Are your workers safely entering and exiting vehicles or equipment? Especially in wet, snowy, or icy conditions, the process of entering or exiting can be quite dangerous. Workers can get injured when mounting and dismounting trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment, and aerial work platforms.
What is the safest method for entering and exiting a vehicle or equipment?
The recommend practice is the 3-point rule. This means always having at least three points of contact with the equipment - two hands & one foot or one hand & two feet. Following the 3-point rule will provide you with the most stability, and therefore reduce the risk of slips and falls.
As an employer, you can help reduce the risk of these injuries by evaluating vehicles and equipment. Do they all have adequate steps, non-slip surfaces, and hand holds? Are these surfaces all in good condition? Do you inspect them on a regular basis? Have you considered displaying decals near the entry and exit points to remind your workers to use three points of contact? Consider these questions as part of your risk management strategy.
You can also help educate your employees with workplace safety tips such as these:
Do not mount and dismount when equipment is in motion.- Never jump off equipment.
- Face towards the machine when entering or exiting.
- Do not break your three points of contact until you reach your destination: the ground, the vehicle’s cab, or the platform.
- Keep your movements slow and steady as you enter and exit.
- Be extra cautious in wet, snowy, or icy conditions.
- Wear appropriate footwear with adequate support and slip resistance for the weather conditions and the equipment surfaces.
- Avoid loose or bulky clothing as it could get caught in the equipment or interfere with your contact points.
- Don’t step on tires or wheel hubs. Don’t use the door frame or edge as a handhold.
Training on safe entering and exiting should be conducted with all new employees. But also remember to provide reminders to your veteran employees to help reinforce the safety techniques – especially as winter weather arrives.
