A surprising number of injuries are caused by mounting and dismounting mobile equipment. The reason for this is due to a variety of factors:

• Rushing and not paying attention to foot or hand placement
• Slippery or obstructed surfaces

The Key Rule: Always maintain three points of contact

• Use either two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet when mounting and dismounting equipment.
• Keep hands free when making three points of contact (don’t be carrying something)
• Maintain traction by making sure your footwear is free of potential slippery hazards such as dirt, oil and grease.
• DO NOT RUSH! Take the time needed to properly enter and exit the equipment; do not skip steps or rungs in the ladder.

Inspection and maintenance

• Inspect contact areas for slip or trip hazards
• Make sure steps and handrails are properly secured and free of defects and debris.
• Ensure landing areas are free from tripping and slipping hazards (indentations or objects in the way).

Questions to Generate Discussion:

• What is the top reason for slips and trips while mounting and dismounting your equipment?
• In what condition are the steps, ladders and handrails on the machines that you use?
• How does the current weather condition affect us in completing this task?