ECI – Engineers Construction

Stepping out of equipment or a heavy truck involves a greater risk of injury than stepping out of our cars and pickups.  Therefore, stepping out of equipment requires special attention.  Equipment typically involves multiple steps – some of which are challenging to see from above.  Rough terrain such as broken rock can make the process even more hazardous.  The surfaces of the steps can sometimes be slippery from mud or ice.

Here are several considerations to help us exit our seats safely:

• Think about your exit and don’t rush out of the equipment.
  • Position the equipment securely on firm ground that’s sufficiently level to park and disembark
  • Arrange the equipment boom and/or tool attachments in a secure position
  • Arrange the equipment cab so the exit steps are convenient
  • Engage the parking mode and/or hydraulic lock-out
• When possible, stand up and stretch before making any major steps.  It doesn’t help that we might have been sitting in one position for an extended time.
• Always maintain 3 points of contract.
• Exit steps should be descended while facing the equipment.
• Never skip a step or jump off.