Rear-Loader Riding-Step and Collection Crew Safety

Key Hazards

• Collectors falling from riding steps or being run over by the truck
• Collectors crushed while the truck backs or passes close obstacles
• Workers struck by passing traffic while loading from the roadway
• Slips caused by wet, icy, muddy, or debris-covered steps and handholds
• Contact with hopper, packer, tailgate, and ejected waste
• Miscommunication between the driver and collection crew

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Rear-loader crews work beside and behind a large vehicle that starts and stops repeatedly. Every crew member should understand approved riding positions, speed and distance limits, backing restrictions, signals, and route-specific hazards.

Riding steps and handholds should be inspected and kept clean, secure, and slip resistant. Collectors should not use damaged steps, makeshift footholds, loading sills, hoppers, or other locations not designed for riding.

Collectors should mount or dismount only after the vehicle is completely stopped and the driver knows their location. They should step down while maintaining control rather than jumping into traffic, onto unstable ground, or beside moving wheels.

No collector should remain on a riding step while the truck is backing. Before reversing, the driver should account for every worker, confirm the rear hazard area is clear, and stop immediately if visual contact or the agreed signal is lost.

Riding steps should be used only under the organization's approved conditions. Longer travel, higher speed, route transitions, poor road conditions, tight clearances, and travel between collection areas should be completed with workers seated and belted in the cab or transported by an approved method.

Drivers and riders should watch for poles, branches, parked vehicles, mirrors, mailboxes, signs, narrow alleys, and other objects that can strike or trap a step rider. Sudden acceleration, braking, or turning can also throw a rider from the step.

Collectors should stay clear of the hopper and packer while cycling and should never reach into the loading area to free material. Jams, hanging waste, and hydraulic problems require the truck to be secured and serviced under the approved energy-control procedure.

High-visibility clothing, suitable gloves, and slip-resistant footwear support safe collection but do not replace communication and controlled vehicle movement. Unsafe riding, backing, or compaction practices should be stopped immediately.

Safety Reminders

• Inspect riding steps and handholds before the route.
• Ride only in approved positions and under approved conditions.
• Mount and dismount only when the truck is fully stopped.
• Never ride an exterior step while the truck is backing.
• Account for every collector before vehicle movement.
• Watch for close-clearance obstacles and sudden movements.
• Keep clear of hoppers and packers during operation.

Ask the Crew

• What are the approved conditions for using riding steps?
• How will the driver know every collector is clear before moving?
• Which route obstacles can strike or trap a step rider?
• Where should collectors stand during backing and compaction?
• What defect or behavior requires the route to stop?