Slip And Fall Prevention For Truck And Trailer Safety

The most frequent injuries among truck drivers stem from slip-and-fall accidents. Research indicates that over half of these incidents occur as drivers exit their vehicles or dismount from their trailers. Additionally, a smaller percentage of injuries happen while drivers secure their loads.

Slips, trips, and falls can cost a company a lot of money and a driver years of painful recovery. However, these accidents are preventable if trailer safety measures are used. Read on to learn about the safety requirements, training, and tips that can keep you safe.

Standards set by federal regulations

Standards set by the federal government state that a person entering or exiting a cab needs to have proper steps and handholds. The driver is to have at least three of his or her limbs in contact with the truck at any time. These standards also require a handhold to be located within reach of any passenger entering or exiting the vehicle.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act (OSHA), all workers must use fall protection equipment when working at heights of four feet or more. This regulation poses a unique challenge for the trucking industry, as the workplace is constantly shifting from one location to another. This mobility makes it difficult to determine where regulations should be enforced. Nonetheless, OSHA has established clear requirements for truck drivers to ensure their safety.

• Trucking companies must provide a comprehensive fall protection system, which includes anchorage points, body harnesses, and connecting devices.
• An anchorage point is a fixed or built-in spot where workers can secure their safety harnesses to prevent falls from the vehicle.
• Body harnesses are full-body safety gear that evenly distributes a person’s weight in the event of a fall.
• Connecting devices, like lanyards or retractable lifelines, link the body harness to the anchorage point.

In addition to providing necessary equipment, trucking companies are also responsible for training their employees on proper procedures for using fall protection systems. This includes how to inspect and use the equipment correctly.

There are various products designed to prevent slips and falls, but these must meet federal standards and receive government approval. One of these is the Deckmate Ladder, which has been endorsed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s accident prevention program and MHSA. This ladder can be easily and securely attached to existing rub rails. For trailers without rub rails, a bolt-on bracket is available to facilitate attachment.

Drivers should be trained in trailer safety

All semi-truck drivers should know how to safely enter and exit their cabs and trailers. When climbing onto the body of a trailer, it is vital that the driver avoids long strides and reaches. The Deckmate Ladder eliminates the need for drivers to overstretch to handle their loads. This trailer safety product will easily hook onto the rub rails and stay in place, with no slipping or sliding.

Know how to tarp loads safely

Securing loads on a flatbed can be hazardous, often leading to slips and falls. When walking around a covered load, be mindful that the tarp might conceal gaps or pockets. Always test your footing before applying full weight. Additionally, consider wind conditions, as gusts can catch the tarp and destabilize you. When tightening straps, stay clear of the bar’s path to avoid injury.

Proper footwear is an essential

To mitigate the risk of slip and fall injuries, most trucking companies enforce specific footwear policies. Drivers are required to wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, while cowboy boots and high-heeled shoes are prohibited. Ideal footwear should feature slip-resistant soles, crush-resistant toes, low heels, and adequate ankle support.

Find the best trailer safety method

Gateway Supply, located in Pampa, Texas, is a U.S. distributor of the Deckmate Ladder — an innovative tool designed to help drivers avoid serious spinal and knee injuries when climbing on or off trailer beds. Weighing just 20 pounds yet capable of supporting up to 400 pounds, the Deckmate Ladder hangs at a convenient working angle on trailer beds. Its secure design ensures it remains stable and won’t be blown over by the wind, providing a reliable and safe solution for drivers.