Why A Safety Ladder Is Important For Any Trucker

According to a report from the Trucking Safety Council of BC, falls from stationary vehicles account for about 46 percent of all falls experienced by truck drivers. This means that falling from a non-moving truck accounts for almost half of all falls that truck drivers experience. In total, falls from stationary vehicles account for 12 percent of all trucker-related injuries and $2.8 million in damages.

Why do falls happen?

Falls happen for a variety of reasons including over-exertion, carelessness, and simply taking a misstep. Most truckers are familiar with their rig, which is why they feel comfortable moving around quickly. But, your truck can be six, eight, and even ten feet off the ground. If you take a fall from ten feet, you could break an ankle, injure your knee, or hurt your back. Also, if you have been driving for a solid six to eight hours, your muscles are likely cramped. It may be harder for you to climb around your truck.

What injuries are experienced when you fall from a truck?

The vast majority of injuries occur to the ankle, knee, and back. Ankle injuries were by far the most reported injuries, accounting for nearly 50 percent. Back and knee injuries were close to that. However, many of these injuries resulted in serious harm that impeded the driver’s ability to work. Falls from these heights, especially if you are in your 40s and 50s, could affect your ability to work and earn a living.

Safety solutions to help you avoid falls

The best safety system you can use when accessing your trailer, besides those provided at loading docks, is a trailer safety ladder. Trailer ladders are compact and can be folded up and stored in the cab of your truck. A safety ladder attaches to the trailer and allows you to climb up and down safely. Trailer ladders use hooks to stay in place, so they will not slip. These ladders can hold hundreds of pounds and provide a safety solution in all types of weather.

There are numerous safety ladders out there, but the Deckmate Ladder is one of the best. This trailer ladder has been approved by the MSHA and the U.S. Department of labor and is used by government agencies, the mining industry, and truckers throughout the country. If you would like to learn more about the Deckmate Ladder, call Gateway Supply in Pampa, Texas at (806) 440-1126 or Contact Us via email. We are the U.S. distributor of the Deckmate Ladder.