Entering and Exiting Vehicles Safety

• Slips and falls from vehicle steps or running boards
• Jumping down from vehicles or equipment
• Ice, mud, grease, or water on steps and footwear
• Uneven ground, curbs, holes, or debris at the exit point
• Traffic exposure when exiting roadside vehicles
• Carrying tools or materials while climbing in or out

Entering and exiting vehicles is a routine task, but it is also a common source of injuries. Falls often happen when workers rush, jump down, carry too much, or step onto uneven or slippery surfaces.

Workers should use three points of contact when climbing into or out of vehicles and equipment. That means two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, should be secure during movement.

Jumping down should be avoided. Landing from a truck, trailer, loader, or piece of equipment can injure ankles, knees, hips, or the back, especially on uneven or slippery ground.

Steps, running boards, ladders, grab handles, and footwear should be kept as clean as possible. Mud, snow, ice, grease, water, and loose gravel can reduce traction quickly.

Before stepping down, workers should look at the landing area. Curbs, holes, tools, debris, traffic, ice, and sloped ground can create hazards that are not obvious from inside the cab.

Tools, paperwork, phones, lunch boxes, and materials should not interfere with safe climbing. Workers should set items down or use another method instead of climbing with hands full.

Roadside exits require extra caution. Workers should check traffic, open doors carefully, wear high-visibility clothing when needed, and avoid stepping directly into a travel lane.

Safe vehicle entry and exit is about slowing down for a few seconds. Face the vehicle, use handholds, check footing, and never jump just because the stop is quick.

• Use three points of contact.
• Face the vehicle when climbing in or out.
• Do not jump from vehicles, trailers, or equipment.
• Keep steps, handles, and footwear clean.
• Check the ground before stepping down.
• Avoid climbing with hands full.
• Watch traffic when exiting roadside vehicles.

• Are steps, running boards, handles, and footwear clean enough for safe footing?
• Are workers using three points of contact?
• Could the landing area have ice, holes, debris, or uneven ground?
• Is traffic exposure a concern when exiting the vehicle?
• Are workers carrying items that interfere with safe climbing?