Mounting and Dismounting From Vehicles

Each year, workers are hurt while getting on or off trucks, backhoes, and other construction equipment. These injuries can either be individual injuries or contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) as the result of repeated strains and smaller injuries. Learn the safe way to mount and dismount.

The Construction Projects regulation states that construction equipment must have a means of access to the operator's station that will not endanger the operator, and must have skid-resistant walking, climbing, and work surfaces.

A supervisor or competent person must inspect all machinery and equipment and any means of access and egress at the project to ensure that they do not endanger any worker. These inspections must be at least once a week or more often if the supervisor determines that inspection is needed to make sure the equipment or machinery will not be a danger to the worker. [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 14(3) and (4)] Keep running boards, treads, steps, footholds, and platforms clear of mud, ice, snow, grease, debris, and other hazards. [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 98]

In general, constructors and employers must take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of workers on a project. [R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, s. 23] See the document on “Manual Materials Handling, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), and Back Care” for more information and to read the general duties applied to employers and contractors.

To help prevent these injuries, make the following solutions part of your workplace health and safety program:

Take your time. Assess the hazards, and mount and dismount with a slow, methodical approach.
Take extra care in wet, snowy, icy, or other hazardous weather conditions. Remove any snow, ice, debris, etc.
Mount and dismount only when the equipment is standing still.
Climb down from the vehicle rather than jump.
Use three-point contact (e.g., two hands and a foot). Only break three-point contact only when you reach the ground, the cab of the vehicle, or a stable platform.
Use ramps and ladders where necessary to safely enter and exit trucks, trailers, and other heavy equipment. Always face in towards the machine or ladder.
If jumping is necessary, sit on the edge and jump from a seated position to lessen the impact.
Get on or off at the safest access position (normally part of the design by the manufacturer).
Where necessary, retrofit equipment to provide safe access.
Install slip resistant steps and grab rails to help workers mount and dismount equipment safely.
Avoid wearing loose or torn clothing that can catch on the equipment.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT

R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1

Part III DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND OTHER PERSONS

Section 23 Duties of constructor

23. (1) A constructor shall ensure, on a project undertaken by the constructor that,

(a) the measures and procedures prescribed by this Act and the regulations are carried out on the project;

(b) every employer and every worker performing work on the project complies with this Act and the regulations; and

(2) Where so prescribed, a constructor shall, before commencing any work on a project, give to a Director notice in writing of the project containing such information as may be prescribed.

Construction Projects

O. Reg. 213/91

Part I GENERAL

Section 14

14. (1) A constructor shall appoint a supervisor for every project at which five or more workers will work at the same time.

(2) The supervisor shall supervise the work at all times either personally or by having an assistant, who is a competent person, do so personally.

(3) A supervisor or a competent person appointed by the supervisor shall inspect all machinery and equipment, including fire extinguishing equipment, magazines, electrical installations, communication systems, sanitation and medical facilities, buildings and other structures, temporary supports and means of access and egress at the project to ensure that they do not endanger any worker.

(4) An inspection shall be made at least once a week or more frequently as the supervisor determines is necessary in order to ensure that the machinery and equipment referred to in subsection (3) do not endanger any worker.

(5) A competent person shall perform tests and observations necessary for the detection of hazardous conditions on a project.

Part II GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Section 98

98. The means of access to any operator's station in a vehicle, machine or equipment shall not endanger the operator and shall have skid- resistant walking, climbing and work surfaces.

Mounting and Dismounting From Vehicles

Summary

Legislation