O.S.H.A. and Truck Repaires

I just replaced a valve stem core, I carry a couple of them. Sure beats going to a shop and waiting an hour while a mechanic does it and then having to pay for it and do all the paperwork to get reimbursed.OR getting hold of road rescue to get it fixed. If I can fix it, I will. Last winter I replaced the whole headlight assembly (our shop gave me a new one) in 30 degree weather, I could have t-called my good load and waited a day and a half for the shop to do it.

 

I don't know the answer about what OSHA can do if a driver is unable or unwilling to do his job. It grieves me that anyone would look for an excuse to not change a light bulb. We have become a nation of steering wheel holders. Years ago, a light bulb kit and a few small hand tools were required by the regulations. We also carried a spare tire, jack, lug wrench and cheater bar. I'm talking unionized common carriers here, not owner-operators. We have become such a nation of wimps. Nobody wants to get their hands dirty anymore.

 

Miner truck repairs IS part of the job of being a truck driver. Things like replacing lights,belts,filters Save the company money and you time. Which is better spending 30 minutes to replace a belt OR 4 hrs waiting for a shop to do it? Spending 5 minutes to replace a light or an hour awaiting for a shop to do it? You should carry tools with you to do such minor repairs. I guess not wanting to fix the truck is part of this steer wheel holding mentality. "I don't get paid to do anything but sit here and drive."

As for OSHA they could care less. Driving a truck falls under FMCSA and they don't care who fixes the truck. As long as it runs safe.

 

Don't ask for OSHA to help you protect you from your own poor decisions.

Anyone who says the word OSHA around me doesn't work for me. May may have BEFORE saying it, but not after saying it.

 

Man, I thought I was lazy. At least I ain't skeert of changing a headlight or carrying a few tools with me.

 

After reading Scotty's other posts (yeah I'm bored) he says he's been driving for at least 27 years. This can only mean that you long time drivers are ...

 

I bet you are a dream to work for.

 

Just what we need...more friggin' government interference and cost to the companies......

It's not like you're doing a service or an in-frame on the rig....
If a driver is unwilling to get their hands dirty once in a while...then they should maybe look for a job flippin' burgers....

 

The premise of OSHA is well intentioned. But if we were to follow everything OSHA required...We'd never get anything accomplished....
I'm surprised OSHA doesn't require drivers to wear helmets and fire-suits.