This is the time of year that injuries from slips/trips/and falls go on the rise.
With the increasingly mechanized logging environment, here are some key points to discuss with your crew at its next safety meeting.
Remember to use three points of contact when climbing in and out of heavy equipment cabs:
Keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in-contact with steps and grab bars
Face the machine, do not put your back to the machine
Do not jump from the equipment when exiting!
Keep all grab bars, steps, ladders and cat walks in good working condition:
Repair or replace broken and damaged parts
Keep oil, grease, and mud from building-up on handles and steps
Do not store tools or rigging on or near any climbing surface.
Keep the non-slip material clean, so it can function properly; replace if needed.
When climbing in or out, do not misuse steering wheels, control panels and handles—or anything else that’s not meant to be used as a hand-hold or step.
Not following these basic principles can create the opportunity for an injury to occur. Common injuries due to getting in and out of equipment can be: sprained ankles, pulled muscles, puncture wounds, broken bones, or worse!
Be sure to add "Safe Climbing On Equipment" to your safety meetings and inspections of equipment. Look for topics like this, and many others, on AOL’s website!
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