814 Heavy Equipment Safety

Ingress and Egress Hazards

Entering and exiting heavy equipment, known as ingress and egress, is a common activity for equipment operators.

However, poor ergonomic design of steps, handholds, or cab access points can make this task dangerous.

Injuries happen most often when operators use unsafe practices, such as jumping down from the cab instead of using the handrails and steps properly.

These injuries usually affect the knees, ankles, or back, and they can lead to long-term health problems. Slips, trips, or falls from the machine can also occur when the surfaces are wet, muddy, or covered in grease.

Operators must always use three points of contact—two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand—when climbing in or out of equipment. (See video) Equipment should also be designed with safe and accessible handholds, non-slip steps, and sufficient lighting to prevent injuries.

Runaway Equipment

Runaway is a serious hazard that occurs when heavy equipment moves on its own because it was not properly secured. This happens most often when the operator parks the machine on a slope and fails to block the wheels or apply the parking brake.

Parking on a steep incline without wheel chocks on the downhill side increases the chance of the equipment rolling away. These runaways can lead to crushed workers, damaged property, or even death. Runaway hazards can also happen if the operator loses control due to brake failure or unstable ground conditions.

Example: A propane transport driver died when his loaded cargo tank transport semi-trailer truck rolled backward and over him. (See image) The truck was parked on an incline, and the wheels were not blocked. As the driver stood behind the truck, it began to roll and pinned him underneath the rear tires.

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