The shale industry employs many people in the state of Pennsylvania. Many of those individuals drive trucks, transporting things related to the production of shale such as wastewater. As is the case with any motor vehicle, it is possible that the trucks can be involved in truck accidents that leave drivers, and others on the road, injured.

In the past, police in the state of Pennsylvania have taken both drivers and trucks off the roads. The reasons behind those removals include violations surrounding permitting and issues with the vehicle's brakes. In an effort to reduce the number of work accidents, individuals actually working in the industry have formed a task force to try to make that part of the industry safer.

The task force has approached the initiative several different ways including working with residents of the area and making sure that all, including the truck drivers, are aware of the rules of the road. In addition, it recommends that safety procedures be created and roads be well maintained.

Being proactive in creating safety standards is a good idea, regardless of the industry. While residents in the area in which shale trucks are travelling will certainly benefit from it, so too will the drivers themselves. This is a positive as no one wants to suffer an injury while working.

Fortunately, when someone is injured while working, in truck accidents or other incidents connected to ones employment, workers' compensation benefits may be available. These benefits help to cover expenses that accrue as a result of the accident.

Source: WESA, "Industry Group Tries To Improve Drilling Trucks' Safety Record," Kevin Gavin, April 24, 2013