This month’s “Safety Corner” discusses operator injury that occurs when entering and exiting your machine and best practices to avoid these types of injury.

Safely entering and exiting your machine cab before, during, and after your shift is an essential part of workplace safety. Most operator injuries happen when entering or exiting your machine. Be aware of your surroundings to avoid slips, trips or falls. Make sure your boots are clean and clear of mud or slick substances that might increase the danger of slipping. If you have items to bring in the cab with you, such as a lunchbox or radio, set them on the machine’s entry platform before climbing on the machine, and secure them once inside the cab. Move slowly and deliberately facing your machine, maintaining three points of contact when entering and exiting. Use footpads, steps, and handrails at all times. The steps and handrails provided on heavy equipment make it relatively simple to access the operator’s cab and reduce the free climbing necessary to get there.

Although they work well for the intended purpose, steps and handrails sometimes contribute to accidents when they become damaged or worn and when other factors such as oil, water or ice are on them. Slips and falls from these access points often result in contact with various machinery parts, as well as the ground. Operator complacency usually is a contributing factor in these types of injuries. Avoid contact with machine controls when entering or exiting the cab. When operating, get in a comfortable position to prevent injury and reduce fatigue — and always wear your seat belt.

Stay Safe!

Peter Carpenter
Co-Safety Officer

Source: cat.com/toolboxtalks