Exiting and Entering Vehicles Safely Lessons Learned from

Exiting and Entering Vehicles Safely Lessons Learned from Losses Monthly Newsletter January 2017 Many employees get injured when getting on and off some of the larger vehicles owned by municipalities. Due to inattention, speed and rushing in an emergency, workers slip and fall when they do not use vehicle steps and handhold devices. Jumps and falls can cause strains and sprains, broken bones and fatalities. • • • THINGS TO CONSIDER: Maintain 3 points of contact at all times. (2 hands and a foot or 2 feet and 1 hand until seated or standing on the ground. ) Wear shoes with sturdy and non-slip soles and heels. Only step on dedicated stepping areas, not fuel tanks and fenders. Wear gloves in hot and cold weather to help grip handholds. Face the vehicle when getting on or off the vehicle. Other Things to Keep in Do not grab the steering wheel unless it is locked. Do not grip the door as it can swing out and cause a fall. Mind: Do not jump down from the vehicle; use all of the steps. § Ice Safety on ponds/lakes Vehicles must be clean and as well maintained as possible. for skaters, fisherman, Examine the ground before stepping out to look for uneven snowmobiles njmel. org > ground, ice or water. Safety > Safety Bulletins/Checklists > Parks & Recreation > Winter Ice Activities CLAIM EXAMPLES Ø Ø § Remember to take pictures after an incident Employee entering a truck and grabbed the steering wheel of the vehicle or other with his left hand to help him into the truck when he felt damaged items or the immediate pain in his neck and arm. This claim involves 2 scene of the incident. surgeries and total costs are above $300, 000 because These pictures could employee pulled himself up with his upper body instead of his make a huge difference legs. in providing coverage or Employee stepping off of backhoe when the step broke under helping the JIF defend his weight causing him to fall. This claim also involves 2 your town. surgeries and total costs are over $106, 000. The town was aware of the deteriorated steps, but the repairs were not completed.