Slips and Falls for Van Drivers Safety Meeting

SLIPS AND FALLS Climbing into and out of van trailers is a normal and routine task for truck drivers. Many kinds of injuries can occur while performing this task. Injuries resulting from slips and falls are common for drivers, but they don’t have to be. You may associate falls with climbing, but a fall Doesn’t always happen while climbing. A fall can occur while opening a van door. Climbing does increase your injury severity risk should you fall, But inadequate footing can also lead to an accident.

Many drivers believe that falling inside the trailer or slipping at ground level does not warrant any extra care with his or her movement around the vehicle. Most believe that for the fall to be significant, one has to be off the ground. However, several thousand people die each year as a result of ground level falls.

If you do happen to fall, the effect of your injury cannot be pre-determined, so having one minor slip could be disabling or even fatal if you strike your head during the fall. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING TO TAKE LIGHTLY.

Injuries to shoulders, ankles, knees and hips account for forty-seven percent of ground level falls. Among the more minor injuries resulting from a slip or fall include : Sprains Strains Bruises Lacerations & Contusions

A driver’s back is the most frequently injured body part that results from a slip or fall. Thirty-seven percent of back injuries are from elevated falls. It is approximately three to four feet from the trailer floor to the ground.

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE! We would all like to believe that accidents happen to someone else, but the truth is, they really don’t. There is good news though; nearly all injuries caused by slips and falls can be prevented. Utilizing control measures along with applying some Simple knowledge can and will reduce your risk.

HAZARDS AND PREVENTION Climbing into a trailer Think twice about what you are trying to accomplish and how to safely perform your duties. Before exiting the cab, make sure that the brake has been set, the truck is turned off, and the ignition keys are in your control. 3. Ensure that your vehicle is properly parked (use hazard lamps when applicable) to avoid being struck by other vehicles while you are inside the trailer.

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE TRAILER If possible, back the truck into a lighted docking area where the height of the trailer and the height of the dock are similar. This can reduce the possibility of a fall from an elevation. Avoid using the ICC bumper to climb into the trailer without without the use of a ramp or a dock

If there is NOT a dock or ramp available and you MUST use the ICC bumper: 1. Ensure that the bumper is clean from obstruction or potential hazard. This includes: gravel, dirt, grease, oil, ice and snow. 2. Use grab bars, handrails, and steps if they are available. USE THE THREE POINT CONTACT RULE AT ALL TIMES! Do not climb with objects in your hands. Set them inside the trailer until you are done climbing. Check the bottoms of your shoes to determine if you stepped in anything slippery. If so, wipe your feet before climbing. If you have shoelaces, make sure that they are tied.

DO NOT JUMP! THIS IS HOW AN INJURY CAN OCCUR. EXITING THE TRAILER The best way to exit the trailer is to face the vehicle and back out. This will allow you to maintain a THREE POINT CONTACT. Watch your feet and where you are stepping Ensure that you have proper light when climbing and exiting the trailer at night DO NOT JUMP! THIS IS HOW AN INJURY CAN OCCUR. If you can’t safely reach the bumper by stepping backwards, sit down near the edge of the trailer (feet over the edge) and slide on your buttocks so that your feet touch the bumper (while holding grab rail).

Do not lean/swing over the sides/end of the trailer to view the side of the vehicle. Safely exit the trailer first. Don’t get in a hurry and ignore safe movement. The sacrifice of unsafe movement, for the speed of movement, does not profit anyone if you are injured. If you wear gloves, ensure that they provide adequate grip on handrails. Wear adequate shoes for the job. Rubber soled shoes or boots are a must. Good traction between your shoes and any surface is essential. Your shoe or boot soles should have ridges or ribs for better traction. Leather soles should be avoided because they provide poor traction when wet.

OPENING AND CLOSING THE VAN DOORS Use proper technique when opening and closing van doors. Make sure all locking devices have been removed before opening the doors. Replace them once the doors have been closed. Ensure that your feet are placed securely before attempting to open/close the trailer doors. Slips occur quite frequently performing this task. BE CAREFUL! Do not jerk or pull on the doors with sudden movements. Bend at the knees and lift with arms and legs (not your back) when opening latches or roller type doors. With swinging doors, make sure that the path of the door in unobstructed before moving it. On windy days, it may be difficult to open and shut doors. Keep a grip on swinging doors to prevent them from opening or closing abruptly (this is how drivers get struck or their fingers broken). Use the door latches to secure the doors if your truck has been equipped with them.

ALWAYS KEEP HANDS AND FINGERS CLEAR OF DOORS TO PREVENT CRUSHING OR PINCHING. Ensure that no one has entered your vehicle without you knowing. If the trailer has been left unattended with the lock off, recheck the inside of the trailer before moving it. Report all broken or still hinges to the garage for repair. When parked near moving traffic, remember not to walk out from behind a trailer without making sure that your path is safe. This will prevent you from being struck by another vehicle