Trucking & Warehousing

On-the-job accidents and injuries related to alcohol or drug use can be a significant source of revenue loss to employers. In New Mexico, the Workers Compensation Act states that compensenation claims filed for on-the-job injuries resulting from accidents in which drugs and alcohol are involved will not be paid. As a result, many on-the-job accidents related to alcohol are likely to be unreported or uninvestigated, and statistical information on the exact cost to employers of alcohol and drug-related accidents is unavailable.

However, several studies have shown that employees in certain specific industries are at a higher risk for on-the-job alcohol and drug use than others. Among these industries are those businesses engaged in trucking and/or warehousing of goods. Employers involved in the transportation and storage of goods should be aware that alcohol and drug use can be contributing factors in the type and frequency of on-the-job accidents.

According to an analysis of all New Mexico workers' compensation claims filed in 2001 for business SIC code 42, "Trucking & Warehousing," workers in the trucking and warehousing industry are particularly vulnerable to back injuries (34 claims) from overexertion, lifting objects. Falls both on the same level (30 claims) and from elevation (24 claims) are problems as are motor vehicle accidents with 23 claims in 2001. There were 30 claims from overexertion, pulling or pushing objects and wielding. Twenty claims involved objects striking workers. Parts of body most involved were the back (52); shoulder (18); multiple parts, the trunk and the ankle with 17 each; knee (14); legs (13) and wrists and fingers with 7 each.

Truck drivers were number two on the List of Occupations with the Twenty Highest Newly Reported Indemnity Claims in New Mexico for 2001 with 278 claims. Driver Salesmen were number eight on the list with 140 claims. Stock Handlers and Baggers were number 12 with 102 claims and Freight, Stock and Material Handlers were thirteenth with 92 claims. Young workers/new employees are included within the industry and require attention. Attention is also needed to address issues presented by language and culture. In general, this industry continues to make progress with accident prevention but suffers from the same accident/claims activity it has always had.

The complete 2001 workers' compensation claims analysis for the trucking industry can be found below, in addition to other laws, rules and regulations relating to drugs and alcohol in the workplace. If you have any questions about this material, please call us at (505) 881.1084 and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.

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• Complete 2001 Workers' Compensation Claims Analysis (PDF 27K) - Trucking & Warehousing Industry
• NM Workers' Compensation Act - excerpt regarding payment of benefits for accidents involving drugs and alcohol.
• HIPAA Statement (PDF 33K) - Privacy rights do not extend to employee drug/alcohol testing information
• Drug-free Workplace Act 1988, Abstract (PDF 29K)
• General impact of alcohol/drugs in the workplace (PDF 50K)
• NM Unemployment Compensation Precedent Manual (PDF 47K) - Unemployment benefits are not payable if drugs or alcohol were involved in employee's dismissal.
• U.S. DOT Drug Testing Procedures (PDF 1.2 MB) - Complete text of Title 49, Part 40 CFR, "Procedures For Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs"

Other Internet resources for information:

• Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
  
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  
• New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OSHA)
  
• New Mexico Worker's Compensation
  
• American Industrial Hygiene Association
  
• Association of Commerce and Industry of New Mexico