Commercial Vehicle Occupational Health Hazards

The Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 may have much importance to the truck cab designer. The levels of noise, heat, and carbon monoxide to which the truck operator is exposed may be a health and safety hazard. While current standards for these hazards have not been directly applied to commercial carriers, it is predicted that they will be in the near future. Some current research in the noise and carbon monoxide areas in particular is cited; legal standards for these are projected for the designer's use. The inclusion of air conditioning as standard equipment in large trucks may be a realistic way to meet new standards.