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SLIP AND FALL PREVENTION FOR CDL DRIVERS

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This is the time of year when most safety directors focus on the hazards of winter driving.  Although winter driving safety must be addressed with drivers for the next couple months, winter weather ushers in hazards that extend beyond the roadway.  Many companies experience a spike in workers' compensation claims during the winter months as a direct result of winter hazards that are completely unrelated to driving a truck.  Slips and falls happen to represent the most prevalent cause of truck driver injuries. Below is a brief overview of several behavioral, physical, and environmental aspects to preventing slips and falls:

From a behavioral standpoint, employees should:

• Use the three-point contact climbing method. Keep three limbs (one hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot) in contact with the handholds or the steps. If a hand or foot slips, two other limbs will be in contact with the vehicle to catch the driver. Also, training in this method is required by U.S. Federal Motor Carrier regulations.
• Always face the equipment. Drivers may be tempted to exit the cab facing forward, which makes the three-point climbing method awkward. Facing the truck increases the driver's control.
• Avoid jumping. Some of the most frequent and serious injuries are the result of jumping from the cab, deck plate or steps.
• Keep hands free. Drivers should avoid carrying items while entering or exiting the cab so their hands are free to use the grab rails.
• Get a grip. The hookup area behind the cab is the scene of many slips and falls. Drivers should place their feet solidly on the surface of the catwalk and use a secure handhold, leaving one hand free to do the work.

From a physical perspective, the following will help prevent injuries:

• Select or retrofit equipment. Newer trucks are incorporating better steps and ladders with non-slip surfaces that drain without retaining mud, ice and snow. Square edges and perforated surfaces on the steps reduce the chance of slips while entering or exiting the cab, especially during poor weather.
• Keep equipment in good condition. Pre- and post-trip inspections should include steps, deck plates and grab rails. Repairs should be done immediately. Preventive maintenance for scheduled services should also include safety equipment inspection.
• Select proper footwear. Drivers should be required to wear sturdy footwear with slip-resistant soles.
• Clean the deck plate/catwalk area. When drivers need to connect, unhook or check brake and electrical connections, the work should be done from the ground, if possible. If not, the area should be equipped with as many footholds and grab rails as possible. Deck plates commonly become slippery from fuel and moisture, so it's critical that proper material be used.

Finally, environmental aspects can influence trucker safety:

• Adverse conditions. Snow, ice, rain, mud, grease and even morning dew can increase slip-and-fall potential. Drivers should be instructed to clean handholds, steps and truck platforms before entering the cab. When exiting, they should use extra caution. Also, drivers should not install carpet on the steps to keep the inside of the tractor clean. Carpet can freeze in cold, icy conditions and be very slippery during wet weather.
• Housekeeping. Although most truckers aren't going to win awards from Martha Stewart, a clean cab is essential for safety. Drivers must use trash bags to keep the floor clean. Loose wires from CB radios, cellular phones and other equipment can catch the driver's heel upon exit; drivers should keep these hazards off the floor.