Falls from Trucks, Trailers & Equipment

A fall of just 4 or 5 feet from a truck cab, a flatbed or an excavator track can break bones, injure your back or hit your head on the ground. These falls are some of the most common injuries for drivers and operators, and most happen getting on and off.

• Truck drivers
• Equipment operators
• Warehouse & delivery

Where falls happen

• Climbing in and out of truck cabs and equipment
• Jumping down from flatbeds, trailer decks and dump bodies
• Securing or tarping loads on top of a flatbed
• Walking on top of tankers, rail cars and box trailers
• Loading docks and the gap between the dock and the trailer
• Equipment tracks, fenders and engine compartments during service

Habits that prevent falls

• Three points of contact: two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, every time.
• Face the truck or machine when climbing up or down, like a ladder.
• Never jump down. Jumping from even 3 or 4 feet can injure knees, ankles and backs, especially onto uneven ground.
• Use the steps and grab handles, not the door, mirror bracket, steering wheel or tire.
• Keep steps clean of mud, ice, oil and snow, and wear boots with good tread.
• Don’t climb with your hands full. Set items on the floor or seat first.
• Slow down. Many falls happen at the end of a long shift when you’re tired.

Working on top of loads and trailers

• Use tarping systems, gantries or fall arrest at shipping docks and loading racks when they’re available.
• Throw straps and tarps from the ground when you can.
• Use a portable ladder or stair to reach the deck, not the tires.
• Stay off wet or icy decks and tank tops unless you have fall protection.
• On tankers and rail cars, use the loading rack platforms with guardrails or fall arrest.

See Tarping Loads and Flatbeds.

Equipment

• Park on level ground, lower attachments and shut down before climbing on or off.
• Use the manufacturer’s steps and handholds; replace broken ones.
• Use a platform or ladder for service work on high parts, not the tracks or tires.
• Keep the cab floor clear so nothing catches your feet.

Before you climb

• Steps and grab handles clean, tight and not broken
• Ground at the bottom is level and clear
• Hands free, and gloves dry
• Truck or machine parked, brakes set, engine off if required
• Lighting is good enough to see the steps at night

Last updated: October 2, 2026