Slips, Trips, and Falls When Exiting Commercial Vehicles

Date: 2025-09-10

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To prevent slips, trips, and falls when exiting commercial vehicles by identifying hazards and implementing control measures.

Introduction

Slips, trips, and falls are a major cause of workplace injuries. Exiting commercial vehicles presents specific risks due to factors like vehicle height, weather conditions, and the surrounding environment. This toolbox talk will cover key safety measures to minimize these risks.

Key Points

• Three-Point Contact: Maintaining three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) provides stability and reduces the risk of falling. This is especially important when using steps or handrails on commercial vehicles. [1]
• Situational Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware of potential hazards such as slippery surfaces, uneven ground, obstacles, and poor lighting. [4]
• Proper Footwear: Wearing slip-resistant footwear can significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls, especially in wet or icy conditions. [4] [3]

Hazard Identification

Identifying potential hazards is the first step in preventing slips, trips, and falls.

• Slippery surfaces (ice, snow, rain, oil).: Loss of footing, leading to falls and potential injuries such as sprains, fractures, or head trauma.
• Uneven ground or potholes around the vehicle.: Tripping and falling, resulting in injuries ranging from minor scrapes to severe sprains or fractures.
• Poor lighting conditions.: Reduced visibility, making it difficult to see hazards such as uneven surfaces or obstacles, increasing the risk of trips and falls.
• Obstacles in the path (tools, equipment, debris).: Tripping hazard, leading to falls and potential injuries.

Control Measures

• Maintain three-point contact when exiting the vehicle.: Always keep three points of contact with the vehicle (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) to maintain stability. [1]
• Use handrails and steps properly.: Always face the vehicle when using steps and handrails. Do not use the steering wheel or other controls as handholds. [1]
• Assess ground conditions before exiting.: Check for slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, or obstacles before stepping out of the vehicle.
• Ensure adequate lighting.: Use available lighting or a flashlight to improve visibility when exiting in low-light conditions. [2]
• Keep the area around the vehicle clear of obstructions.: Regularly inspect and clear the area around the vehicle of any tools, equipment, or debris that could pose a tripping hazard. [4]
• Use designated walkways where available.: When exiting in parking lots, use designated walkways to avoid vehicle traffic and potential hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Slip-resistant footwear: Wear slip-resistant footwear to provide better traction on potentially slippery surfaces. Inspect footwear regularly for wear and tear, replacing as needed. [4] [3]

Real-World Example or Case Study

A delivery driver exited their vehicle in a dimly lit parking lot. Due to poor lighting, they didn't see a pothole and tripped, resulting in a sprained ankle. This incident highlights the importance of assessing ground conditions and ensuring adequate lighting.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are some specific slip, trip, and fall hazards you have encountered when exiting commercial vehicles?
2. What steps can we take to improve lighting in our parking areas?

Emergency Procedures

1. If a fall occurs, assess the injured person's condition. Do not move them if a serious injury is suspected.
2. Call for first aid or emergency medical services immediately.
3. Report the incident to your supervisor and complete an incident report.

Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions related to preventing slips, trips, and falls when exiting commercial vehicles.

• Q: What should I do if I see a spill in the parking lot?

A: Clean it up immediately if you are able to do so safely. If not, report the spill to your supervisor or the appropriate personnel so they can arrange for cleanup. [4]

• Q: What if the steps on my vehicle are damaged?

A: Report the damage immediately and do not use the vehicle until the steps are repaired. Use an alternative vehicle if available.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always maintain three-point contact when exiting commercial vehicles. [1]
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards such as slippery surfaces and uneven ground. [4]
• Wear appropriate slip-resistant footwear. [4] [3]
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately. [4]

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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