The High Stakes of Tire Chocking: Protecting Lives, Reducing Costs, and Ensuring Safety in the Trucking Industry
Injuries at Shipping Docks Due to Failure to Chock Tires
* It's estimated that over 2,000 injuries and 100 deaths occur each year at shipping docks due to the failure to properly chock the tires on trucks.
*These injuries primarily involve workers being struck by moving vehicles, falling from trailers, or being caught between trucks and loading docks.
• Annual Injuries:
Cost of Injury
* Medical expenses for injuries resulting from failure to chock tires can range from $10,000 for minor injuries to $100,000+ for severe injuries, such as broken bones or traumatic injuries requiring long-term rehabilitation.
* Long-term Care: Serious injuries can result in additional ongoing medical care or physical therapy, further increasing the total cost.
• Medical Costs:
* Injuries can cause employees to miss anywhere from a few days to several months of work, resulting in lost productivity, which could cost companies thousands of dollars in downtime and delays.
* In some cases, the total economic impact of an injury, including lost time and medical expenses, can exceed $500,000 for severe cases.
• Lost Productivity:
Litigation Cost
* In the event of a lawsuit, legal fees can range from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
* Companies may also incur settlement costs or court judgments, which can range from $50,000 to several million dollars for significant injuries or fatalities.
• Legal Fees:
• Workers’ Compensation Claims:
* Litigation may be combined with workers' compensation claims, leading to further costs. Workers' compensation claims can add up to $50 billion annually for the industry as a whole.
Insurance Impact
* Companies with frequent incidents related to failure to chock tires will face higher workers' compensation premiums, often seeing increases of 20-50% depending on the frequency and severity of injuries.
* Liability Insurance: Companies may also see increased liability insurance premiums. This can lead to a 5-15% rise in rates for those with a history of such incidents.
• Insurance Premiums:
* A history of tire-chocking-related injuries could classify a company as high-risk, resulting in significant increases in premiums or even policy cancellation by insurers.
• High-Risk Classification:
• Claim History:
* A poor claims history can lead to more stringent insurance requirements or higher deductible levels, increasing financial strain on the company.