Understanding Slips And Falls From Flatbed Trailers

The act of climbing on and off flatbed trailers can lead to severe injury. Some flatbed trailers are not equipped with the necessary tools to allow for safe loading and unloading. Jumping from a trailer increases the chances of slips and falls, and the impact alone can cause joint issues over time. The following are a few causes for concern and some safety measures you can put in place to ensure the safety of your truck drivers.

Why slips and falls are dangerous

Injuries related to slips and falls from flatbed trailers are a major concern in the transportation industry. Drivers of flatbed trucks are often required to climb onto a load without adequate fall prevention measures in place. These drivers are susceptible to increased chances of injury due to weather such as wind, rain, and snow.

Injuries can permanently alter the lives of your truck drivers, and cost a fortune due to expensive medical bills. A study analyzing injuries recorded in the database for the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board found some surprising numbers related to falls from flatbed trucks. The study looked at injuries reported in 1997, 352 of which were related to a fall from a truck, trailer, or cargo load. The costs associated with these claims equaled to more than 5 million dollars.

Preventing slips and falls from flatbed trailers

There are several steps a company and truck drivers can take to prevent slips and falls from flatbed trailers. Drivers should only load and unload trailers at docks that are the same height as the trailer, if at all possible. Drivers should not jump from the trailer, but climb down using the three-point contact method.

Trucking companies should also take steps to prevent slips and falls. A step or ramp can be added to the back or side of a trailer to assist with climbing. One popular option is the Deckmate Ladder. This ladder easily hooks onto existing rub-rails. For trailers without rub-rails, bolt-on brackets can be purchased separately and added along many points of the trailer.

The best trailer safety method

Gateway Supply in Pampa, Texas is a U.S. distributor of the Deckmate Ladder. This tool will help drivers prevent disabling injuries to their spinal column and knees resulting from climbing on or off trailer beds. The Deckmate Ladder weighs only 20 pounds, can hold up to 400 pounds, and will hang on the trailer bed at a convenient working angle. This ladder also stays secure wherever it is placed so it will not blow over in the wind and has non-skid steps for added safety.

Semi truck drivers and those who frequently work with loads on flatbed trailers should always keep safety in mind. Choosing the Deckmate Ladder as your go-to safety method can help you prevent injuries and climb onto your trailer more efficiently. Call us at (806) 440-1126 or Contact Us by email to learn more about how the Deckmate Ladder can help you.