15 Jun Entering and Exiting Vehicles Safely

Entering and Exiting Vehicles Safely

Drivers and employees who frequently enter and exit trucks, vans, heavy equipment, farm equipment, and other large vehicles can suffer serious injuries from slips, trips, and falls. Sprains, strains, fractures, and back injuries often occur when employees jump from vehicles, miss a step, lose their grip, or rush while climbing in or out.

Using the vehicle’s steps and handholds correctly and maintaining three points of contact can significantly reduce these injuries.

Before You Climb

Before entering or exiting a vehicle:

• Inspect steps, running boards, and handholds for damage.
• Keep steps and grab handles free of mud, grease, oil, snow, ice, and other contaminants.
• Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles appropriate for the work conditions.
• Use only designated steps and climbing surfaces.
• Never use tires, wheel hubs, fuel tanks, fenders, or other surfaces not designed as steps.
• Make sure your hands are free so you can maintain a secure grip.
• Use extra caution during rain, snow, ice, or other slippery conditions.

Report damaged, loose, or missing steps and handholds so they can be repaired.

Use Three Points of Contact

Whenever climbing into or out of a vehicle, maintain three points of contact:

• Two hands and one foot; or
• Two feet and one hand.

Three points of contact provide greater stability and reduce the likelihood of falling if a hand or foot slips.

Face the vehicle while climbing both up and down.

Entering the Vehicle

When entering:

1. Face the vehicle.
2. Securely grasp the designated grab handles.
3. Place your foot firmly on the lowest step.
4. Climb one step at a time while maintaining three points of contact.
5. Continue using the handholds and steps until you are securely inside the vehicle.

Use fixed, designated grab handles whenever available. Do not rely on the steering wheel, door, door handle, or other movable components for support. They can move unexpectedly and cause you to lose your balance.

Exiting the Vehicle

Many injuries occur while exiting because employees are tempted to jump or step forward from the cab.

Before exiting:

• Look at the ground for holes, curbs, debris, ice, mud, water, or uneven surfaces.
• Check for nearby traffic, equipment, or other hazards.
• Face the vehicle.
• Securely grasp the handholds.
• Step down one step at a time.
• Maintain three points of contact until both feet are firmly on the ground.

Never jump from the cab, bed, trailer, or equipment platform.

Even a relatively short jump can place significant impact forces on the ankles, knees, hips, and back. Repeated jumping can contribute to cumulative musculoskeletal injuries.

Keep Your Hands Free

Do not climb while carrying tools, paperwork, packages, or other materials that prevent you from maintaining three points of contact.

When possible:

• Place small items inside the vehicle before climbing.
• Use a tool belt, backpack, hoist, or other appropriate method to move equipment.
• Ask for assistance with large or awkward materials.

Never sacrifice a secure handhold just to carry something while climbing.

Don’t Rush

Rushing is a common factor in vehicle entry and exit injuries. Emergency response, delivery schedules, production demands, or simply being in a hurry can cause employees to skip steps or jump to the ground.

Take the extra few seconds necessary to climb safely.

Remember

The trip may be over, but the hazard is not over until you are safely on the ground.

Face the vehicle. Use the designated steps and handholds. Maintain three points of contact. Keep your hands free. Look before stepping down—and never jump from a vehicle or piece of equipment.