Working as a delivery driver is a very in-demand career right now. Multiple companies have started their own delivery fleets, while the established national parcel delivery companies are constantly on the lookout for new delivery talent.
You may enjoy how every day is different when you drive a delivery route and how you may make someone’s day when you deliver that birthday present they’ve been waiting for or another special purchase.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to working as a delivery driver. There are certain medical issues, other than just crash injuries, that you can develop because of your job.
Urinary tract infections or bladder damage
Several big delivery fleets have made national news in recent years because their employees report being unable to use basic accommodations, like bathrooms during their shifts. The restrictions in place are so extreme that workers cannot possibly make a bathroom trip while still delivering all of their packages before they can no longer drive for the day due to hours of service regulations.
Holding your urine for extended periods of time repeatedly can lead to urinary tract infections or damage your bladder by forcing it to stretch and hold more than it can safely.
Repetitive stress injuries
There are many ways that you could do damage to your body through repetitive tasks as a delivery driver. Gripping the steering wheel or a furniture dolly can eventually damage your hands, wrists and forearms.
Constantly lifting packages to deliver them and reorganizing what remains in your vehicle can also cause injuries to your hands and back. Getting in and out of the truck that you drive and sitting all day can also do damage to your musculoskeletal system and cause chronic pain or joint issues.
Health deterioration due to stress
If every single day that you work pushes you to the limit regarding how fast you move, the physical strain on your body will add up over time.
The effects of that physical strain may pale in comparison to the mental strain required of constantly navigating unfamiliar streets and always being one or two bad days away from a write-up or termination. Stress can affect everything from your physical health and sleep to your mental health.
Recognizing and actively seeking to avoid common delivery fleet injuries can protect your health or make it easier to determine when you might need workers’ compensation benefits.
