(Newswire.net — August 9, 2016) — Falling from a vehicle can occur due to ladders that are unstable or unsuitable for the job, slippery surfaces or platforms or clambering on top of loads. These potential risks should be covered in the health and safety assessment strategy of an employer, as it is their responsibility to make sure workers are safe during working hours.
Along with car accident claims, falling from a vehicle is one of the most common causes of injuries at work. However, with due care and attention, these can be avoided.
Taking the Right Action
Climbing onto vehicles is something that most employers should avoid making staff do, if possible. Instead, loading platforms like unloading or loading vehicles with a hoist or using a forklift truck should be used. However, this might not be a viable solution so employers should look at other ways to improve these areas and should then put them in place.
For example, the controls for a vehicle could be situated so they can be operated at ground level to prevent the need for the user having to climb onto the vehicle to use them. Or, for higher walkways, guard rails should be installed at both sides to prevent falls. Some companies will also reduce the accidents their employees have by having their drivers wear harnesses that are connected to overhead rails, preventing them from falling should their foot slip at any point.
Using Ladders Safely
The majority of people falling from vehicles will find that this is due to a ladder that hasn’t been maintained properly or isn’t designed to meet the job requirements. A ladder should provide the user with ample spaces to place their feet, have horizontal rungs and be securely fixed to something to prevent it from slipping. Because a lot of people using ladders will also need to wear work boots that are large and often cumbersome, this can often add to the risk involved when the ladders aren’t suited to this type of footwear.
Taking Responsibility and a Driver’s Duty of Care
It isn’t just unsuitable equipment that results in these types of falls as a huge number of these also occur because drivers aren’t taking the care that’s required. Instead of using steps and handrails that are provided for them, they’ll often jump down from their cabs, which can cause damage to knees over time and could result in a broken ankle.
When getting out of a vehicle, drivers should look at the surface they are jumping onto before getting out of the vehicle. Watching out for curbs, potholes and other hazards could reduce their risk. They should also keep the soles of their shoes free from mud, oil, diesel and so on, wearing thick-soled shoes that have good grip. Any driver that operates a refrigerated vehicle should also be cautious of ice.
Finally, drivers should never try to get onto or leave a vehicle that is moving, and while this is an obvious statement, it is one of the major causes of falls from vehicles each year.
Edward Davis works in the claims department of an auto insurance company. In his spare time he likes writing about cars, whether insurance tips or motor sport.