Please Be Careful Don't Get Hurt Like Me

After almost seven years experience and many hours reading these hallowed forums, I decided it was time to take my career to the next level. LTL, line haul, home daily off weekends.

I picked the company based on the lowest equipment violation score that I felt I had access to. Not union, they're not hiring, not the big F. I applied and was hired the same day pending being vetted, drug tested and Physical. All went well. I gave two weeks notice. Celebrated New Year and went to get trained for doubles.

There was less than formal training. I asked copious questions. My trainer made it obvious I was a burden to his routine.

Third day he was in the warehouse,puttering around and told me to fetch a dolly. I backed up to an easy one. I wasn't perfectly lined up. I picked up the dolly by the eye and pulled it to line it up with the pindle hook. My left hand was crushed between the two. I knew it was bad. I latched the pindle and jumped into the tractor. When I took my glove off, it was all blood and yellow fatty tissue.

They dropped me off at the ER... No escort, no piss test. Five hours, 20 stitches and maximum pain relief later I called for a ride back. I had to drive myself home from the terminal.

And guess what, gentle reader? I had to call them! No follow up, nothing. Now I'm dealing with infection, dwindling pain medication, an insurance adjuster whose not exactly understanding how bad this is.

I know what my part and responsibility is in all of this as I have worked in staffing and know all points concerned. My cautionary tale is to demand proper instruction in new tasks and if you get hurt don't be shocked that no one gives a good flying fork.

(Yes I've retained and attorney. Work Comp in this state has a cap so they are less than interested. I have no desire to return to that company. Time to go home to the day cab state.)

 

Regretfully, no. It's infected. My hand was like (quoting the safety guy) like a hot dog in a vice.

 

Unfortunately, I relied on actual on the job training as opposed to your forum post for my instruction. My bad?

By the way, the Taxi Driver character you so snarkly refered to was a Viet Nam vet in NYC. I'm a 54 year old chick that cabbed in LA and Honolulu. Your humor is noted but didn't relieve my pain. I wanted it to, though. I just did the best that I could and got hurt. Since your training is so comprehensive, why weren't YOU there to train me?