Celtic Romance: Video Script Series

What the Truck

Here are some technical safety Training Videos I wrote for the What the Truck series – I created the character, Cletus

Character Description:

Cletus is a trucker. He wears a black cowboy hat. He might come from a rancher upbringing or all his heroes might be cowboys or wearing a black cowboy hat might be his thing, no one knows why he always wears the hat and no one cares. He’s cool and laid back, has a slight ego, and excludes tons of southern charm. He’s a bit of a rule breaker but never when it comes to safety. That’s the one thing he’s serious about. And, when it comes to trucking, he knows his stuff.

What the Truck

SLEEP APNEA AND TRUCKING

Hi there. How are yawl? Cletus is the name. And, Diesel Trucking is my game. They tell me that diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Now yawl sit a spell, cause I’ve got something important to tell you. Yep, I’m coming through to you today with a safety tip that can save your life. No fooling.

It’s good that I’m a man of few words cause this only takes two —sleep apnea. Yep, apnea is one of those fancy Greek words. It just means—without breath. Because, if you have sleep apnea, you’ll have silent pauses while you sleep, those are moments when your breath has stopped. That’s right. You can’t breathe.

It gets worse. Those breathless moments happen all though the night, I’m talking about several hundred times a night. It's as deadly serious as it sounds. As serious as a nest of rattlesnakes.

The University of Pennsylvania did a study, sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the American Transportation Research Institute of the American Trucking Associations, which found that almost one-third of commercial truck drivers have mild to severe sleep apnea.

Furthermore, the most common type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea. To put it in a nutshell, this happens if your airway is fully or partially blocked when you’re sleeping. You see, when you fall asleep, your muscles relax. Your airway is tubes of muscles, so those that keep your throat open relax also, but your throat will still stay open enough to let air pass. However, for some people their soft, movable tissues, like the palate or tongue, fall backward and block the airway.

Two things happen if your airway is closed off. One is when you try to breathe, any air that squeezes past the blockage can cause loud snoring. The second thing is that your body’s oxygen level drops since you can’t breathe. You struggle for air until your body wakes you up to breathe. It’s the muscle relaxation that happens while sleeping that can cause sleep apnea in some people. Also, some people have large tonsils, which is another cause of sleep apnea.

There’s another type, Central Sleep Apnea, that’s more unusual. It happens when your breathing muscles don’t read your brain loud and clear. To put it another way, the part of the brain that controls breathing won’t send the right signals to the breathing muscles. So, you can’t breathe, but only for short periods of time. Also, central sleep apnea can occur with obstructive sleep apnea or alone. Usually, there’s no snoring with central sleep apnea.

Let me put it this way, if you’ve been told you snore loudly between silent pauses and short gasp of breath…you beta high tail it to the doctor’s office. Get the Doc to check you out right away, cause sleep apnea can be big trouble! You can fall asleep while driving.

Yep, that got your attention, didn’t it? Now it is true, a lot of sleep apnea patients never fall asleep at the wheel. But, you don’t need to fall asleep to have a crash. Sleep apnea is a leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. And sleepiness or fatigue is dangerous when driving. The Center for Motor Vehicle Studies found fatigue has a cumulative effect that’s as intoxicating and impairing to your driving ability as alcohol.

What’s for sure is that if you do have sleep apnea and don’t treat it, you’re in for a rough ride. Trust me, you don't want to play around with this hellacious hazard. You should talk to the Doc if you’re tired all the time or have any of these symptoms:

· Morning headaches

· Loud snoring

· Gasping or choking while sleeping

· Loss of sex drive or impotence

· Excessive daytime sleepiness

· Disturbed sleep

· Memory or learning problems and not being able to concentrate

· Feeling irritable, depressed, or having mood swings or personality changes

· Waking up frequently to urinate

· Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up

You see, sleep apnea can sneak up on you. I’m telling you, most people with sleep apnea don't know they have it. How can they? It only happens when you’re asleep. The person you share a bed with we’ll be the first to notice any loud snoring. Snoring can be harmless or it can be big trouble.

Sleep Apnea is often undiagnosed. The doc usually won’t see any sign of it during a routine visit or annual check up. So, before you see the Doc for any sleep apnea symptoms, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggests keeping a sleep diary for a couple of weeks so you can bring it to your appointment.

If the Doc thinks you might have sleep apnea, they’ll send you on to a specialist for further evaluation and therapy. You might have to stay the night at one of those sleep centers for testing, where they’ll monitor your sleep and all, no big deal. Sometimes you can do the sleep test at home, that’s as easy as pie, you just pick up and drop off a small device. Either way, after that testing, you’ll know for sure. You’ll either be diagnosed with sleep Apnea or it’ll be completely ruled out.

And if it’s sleep apnea, it’ll increase your odds big time for serious health risk. I’m talking:

· Stroke

· Obesity

· Diabetes

· Arrhythmias

· Heart attack

· High Blood Pressure

· And work related driving accidents

Hey, sleep apnea can cause them all. And, risk factors also come into play. Anyone can get Sleep Apnea at any age, men or women, thin or obese, but there are some circumstances that could put you at a higher risk.

Consider:

· A family history of sleep apnea

· Having a small upper airway

· Obesity

· Having a recessed chin, small jaw, or a large overbite

· Having large tonsils

· A large neck size (17 inches or greater for men, 16 inches or greater for women)

· Smoking and alcohol use

· Being age 40 or older

· Male gender

· Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)

· Nasal Obstruction due to a deviated septum

· Allergies or sinus problems

· Excessive daytime sleepiness

If you’ve got sleep apnea you’ll be tired. Tired as a dog. Some days you’ll feel like you don’t want to do nothing, but sit around and watch your truck rust. No good can come of taking to the road like that. But if sleep apnea is bothering you, the Doc will fix you up.

With the Doc’s help, you can dodge that sleep apnea. All it takes is one or more of these remedies, whatever the Doc says:

· Life Style changes (loosing weight)

· Mouthpiece

· Sleeping with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine

· And sometimes surgery

Then you can get a good night sleep. And, there ain’t nothing better than a good nights sleep, except the open road when you’re awake and refreshed, with miles to go.

Well, I’ve had about much fun as I can have for one day, discussing trucking safety. Thanks for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, keep on trucking, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Yeah, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to trucking safety, I always play it safe.

What The Truck

Lifting – Especially For Movers

Hi there. How are yawl? Cletus is the name. And, Trucking is my game. You know they tell me that diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Now yawl sit a spell, cause I’ve got something important to tell you. Yep, I’m coming through to you today with some safety tips for professional movers that’ll save you a lot of strain and pain. Did you know overall that back pain is a chief work-related disorder from all sorts of jobs. No fooling.

And, I’ve got some tips to help you steer clear of lifting related injuries like cumulative disorders, that’s fancy talk for stuff like low back pain due to gradual and cumulative deterioration of the musculoskeletal, and acute trauma, that’s fancy talk for stuff like cuts or fractures due to accidents.

You see moving men and women do the

§ Heavy Lifting

§ The frequent lifting

§ And the awkward lifting

You know we do.

Not awkward? Oh, you think you always look cool when you’re lifting. Showing off the muscles. Right. Think again. Awkward Lifting’s like:

· Above your shoulders

Lifting above shoulder height puts stress on your upper back, shoulders, and arms.

· Below the height of your waist

Lifting from below waist height puts stress on your legs, knees, and back.

Carrying loads on one shoulder, under an arm or in one hand

Yep, showing off like that makes you seem a little cool, but it also causes uneven pressure on the spine and that’s about as far away from cool as you can get. Don’t do it. It’s a fools move.

· Reaching or at lifting at arms length

Reaching moves the load away from your back and that adds a heavy strain on your shoulders.

· Bending while lifting

That’ll force your back to support the weight of your upper body in addition to the weight you’re lifting. Bending while lifting moves the load away from the body and allows leverage to highly increase the effective load on the back, increasing stress on your lower spine and making your muscles tired.

In the moving industry, we do a lot of awkward lifting. You know we do.

Here’s what you should do instead.

§ Try not to twist your body, especially when bending forward while lifting. Turn by moving the feet rather than twisting your torso. It’s all in the feet, stay light and smooth on your feet.

§ Move items close to your body and use your legs when lifting an item from a low location

§ Use buckets with handles, or similar devices, to carry loose items.

§ Mover closer to what your lifting, that includes using a ladder or step stool if you need to.

§ When lifting large, bulky loads, bend at the waist instead of at the knees to keep the load closer to your body.

§ When you can slide instead of lift, slide it.

What’s the problem? Well, some items cause more problems than others. Lifting furniture, fragile items, non-symmetrical items, oddly shaped items, or extremely heavy items. For these you’ve got keep your eyes peeled for:

• Clutter that makes access and movement difficult

• Uneven floor surfaces

• Inappropriate or no equipment or aids to move objects

• A mismatch between the object to be moved and available moving equipment or aids

• Not enough people to do the task

• Limited time, needing to move objects quickly or no time to wait for assistance

• Heavy, awkward or bulky objects.

Problem items are no problem for me. You see, I’m smarter than I look. I’ll tell you something, all you need to work smart is technique.

You just need the right technique:

§ Before you lift anything, clear the path. If you see anything that you or your coworkers can trip or slip on, move it out of the way.

§ Don’t try moving heavy or awkward furniture or bulky items alone. Take it from me, no matter how strong you are, it’s still easier to maneuver tables, couches, and desks down hallways, through doorways, and around turns with a partner assisting you.

§ Look straight ahead, don’t turn your head to the side.

§ Get a firm footing — keep your feet about shoulder width for best stability. I’m telling you it’s all in the feet.

§ Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Don’t bend at your waist, unless you’re lifting large, bulky loads. We went over that when we talked about awkward lifting.

§ Tighten your stomach muscles before lifting it prevents stress on your spine

§ Lift with your legs, not your back muscles

§ Make sure the boxes stuff is packed in can withhold the pressure of the items. With long distance moves especially, items will put a lot of strain on boxes, which can cause weak boxes to lose support. If a box loses support while being carried, it can cause damage to the items inside as well as to the worker carrying it.

§ Take small steps when carrying heavy objects.

§ Position the object or box and lower it into place by slowly bending your knees until the object or box touches the ground.

§ Use Team lifting. Moving furniture, televisions or beds and maneuvering around corners and walls so you don’t scratch, crack, or dent anything calls for more than one person. Even if you’re only carrying them a few feet, those items take two people. Simultaneous lifting is key, as the two forces used to move these heavy items need to work together. Use a simple “3-2-1” countdown before picking up or lifting an item to keep in sync, and if your motion or direction is going to change while carrying a heavy item, always tell your lifting partner.

As the hellacious safety watchdog that I am, I want to cover two other things regarding safe lifting and those are stretching and the weather.

Yep, stretch out, but I don’t mean on a hammock beneath a shade tree on a lazy afternoon. I’m talking about warm up exercises. Stretching before a move can prevent muscle cramps and other injuries. You especially need to stretch your legs because you’re moving stuff up and downstairs. Start each job with some warm-up back twists, hamstring stretches, knee-ups or just jog in place until your muscles are limber and ready for safe lifting.

Another thing to take into account is the weather. It can be rough.

When it’s cold…I mean as cold as a frosted frog…that can decrease the flexibility in your muscles, which can result in muscle pulls.

And when it’s hot…I mean hotter than blue blazes…that can cause dehydration, fatigue, and increased metabolic load. Well, metabolic load is fancy talk for a drain or burden on the way your body generates energy.

So if it’s as cold as a banker’s heart or so hot you can fry an egg on the sidewalk, here are some things you can do:

· When possible, employers should adjust the employees work schedules to minimize exposure to extreme temperatures.

· Wear warm clothes in cold weather.

· When it’s hot, drink a lot of water so you won’t get dehydrated

And for working in the dark, employers need to provide proper lighting for areas with low light. And they also need to try to schedule workers so that most of the work can be done in daylight hours, when possible.

Well, I’ve had about much fun as I can have for one day, discussing lifting safety. Thanks to all of you for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, keep on trucking, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Remember, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to lifting and trucking safety, I always play it safe.

WHAT THE TRUCK

WALK-BOARD SAFETY –MOVER’S SPECIFIC

How are yawl? Cletus is the name. And, Diesel Trucking is my game. They say diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Now yawl sit a spell, cause I’ve got a few things to say about moving drivers and safety, especially when using walkboards.

I always thought of myself as cool…until I slipped on a walkboard. Of course I was still cool, I just didn’t look cool, and we can’t let that happen.

I’ll tell you something else that’s not cool, the bruises, sprains, and broken bones you can get from slipping or falling on a walkboard. And falls from walk boards are common sources of injuries to movers, but most of these injuries are totally avoidable.

Let me give you some examples:

When a mover arrived at a job, he found his supervisor had only brought a fractured span board instead of a wallboard for the unload. They were at a remote location and his supervisor said it would take too long to go back for the right equipment. The supervisor insisted the mover use the span board. The board fell when the worker was off-loading. The poor guy shattered his heel and couldn’t return to work for a long time.

Another example of a walkboard accident is when this moving truck driver parked at an odd angle, but he wouldn’t repark the truck to make it level. With the truck parked the way it was, the walkboard was at an odd angle. There’s more. The walkboard wasn’t pinned to the trailer. So, when the mover stepped onto the walk board, he heard a loud cracking noise as he felt the board slide beneath his feet. He tried to back off the walkboard, but he wasn’t fast enough. He injured his is hand and knee in the fall and he lost more than two months of work.

Good communication between employees and employers is essential to maintaining a safe work environment. And both employees and employers play an important part in ensuring safety on the job.

But, equipment issues aren’t the only things that cause slips and falls from walkboards. Slips are also caused by slippery surfaces, compounded by wearing the wrong footwear.

In normal walking, two types of slips occur. In the first of these, the heel of the worker’s forward foot contacts the walking surface. Then, the front foot slips forward, and the worker falls backwards. The second type of slip happens when the worker’s rear foot slips backward. The force to move forward is on the sole of the rear foot. As the rear heal is lifted and the force moves forward to the front of the sole, the foot slips back and the worker falls.

The force that allows you to walk without slipping is called traction. Too little traction between your feet and the walking board will cause you to loose your balance and slip.

So, there are two main things that are equally involved in falling or not falling from a walkboard. Those two things are the state of the walkboard and the state of your feet—actually the state of your workshoes or boots.

To stop most slips and falls and the injuries they cause, you just need a dry walking surface and slip-resistant shoes or boots. But, if the walkboard is very slippery, say, as slippery as a puddle of pudding, well then, there aren’t any workshoes or boots that can provide safe traction.

Let’s talk more about work shoes and boots. You need to check the soles to make sure they’re free of mud, oil, or anything that might cause you to slip. And, frequently check the tread on the sole. If you have high quality work shoes or boots you can get them resoled when needed, if there is other wear and tear on them that lessens the support and protection of your feet, then get new work shoes or boots. The most important way to protect your feet is to wear footwear with slip resistant soles and heels that keep your feet dry and comfortable, and offer strong arch support, even after a long day on your feet.

Besides wearing the wrong footwear and walking on a slippery surface, there are a lot of other behaviors that cause movers to slip and fall off walkboards. But, I have good news, I’ve listed ways to prevent these falls. Let’s start with those that are in the employers’ control.

Here are some ways for employers to protect the movers who work for them:

· Include walk board pins in your inventory process before each job.

· Provide squeegees and towels to dry off walkboards and truck beds.

· Each time you hire workers, fully train them on proper walkboard use, and other mover safety, including how to communicate in team lifts, before you send any of them out on a job.

As far as the movers themselves go, I’ve learned some ways to stay on my feet and stay safe on the job. And, I’ve got some hot tips for you:

· Moving from light to dark areas, or vice versa, can cause temporary vision problems that might be just enough to cause you to slip on a slick surface. Make sure there is adequate lighting to ensure proper vision.

· Make sure the walkboard is clear of any debris that might have fallen on it or been carried by the wind to it since you set it up.

· Walk at a safe speed, don’t walk fast. Walking too fast can cause major problems. In normal walking, the most force is exerted when the heel strikes the ground, but when walking fast, one lands harder on the heel of the front foot and pushes harder off the sole of the rear foot so it’s harder to prevent slips and falls when you’re walking fast.

· Make sure the correct ramps and walk boards are loaded before each job.

· Inspect the walk board before use to make sure it’s not damaged.

· Double check that walkboards and ramps are properly attached so they won't slip off when someone is walking on it.

· Be extra careful in bad weather like rain or snow. I’m telling you, walk with slow, deliberate steps on wet walk boards. Because they can be as slick as a boiled onion.

· Discuss any hazards you notice with your team.

· Discuss in advance how you and your lifting partner will communicate when to lift and any problems.

· Use a flashlight or extension light in dim or

unlit areas.

· Look straight ahead, keep a clear line of vision, don’t turn your head to the side.

· Be cautious. Remember, if you’re in a hurry, tired, or stressed that can increase your chance of slipping, tripping, or falling.

· Take small steps when carrying heavy objects.

Well, I’ve had about as much fun as I can have for one day, discussing walkboard safety. Thanks to all of you for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, keep on trucking, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Remember, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to trucking, moving, and safety, I always play it safe.

What The Truck

Slips/Trips/Falls

Hey. How are yawl? Cletus, here. Diesel Trucking is my game. They say diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Now yawl sit a spell, cause I’ve got a few things to say about trucking safety. I always thought of myself as cool…until I fell down a few times. That’s not cool. I don’t mean falling down from a night of drinking with the boys. I mean falling down on the job…literally.

I’ll tell you something else that’s not cool, the bruises, sprains, and broken bones that slips, trips, and falls left me with. So, I learned some ways to stay on my feet and stay safe on the job. And, I’ve got some hot tips for you.

First off, did you know that even though OSHA doesn’t regulate self-employed truckers, it does regulate the workplaces that truckers deliver to? You see, they require employers to make sure warehouses, docks, construction sites, and other workplaces that we truckers deliver to and pick up loads from are safe.

Take it from me, I’ve been around plenty of loading docks and ramps. I’ve seen it all. You’ll run into crowded, heavy-traffic areas, and wet working and walking surfaces.

And definitely don’t let yourself get tripped up by metal dock plates. Be careful with metal. Keep your eyes peeled for metal dock plates that have been worn smooth. They’re a heck more slippery than wood or concrete. Especially when those metal dock boards or ramps get wet, muddy, or greasy. I’m telling you, watch the edges of dock plates. Why they’re more slippery than a puddle of pudding.

You see, you’ve gotta stay smooth on your feet. It’s all in the feet. And, don’t go accidentally stepping backwards off the dock. Not a cool move. Also, don’t jump to the ground. In your mind that may look cool, but you’re really just falling down and hurting yourself, cause the ground’s slippery or uneven. Yeah, not cool at all.

I’m telling you, be thankful for portable railings. You do need them. You’re not as smooth on your feet as you think you are. Those portable rails stop a lot of slips, trips, and falls from happening. They’re easily installed at the edge of the dock, and they just take them off when a truck or tractor pulls up at the dock, and then they just set them back as soon as the truck or tractor drives away.

Ramps and gangplanks, hey, watch out for them. If the slopes aren’t as gradual as they should be or not as wide as they’re supposed to be or not as dry as needed, you can go down into a hard fall. Skid-resistant surfaces are a big step to making ramps and gangplanks safer.

You can ask anyone. I’m known more for breaking rules than for following them. Except when it comes to safety. That’s a different story.

Here are some rules I always go by:

· Face the cab and use the three-point system when entering and exiting the cab. That’s alternating between two feet on the steps and one hand on the rails or two hands on the rails and one foot on the steps. Because I know you’ve heard that saying…fell off a truck. Like he fell of a turnip truck or he fell off a tater truck or a watermelon truck or something. Yep, it’s not a compliment. Don’t be the guy that fell off the truck.

· And use that same three-point system when you’re climbing between the power unit and the trailer to hook up brake and electrical lines.

· Watch out for slippery surfaces on or around your truck.

· Take your flashlight when you’re walking around your truck at night, so you can spot and avoid uneven walking surfaces or potholes.

· Don’t jump off cabs or trailer bodies

· Keep a clear line of vision when manually carrying freight. Carry only what you can handle on the type of surface you’re walking on.

· Use designated foot and handholds when climbing to clean truck windows and mirrors.

· When you’re working on the catwalk behind the tractor, go slow and watch out for slipping or catching your heel on metal grating.

· Use the three-point system when climbing up to tarp or untarp, secure the load, or close hatch covers. Use a fall restraint system when possible.

· Watch out for gusts of wind that could throw you off balance.

· Try to stay clear of straps when you’re tightening them or pulling them off a load.

· Watch out for oil slicks, trash, broken pallets, loose or missing handrails, etc. on the loading dock. Take time to clean up any messes.

· Be cautious. Remember, if you’re in a hurry, tired, or stressed that can increase your chance of slipping, tripping, or falling.

· Never climb down with something in your free hand. Instead, put it on the vehicle floor and reach for it when you get down to the ground.

· After a long run, climb out of the cab slowly so you don’t pull a muscle.

· Grip the rails and handles firmly.

· Never use the doorframe or edge of the door as a handle when you climb down.

· Never use the tires or wheel hubs as steps.

· Wear shoes with good support and good traction and check that they don’t have mud, snow, ice, grease, or anything else on them.

· Be extra cautious in bad weather like rain or snow.

And I’ve got three extra tips for you when it comes to unloading a flatbed.

· Make sure the running board, tread, step, foothold, and platform are clean and dry before stepping on them

· Before you step up have a firm grip and place your foot securely on the step.

· Watch out when you’re securing the load on a flatbed, it’s all in the feet, make sure your footing is secure especially if your walking backwards.

Now, workers in the trucking industry get more broken bones from falling than anything else but the second way they get fractures the most is from getting hit. But don’t go worrying about that, I’ve some tips for you:

· When opening the trailer doors of a truck, open one door first, grip it while it opens, and then step off to the side. If the load shifted during your run, that’ll prevent the door from swinging open and hitting you or other people nearby. It also keeps you from being struck by any material that might tumble out of the truck.

· Wear a safety vest, so you’re visible to other drivers. Safety vests are legally required in areas where there are moving vehicles.

· Before you remove a load from a trailer, make sure it’s stable and that it hasn’t shifted.

· Make sure there aren’t any workers in the trailer when the lift truck operator is using the lift truck in the trailer.

· Make sure the work area is well lit so the drivers and loading-dock workers can see clearly

Well, I’ve had about as much fun as I can have for one day, discussing trucking safety. Thanks to all of you for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime keep on trucking and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Remember, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to trucking safety, I always play it safe.

WHAT THE TRUCK

CARPEL TUNNEL SYNDROME - EDUCATION, PREVENTION FOR TRUCKERS

Hey. How are yawl? Cletus, is the name and Diesel Trucking is my game. They say diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Now yawl sit a spell, cause I’ve got a few things to say about trucking safety. You see, heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving is one of the high-risk occupations for carpal tunnel syndrome. Let me tell you, don’t want to get carpel tunnel syndrome cause it sure will put a hitch in your gitalong.

First, let’s talk about what carpel tunnel is. The carpel tunnel is the bony cavity in your wrist that your nerves and tendons extend through into your hand. When you move your hands and wrists in the same motion every day, it puts a strain on those tendons and they swell and press down on the main nerve of your hand. This can cause pain, numbness, and dysfunction in your hands and wrists that even your forearm and elbow.

Let me you the effect carpal tunnel syndrome has on workers. First off, it’s one of the musculoskeletal disorders. And Work related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most frequently reported causes of time absent from work and restricted work time. Those smart people over at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) accounted for 32 percent of all cases of injury and illness in 2014, and that the MSD incidence rate that year was 33.8 cases per 10,000 full-time workers. Carpal tunnel and other musculoskeletal disorders are keeping people from working.

You’re Probably Wondering What Are The Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

· Tingling in the fingers—the thumb, and the index, middle, and ring fingers.

· Numbness in the fingers can occur in more advanced cases

· Also loss of manual dexterity occur in more advanced cases‑ The person may drop objects or be unable to use keys or count change with the affected hand

· Weakness in the hands that causes difficulty with pinch and grasp.

· Difficulty making a fist

· A burning sensation that moves up your fingers to your elbow

· Hand or finger pain that worsens at night or wakes you up at night‑ and night pain. The pain awakens the patient, but is often relieved by shaking, hanging, or massaging the hand. Pain may involve not only the hand, but also the arm and shoulder.

· The urge to shake out your hands to make your fingers regain feeling

· Trouble gripping small objects

· Loss of ability to feel heat and cold

· The skin may be dry because of reduced sweating.

Yep, carpal tunnel syndrome can make your hands as full of pains as an old window.

So How Can To Tell If You’ve Got It?

Have you ever been driving down the road and felt numbness or tingling in your hand and wrist? Or have you ever been chaining down a load and felt a sharp shooting pain that starts in the wrist and goes up your arm? Well, like many other truckers you may have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Gripping the steering wheel, as truckers do, may transfer pressure and vibration to the median nerve in the hand, which can cause CTS.

If you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome you need to get yourself to the doc. You need to tell the Doc in detail what you do on a typical day of trucking along with the frequency, intensity, duration and regularity of each task at work. The doctor will perform certain tests to detect damage to the median nerve.

• Tinel's test - The doctor will tap the median nerve at your wrist. A tingling response in one or more fingers indicates the nerve is damaged.

• Phalen's test – The doctor will have you put the backs of your hands together and bend your wrists for one minute. Tingling of the fingers indicates the median nerve is damaged.

• Electromyography – The doctor will place electrodes on your forearm and an electrical current will pass through you. This will measure how fast and how well the median nerve sends messages to muscles, indicating if the nerve is damaged or not.

But I’ve got some good news for you, they’re some ways you can prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, CTS:

· Take breaks whenever possible to give your hands and wrists a rest from the vibration and stress of driving.

· Don’t white knuckle the steering wheel. A light grip puts less stress on your wrists.

· Maintain a healthy weight. Both obesity and diabetes are linked to risk of CTS.

· Seek medical treatment early because the longer you wait the more likely it is that your symptoms will become permanent.

· Your doctor may recommend exercises, physical therapy, wrist splints, rest, or medication to help treat CTS.

· Try changing your grip style and the location of your grip on the steering wheel. Break up the repetition.

· Adjust the tilt of the steering wheel column. A subtle change in the angle of the steering wheel can change the angle of your wrists and ease or even eliminate the strain you're feeling in your hands and wrists.

· Find a way to set the wheel where your hands bend back on themselves as little as possible.

· Try using armrests.

· Try driving gloves with an extra layer of padding on the palm to the knife-edge of the hand to help absorb the vibration of the wheel, and to improve your grip.

· Try using a steering wheel cover

· Get in habit of switching hands

· Do Simple Hand Stretches To Relieve Strain.

Hand Exercises For Carpel Tunnel

Here are some exercises, you can do daily to strengthen your wrist and hand muscles and help relieve the strain caused by repetitive motions.

· Rotate your wrists. Make a fist and rotate your entire hand from the wrist in one direction. Repeat 15 times. Switch directions and repeat 15 times. Then, release your hands, and with fingers extended, do the same rotations.

· Stretch your hand. Make a fist, and then extend your fingers as far apart as possible. Hold for about ten seconds. Relax. Repeat the sequence five to ten times until your hands and fingers feel relaxed.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

When symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are mild or temporary, you can treat it with rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, cold packs, or a splint. Even if a patient wears a prescribed splint, they should avoid the activities that caused their carpal tunnel syndrome. If this isn’t possible, the patient should wear the splint after work and while they sleep. Specific exercises, supervised by a physical or occupational therapist can help, even yoga can be beneficial.

If the symptoms are severe and nothing seems to help, surgery might be necessary. Surgery should be a last resort. Even after surgery, some patients may still have problems with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Well, I’ve had about much fun as I can have for one day, discussing trucking safety and the dangers of carpal tunnel syndrome for us truckers. Thanks for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Yep, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to trucking safety, I always play it safe.

Keep on diesel trucking and stay safe out there.

WHAT THE TRUCK

CELL PHONE USE FOR TRUCKING - TO INCLUDE LAWS

You might want to start by showing Cletus talking on a cell phone, then he looks up to see the viewers and immediately puts his cell phone away

Sorry about that, I meant to end that call before yawl got here. How are yawl doing today? My name’s Cletus and if you haven’t already guessed, diesel trucking is my game. They say diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Sit a spell, cause I’ve got a few things to tell you about trucking safety and cellphones. Did you know that motor vehicle crashes kill more workers every year than any other workplace hazard? That’s right. Also, distracted driving, like having your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road while you’re using a hand-held cellphone or texting, plays a big part in those deaths.

· A driver’s reaction time is delayed when talking on a cell phone as much as it is for a driver who is legally drunk.

· When drivers send or receive text messages, they focus their attention away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, and at 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field…blindfolded!

· Each day in the US, eight or more people are killed and 1,161 injured in crashes reportedly caused by a distracted driver.

That’s not good. In fact, let me tell you just how bad that is.

That’s as bad as a mama wasp and her nest in the only bathroom at the road stop.

But to keep us safe, they’re some cell phone and texting regulations, at both the state and federal level.

Let’s Start With Federal Rules

· The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), prohibits employers from requiring workers to text while driving or to schedule their employees work in a way that makes texting necessary.

· Then there are the joint rules, of the Federal Motor Carrier Association (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) that prohibit Commercial Driver's License Drivers from holding, dialing, or reaching for a hand-held cell phone – this includes all push-to-talk functions. But the rule doesn’t restrict the use of hands-free devices. The rule allows truck and bus drivers to use handheld cells when the vehicle is not moving and is safely parked off of the highway

Under The Joint Rules:

Regarding the No Texting Rules, texting includes, but is not limited to any of these if done by touch:

· Short message service

· E-mailing

· Instant messaging

· Accessing an internet site

· Pressing more than one single button to start or end a cellphone call.

· Engaging in retrieving an electronic text or entering one

· Entering alphanumeric text into or reading text from an electronic device.

· Entering the vehicle odometer reading into a cellphone.

The Rules for Cellphones:

· Because of the push-to talk feature use of commercial mobile radio services to transmit and receive voice communications, the device is by definition a mobilephone or cellphone. And it also requires the driver or user to hold it. Therefore, its use while driving a commercial motor vehicle is prohibited. This does not include two-way or Citizens Band Radio services, they are allowed.

· The push-to-talk feature of a cellphone can be replaced with the use of a compliant cellphone, two-way radios, or walkie-talkies for the short periods of time when communication is critical for utility providers, school bus operations, or specialty haulers.

· In emergencies, CMV drivers are allowed to use either a hand-held or hands free cellphone to contact law enforcement or other emergency services such as reporting a drunk driver, an accident, or reporting potential terrorist activities—including attempts to hijack hazardous materials. CMV drivers are always encouraged to report incidents that may threaten national security in a manner consistent with safety.

· The rules also require interstate motor carriers to ensure their drivers comply with the restrictions of use of hand-held cellphones while driving a commercial motor vehicle.

· The rules prohibit motor carriers and employers from requiring or allowing a CMV driver to use a hand-held cellphone while operating in interstate commerce.

· The rules clarify that using a hand-held cellphone by holding, dialing, and reaching in a proscribed manner for the cellphone to conduct voice communication is restricted. The type of reaching that’s not allowed includes reaching for any cellphone on the passenger seat, under the driver’s seat, or into the sleeper berth.

· FMCSA recognizes that cellphones often have multi-functional capability and aren’t prohibiting their other uses. But, other types of activities using cellphones might be covered by other rules, such as those addressing texting while driving.

· Violations of the rules qualify as serious traffic violations under FMCSA regulations with federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense. Additionally, states will suspend a driver's CDL after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cellphones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000.

State Laws:

Now, lets talk about the State Laws covering texting and cellphone use while driving.

Talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving is banned in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Text messaging is banned for all drivers in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

Many localities have enacted their own bans on cellphones or text messaging. In some but not all states, local jurisdictions need specific statutory authority to do so. In addition, most school bus drivers are banned from texting and using hand-held cellphones by state code, regulation or school district policy.

Hand Held Cellphone Are Banned For All Drivers In:

California

Connecticut

Delaware

Hawaii

Illinois

Maryland

Washington

Oregon

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

Vermont

West Virginia

and Washington DC.

There Are Partial Hand Held Cellphone Bans In:

· Texas for drivers in school crossing zones and on public school property during the time the reduced speed limit applies

· Oklahoma for learner's permit and intermediate license holders

· Arkansas drivers 18 or older but younger than 21; school and highway work zones

· Louisiana drivers in assigned school zones; and all learner's permit holders, irrespective of age, and all intermediate license holders are prohibited from driving while using a hand-held cellphone. All drivers younger than 18 are prohibited from using any cellphone. All drivers, irrespective of age, issued a first driver’s license are prohibited from using a cellphone for one year. The cellphone ban is secondary for novice drivers ages 18 and older.

· Wisconsin drivers in highway construction areas

There Are No Text Bands In The Other States.

Texting is banned for all drives in:

Alabama

Alaska

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia,

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

and Washington DC.

There Are Partial No Text Bans In:

· MO - drivers 21 and younger

· TX – drivers in school crossing zones and on public school property during the time the reduced speed limit applies; bus drivers with minor passengers; drivers younger than 18

There isn’t any text ban at all in Montana or Arizona.

Well, I’ve had about as much fun as I can have for one day, discussing trucking safety and cellphones. Thanks to all of you for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, keep on diesel trucking and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Remember, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to trucking safety, I always play it safe.

What the Truck

Throwing Chains/Straps

How are yawl? Cletus, here, Diesel Trucking is my game. They say diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Now yawl sit a spell, I’ve got a few things to say about trucking safety and today especially cause I’m talking about throwing chains and straps. Yep, throwing iron. If you do it wrong you can get hurt, and you don’t won’t that.

The first thing to do is inspect all your equipment. It’s critical. It’s got to be done.

It's required that the truck structure and anchor points are in good working condition:

· No obvious damage.

· No distress.

· No weakened parts.

· No weakened sections

Next, you want to get a good look at your header board. It’s mighty important, it protects you from your cargo in case of a crash or if you have to brake hard. Make sure the front-end is in good condition with no damage, not at all.

Your required to make sure all components of a tiedown are in top notch order:

· No knots or obvious damage

· No distress

· No weakened parts

· No weakened sections

Take a look at your straps. You can’t have worn out straps, torn straps, missing tags or faded stamps. None of that. That goes the same for your chains. If you’ve got damaged chains or damaged straps—replace them immediately.

Make sure the cargo’s weight is distributed properly. Check that nothing obscures your view from the front or side rearview mirrors. If anything’s not right with the cargo’s packaging, like loose banding, broken wrapping, a broken pallet or anything like that, tell the carrier right away.

Now let’s talk tarp. Check them all out and make sure they’re good to go. State laws vary on what types of cargo have to be covered – so get up to date on the laws in the states you’re rolling through.

Now, the strap over the tarp just holds the tarp in place, it doesn’t secure it. Load securement goes under the tarp. Tuck it in evenly over the freight. Make sure none of it is hanging over the rails. The bungees hold the tarp to the trailer, but they’re not securement devices. Also, when you’re rolling to your destination if that tarp comes loose and starts flapping in the wind, it’s a DOT violation, so stop the truck and secure the tarp with bungees.

Another thing is, you’ve gotta use edge protection with a tarp. Edge protections what you put in between a sharp edge and a tarp. If you don’t that tarp will tear. And, you don’t want that. I’m telling you, in a pounding rainstorm, a whole a lot of rain, buckets full, can pour through even a small hole in the tarp, and that’ll do a heap of damage to the freight beneath it. Also, your edge protection’s got to be in good order and resist crushing, cutting, and abrasion.

Now, here’s the most important thing, once everything’s loaded, you’ve gotta to comply with cargo securement regulations. You have to make sure that your cargo does not move at all.

That load isn’t secure if it can move. Hard brakes do happen and if that load can move, it’s going toward your truck and toward you, the driver. That…won’t end well.

And flatbed truckers, it’s best to check your load’s securements any time you stop and tighten them up as needed. The vibration of the road loosens chains, straps, and binders.

Now let’s talk danger. There a lot of ways you or others can get hurt, bad, when you’re throwing chains, straps, webbing, or other lashings and corner protectors over loads.

Here are the risk:

• Musculoskeletal injuries, mainly to the back, shoulders, arms and hands from throwing metal and the repetitive force required to tighten chain tensioners, webbing winches and webbing hand ratchets

• Broken bones, concussions, and lacerations from chains or metal items (structural material, binders, parts, fasteners) striking you or others when your tightening loads and the straps break, throwing straps or chains. Also, if using extension bar handles with (dogs) over-centre lever style tensioners, you can get hit if they rebound and fly off the dog.

• Electric shock from chains and webbing thrown over loads and hitting electrical wires

• Falls from heights and from overbalancing while putting chains, webbing and corner protectors on high loads

• Pinched fingers from tensioners

That’s a lot of hazards and injuries, but I have a long list of ways to avoid them and stay safe. It mainly just takes a lot of focus and care when loading and unloading. Here’s the recommendations:

· Employees should work together to secure loads.

· Reduce chain weights.

· Use auto tensioning devices.

· Use alternative load chain tensioning methods.

· Explore modified twitch designs.

· Attach and throw a leader rope to drag a chain over the load. It’ll lessen the risk of shoulder strain and cause less harm if it strikes you or another worker.

· Use a ramp to reduce throw height.

· Place anchor points at appropriate heights.

· Install winches to replace twitches.

· Limit excessive load heights.

· Use locking devices for winches and twitches.

· Employers should provide a tension-measuring device for drivers.

· Don’t throw lashing over loads that are near overhead power lines.

· Beware of your surroundings, when several flatbed drivers are working near each other, chains and straps are tossed in the air at similar times.

· Keep pedestrians out of the way of your truck when you’re restraining loads.

· Prevent falls by using tools like a purpose-built lightweight extension pole that extends your reach so you can keep your feet on the ground when moving straps and tarps on loads.

· Limit the use of chains and webbing by using a coil containment system, pin, pegs, posts, headboards or goose-neck on a drop-deck trailer to help block the load.

· Use a truck custom-designed for loads. Some pallet loads might be suited for a truck with internal side and middle expanding walls along with an inward-sloping floor and load-rated curtain.

· Use chains with non-rebounding tensioners. And don’t use an extension bar to increase chain tension.

· When using tensioners, follow the manufacturer instructions.

· Keep in mind that webbing can stretch in transit as it’s a bit elastic and sharp edges can damage it as well.

· If you use a hand ratchet for webbing, make sure it’s a pull-down webbing ratchet. It’s easy on the shoulders, as it doesn’t have to be pushed up repeatedly, and with the strap length setting the ratchet between waist and shoulder height, the ratchet handle is easier to pull.

· If you use a winch with webbing, make sure it’s one that doesn’t need the removable handle reinserted with every turn and with a handle that fits snugly on the socket or in the winch cap holes.

· When using tensioners, wear gloves so your hands won’t get pinched.

· If you use tensioners, position the chain tensioners below shoulder height or use a standing aid to apply or release them.

Following all those tips when throwing straps and chains should keep you safe, so you can have fun rolling down the asphalt to your destination.

Well, I’ve had about as much fun as I can have for one day, discussing trucking safety. Thanks for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Yep, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to trucking safety, I always play it safe.

Keep on diesel trucking and stay safe out there.

WHAT THE TRUCK

3 short scripts

1. PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

How are yawl doing today? My name’s Cletus and diesel trucking is my game. They say diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Sit a spell, cause I’ve got a few things to say about prescription drug use and diesel trucking.

Truckers do perform safety-sensitive functions, so we take responsibility for doing what we can to provide a safe environment for ourselves and the public, which is all those other drivers on the road.

Some prescription drugs can impede the ability to safely drive, but it depends on:

· he type of drug

· The way the worker reacts to it

· And what the work entails

Say, the Doc prescribes some medicine for you, the first thing you’re going to do is check DOT’s banned list and see if it’s on there.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCSMA) decides what medications CDL drivers can or can’t use while working. And DOT mandates drug testing. So, if a driver is found to be taking a drug on the banned list, they can be medically disqualify from driving, except a doctor who legally prescribes an opioid, narcotic, or stimulant to a truck driver patient, can write a note stating the worker’s allowed to drive while using that medication. And, In that case, it’s up to the DOT Medical Examiner to decide if the driver can be cleared for duty.

The next thing to do is talk to your doctor.

Even if the prescription’s not on the banned list, ask the Doc what side effects will effect your driving? Any medicine with side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, lack of focus, lack of concentration and lack of stamina can be unsafe for commercial drivers.

Tell the doc you’re a truck driver and fill him in on the type of tasks that come with the job. You know, like having to throw chains to secure a load of logs, hooking and unhooking trailers… anything like that.

The Doc might offer an alternative treatment that could work better for your job.

Also, the doc might be able to minimize any negative impact your medicine has on your driving by:

· Adjusting the dose

· Adjusting when you use the medicine

· Reducing the need for medicine with an exercise or nutrition program

· Changing the prescription to one that causes less drowsiness.

The Next Thing To Do Is Talk To Your Employer.

Your employer has to make sure commercial drivers in safety-sensitive positions aren’t impaired when working.

If a prescription medication impairs a worker’s ability to drive, the employer has to take appropriate action, which might include not letting the employee operate a truck during the period of actual impairment. Also,

never use any prescription medicine on the banned list until you’ve notified your employer that it won’t interfere with your work, if that’s the case. You should also bring a note from the Doc, confirming that.

Well, I’ve had about much fun as I can have for one day, discussing prescription medicine and driving safety. Thanks to all of you for dropping by. I’ll see you the next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, keep on trucking, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Remember, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to prescription medicine and trucking safety, I always play it safe.

2. GETTING IN AND OUT OF A CAB – TRAILERS, TRUCKERS, VANS, DELIVERY DRIVERS

Sit a spell, cause I’ve got a few things to show yawl and all professional truck drivers, about the safe way to climb in and out of truck cabs, whether it’s a semi-trailer, van, or delivery truck, these steps will keep you safe.

It’s been a long day, you’ve rolled a fur piece down the asphalt and you’re so hungry you could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat. So, you’re fixing to grab a bite to eat or maybe you need to get hooked up to that 53-foot dry van, it doesn’t really matter what the reason is, just that you need to get out of the truck cab. And when you’re done with whatever you need to do, you’ve got to climb back in.

Now, that seems easy as pie, and it is, if done safely. If not, you can injure your shoulders, back, ribcage and more.

So here are some tips on how to safely climb into a truck cab:

· Face the cab when you’re climbing in or out of it.

· Keep three points of contact with the truck or the ground at all times, with either one hand and two feet or two feet and one hand.

· So one hand on the hand grip

And first foot on the step

Then second foot on the step

Then each hand on the hand grips and one foot on the step.

Like that.

· On saddle tank steps, watch out for the diesel fill cap or you might lose your footing.

· Climb into the cab, don’t pull yourself in

And, here are some tips on how to safely climb out of a truck cab:

· Unfasten your seat belt.

· Look at the ground, check for anything that could make you trip before you climb out.

· If it’s dark, shine a flashlight on the ground to check it out before you climb down.

· Keep a three-position hold with the truck or the ground at all times. Use the steps and handgrips. Make sure you have either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot touching the truck or ground.

· Climb out of the cab do not jump out

· And, watch out for the diesel fill cap on saddle tank steps– it can cause you to lose your footing.

You can injure your ankles, heels, and hips if you jump and you can hurt your shoulders or back if you fall out. And, not only is it not safe, it’s not cool. Yawl have heard that saying…fell off a truck. Like he fell of a turnip truck or he fell off a tater truck or some kind of truck. Yep, it’s not a compliment. Don’t be the guy that fell off the truck.

Well, I’ve had about much fun as I can have for one day discussing how to safely enter and exit a truck cab. Thanks for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, keep on trucking, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Remember, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to trucking safety, I always play it safe.

3. 5TH WHEEL DISCONNECT – PULLING ON EQUIPMENT

(I cannot get this below 677 words – not for the steps to show someone how to do it)

Cletus here. They say diesel fuel runs in my veins. Today, I’ve got a few things to show yawl on 5^th wheel disconnect and pulling on equipment.

To Couple The Tractor To The Trailer

1. Chock the trailer wheels

2. Line the tractor straight up with the trailer, using your outside mirrors look down both sides of the trailer

3. Slowly back up in the lowest gear. Stop when the fifth wheel is at the front edge of the trailer.

4. Set the tractor parking brake. And place it in neutral.

5. Exit the cab with the three-position system. Check that the trailer is low enough so that it’s raised slightly when the tractor is backed under it. If the trailer is too low, use the landing gear to raise the trailer height.

6. Make sure the fifth wheel and kingpin are aligned.

7. Hook up the air and electrical lines.

8. Raise the landing gear legs until the pads are just above the ground. Then store the crank handle.

9. Perform a pull test: Locking the trailer brakes and pulling forward with the tractor to make sure the trailer doesn’t separate from it.

10. Set the tractor parking brake.

11. Exit the cab with the three-position system. Use a flashlight if needed to check the:

· Nut and washer snug against the fifth wheel casting.

· No gap between the upper coupler and the fifth wheel.

· The fifth wheel jaws are closed around the kingpin with no gap larger than ¼ of an inch.

12. If it’s not coupled right, do it over and refer to the fifth wheel manufacturer’s instructions if needed.

13. Once it’s done right, fully retract the landing gear legs off the ground and secure the crank handle.

14. Remove the wheel chocks and continue your pre-trip inspection.

To Uncouple

1. Align the tractor with the trailer on a flat level surface that can support the trailer once it’s disconnected.

2. Lock the trailer brakes.

3. Back into the trailer slowly and tightly to relieve pressure on the fifth wheel locking jaw.

4. Set the tractor parking brake while the tractor is pushing against the wheel pin. Don’t deflate the air from the tractor suspension before you disconnect the fifth wheel. It can make it hard to uncouple, plus it can damage the fifth wheel and the kingpin.

5. Chock the trailer wheels.

6. Lower the landing legs. Keep a good grip on the handle as you turn it, bring the landing legs down until the pads just touch the ground. Don’t raise the trailer off of the fifth wheel.

7. Disconnect the electrical and air lines from the trailer and secure to the tractor.

8. Pull the release handle and lock it in place. If air release equipped, pull and hold the fifth wheel release valve until it locks in place.

9. If you have a Holland FW35 Model – Ensure locking mechanism is open and yoke shaft is in out position with handle out.

10. Release the tractor parking brake and pull forward nice and slow 12 to 18 inches to disconnect the kingpin from fifth wheel. The fifth wheel should be between the front edge of the trailer and the kingpin.

11. Don’t drive the tractor free of the trailer.

12. Set the tractor parking brake. Move it into neutral. Completely exhaust the air from the tractor suspension, ensuring that the fifth wheel is below the contact surface of the trailer.

13. Look at the uncoupling to make sure the trailer’s completely supported by the landing gear.

14. Release the tractor parking brake and slowly pull away from the trailer.

15. Apply air to the tractor air suspension and allow suspension to return to ride height.

Well, I’ve had about much fun as I can have for one day, discussing how to safely disconnect the 5th wheel and pull on equipment. Keep on trucking, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Yep, I’m known for doing some pretty crazy things, but when it comes to trucking safety, I always play it safe.

Here are some technical safety Training Videos I wrote for the What the Truck series – I created the character Cletus

Character Description:

What the Truck

SLEEP APNEA AND TRUCKING

Hi there. How are yawl? Cletus is the name. And, Diesel Trucking is my game. They tell me that diesel fuel runs through my veins.

Now yawl sit a spell, cause I’ve got something important to tell you. Yep, I’m coming through to you today with a safety tip that can save your life. No fooling.

It gets worse. Those breathless moments happen all though the night, I’m talking about several hundred times a night. It's as deadly serious as it sounds. As serious as a nest of rattlesnakes.

· Morning headaches

· Loud snoring

· Gasping or choking while sleeping

· Loss of sex drive or impotence

· Excessive daytime sleepiness

· Disturbed sleep

· Memory or learning problems and not being able to concentrate

· Feeling irritable, depressed, or having mood swings or personality changes

· Waking up frequently to urinate

· Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up

And if it’s sleep apnea, it’ll increase your odds big time for serious health risk. I’m talking:

· Stroke

· Obesity

· Diabetes

· Arrhythmias

· Heart attack

· High Blood Pressure

· And work related driving accidents

Consider:

· A family history of sleep apnea

· Having a small upper airway

· Obesity

· Having a recessed chin, small jaw, or a large overbite

· Having large tonsils

· A large neck size (17 inches or greater for men, 16 inches or greater for women)

· Smoking and alcohol use

· Being age 40 or older

· Male gender

· Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)

· Nasal Obstruction due to a deviated septum

· Allergies or sinus problems

· Excessive daytime sleepiness

With the Doc’s help, you can dodge that sleep apnea. All it takes is one or more of these remedies, whatever the Doc says:

· Life Style changes (loosing weight)

· Mouthpiece

· Sleeping with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine

· And sometimes surgery

Then you can get a good night sleep. And, there ain’t nothing better than a good nights sleep, except the open road when you’re awake and refreshed, with miles to go.

Well, I’ve had about much fun as I can have for one day, discussing trucking safety. Thanks for dropping by. I’ll see you next time I have something to say.

In the meantime, keep on trucking, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Yeah, I’m known for doing some pretty wild and crazy things, but when it comes to trucking safety, I always play it safe.

What The Truck

Lifting – Especially For Movers

Hi there. How are yawl? Cletus is the name. And, Trucking is my game. You know they tell me that diesel fuel runs through my veins.

You see moving men and women do the

§ Heavy Lifting

§ The frequent lifting

§ And the awkward lifting

You know we do.

Not awkward? Oh, you think you always look cool when you’re lifting. Showing off the muscles. Right. Think again. Awkward Lifting’s like:

· Above your shoulders

Lifting above shoulder height puts stress on your upper back, shoulders, and arms.

· Below the height of your waist

Lifting from below waist height puts stress on your legs, knees, and back.

Carrying loads on one shoulder, under an arm or in one hand