp doctor, that is handling your case, then consult your personal doctor to compare.
    Offer to your employer your services in a different function while still in the company guidelines regarding ‘light duty return to work’.
    If you give the impression to your employer you are refusing to return for any type of work, they may have grounds for termination.
    Document all conversations, note names, dates, times.
    Ask someone from the safety dept to demonstrate to you how to enter and exit the truck on the passenger side using only 1 hand, and maintained 3 pt contact.
     
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  4. Trucking in Tennessee

    Trucking in Tennessee Road Train Member

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    Videotape them showing you how to do this. I doubt seriously if they can terminate over a workman's comp injury. In fact I had one in January and wanted to drive but the company absolutely would not allow it. I was released to go back to work March 15th on a "try it and see" basis I tore a ligament in my wrist and had a deep knee bruise.
     
  5. Rubber duck kw

    Rubber duck kw Road Train Member

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    I can see why you're wary, 8 weeks is far enough out I'd go ahead and do it but go with what the doctor says. You don't want to screw up a screwed together bone.
     
  6. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    There are so many quarks across each state on what constitutes a workplace injury and what you are allowed to do and what the company can do. So, because of that, I won't get too deep into an answer. What I will do is HIGHLY advise to NEVER go past what you feel comfortable doing. To this end, if you have to return to the physician handling your care and let them be the final authority on if you work limited duty or not then so be it. If you have to follow Johnny Paycheck's advice remember there are plenty of places that will hire you within days.
     
  7. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    i would strongly suggest that you secure a lawyer with worker's comp experience. just by you climbing into that truck, can constitute you are able to work.

    all that weight on your wrist can break something, and make matters worse.
     
  8. sirhwy

    sirhwy Medium Load Member

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    Yes. I wouldn’t report for work unless the Work Comp doc okays it. You could screw up your claim.
     
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  9. Trucking in Tennessee

    Trucking in Tennessee Road Train Member

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    Most quality employers have a routine they follow before they release you to do back to work. Major companies are more rigid. No matter how bad he wants to go back to work, his doctor should be the only one that certifies him able to work. As long as he is drawing workman's comp checks he is not allowed to work.
     
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  10. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    this is why an attorney that specializes in workers comp, can protect him. the lawyer DOES NOT charge the worker.

    comp insurance pays the lawyers

    i know this, i was on comp many years ago.
     
  11. Trucking in Tennessee

    Trucking in Tennessee Road Train Member

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    Well of course they pay them. But why would he need a lawyer right now? He hasn't been cleared to go back to work. Sadly, it seems the bozos at his company don't understand the process. If they try to force him to go back to work before he is cleared THEN it would be time to talk to an attorney.
     
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