This year, GBCA is participating in OSHA’s Focus Four Campaign, providing resources to avoid incidents involving OSHA’s Focus Four hazards. This week’s toolbox talk is about preventing falls from equipment. Scroll down to read it. Click below to download it as a printable Toolbox Talk.

Preventing Falls from Equipment

Ask the following questions and give time for answers.

  • What are the hazards?
    • Falls from heights, mud, ice, slippery conditions
  • What are the results?
    • Broken bones, internal damage, death
  • What should we look for?
    • Improper entry and exit, not wearing safety equipment, riding on loads, not riding in a proper seat, climbing on tractor trailers, or falls during maintenance.

Actual Incident:

Dover, DE: An excavator operator was seriously injured after slipping from the platform of the machine and landing on rubble. The worker was descending from the cab via the treads when he fell and sustained a broken ankle and torn knee ligaments. The treads were mud covered and contained traces of ice. In addition, the grabrail on the cab was not present.

How do we prevent these results and similar incidents on other types of equipment?

  • Do not jump from equipment.
  • Use three points of contact when ascending or descending equipment.
  • Keep steps, rungs, and treads clear of ice, mud, etc.
  • Wear your seat belt or other fall protection devices where applicable.
  • Do not ride loads or buckets.
  • Use equipment as it is intended and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.