Injuries, and even fatalities, may occur when  equipment operators jump down, slip, trip or fall while attempting to climb onto or descend  from construction equipment. The proper procedure for mounting and dismounting construction equipment varies by machine.  

FOLLOW THESE BEST PRACTICES WHEN MOUNTING OR DISMOUNTING CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT:

  • Always use a three-point contact — firmly place either two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet on equipment
  • Use available handrails, handholds and steps
  • Never use operating levers or steering wheels instead of handholds and handrails
  • Face equipment and step squarely, never at an angle
  • Never jump off the equipment; you may land incorrectly — injuring yourself, or loose clothing may catch on levers and other protruding parts
  • Scrape the soles of your footwear, to maintain traction, by ensuring footwear is free of dirt, oil, snow and grease
  • Clean the rungs and cleats of your equipment’s access ladders
  • Be aware of weather conditions that may cause your boots to pick up ice, snow, mud or oil, including: morning dew, rain, snow, and Ice
  • Visually inspect landing areas for trip or slip  hazards
  • Never mount or dismount moving  equipment:
    • Always shut off the equipment and put it in park before dismounting
    • Remove residual energy from articulating equipment at the pivot point before dismounting by moving the steering wheel after the equipment is shut down  

BE SAFE. MOUNT & DISMOUNT ALL EQUIPMENT WITH CAUTION!