A field guide to safer mounting and dismounting
Why this matters on every shift
Mounting and dismounting is one of the most overlooked moments of risk on a jobsite. It looks simple. It isn’t. IHSA highlights that more than one-quarter of all injuries to equipment operators and truck drivers happen during mounting and dismounting. These are preventable incidents that often lead to sprains, fractures, lost-time claims, and avoidable delays. The good news is the control is straightforward: teach, enforce, and document consistent three-point contact every time someone gets on or off a machine.
What “three-point contact” really means
Three-point contact means the worker keeps three limbs in firm contact with designed handholds and footholds at all times while climbing—either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. This creates a stable triangle of support. Stability increases when the center of that triangle stays close to the worker’s center of gravity, so the body should face the machine and move deliberately, not twist or step off sideways. That’s why “face the equipment, climb in, climb out” is a universal rule across vehicles, heavy equipment, and ladders.
Turn this principle into a simple reminder for crews: reduce the risk of injury when mounting or dismounting mobile equipment by maintaining three-point contact and facing the equipment, every time.
The biggest mistakes to correct in the field
Most incidents stem from the same handful of bad habits. Workers carry tools in one hand and climb one-handed. They step onto tires, tracks, or door hardware instead of using purpose-built steps and grips. Some turn outward to “step down” and lose balance. Others jump from the last step to speed things up. Each of these choices breaks the three-point triangle and shifts weight outside a stable base. Follow these rules: use manufacturer-designed steps and handholds, face the machine, break contact only on the ground or in the cab, and never jump. Keep access points clean and dry; mud, snow, ice, and grease are common precursors to slips.
Step-by-step: safer mounting and dismounting
A clear sequence helps crews build muscle memory.
Before you climb: Park on level ground where possible. Bring the bucket, forks, or bed to rest, set the brake, and confirm the machine is fully stopped. Clean treads and grips if they’re contaminated. Stow tools so both hands are free.
Going up: Face the machine. Place one foot on the designated step. Find both handholds before moving. Keep three points of contact through every move. Avoid lateral reaches or twisting to “swing in.”
Coming down: Reverse the same path. Face the machine. Keep three points engaged until both feet are on the ground. Don’t jump the last step; step down deliberately to the surface you inspected a moment ago.
Equipment-specific nuances crews should know
Trucks and service vehicles. The temptation to hop out is high on quick stops. Treat every dismount like a ladder: face in, hand-hand-foot or hand-foot-foot, then step to the ground. Do not use door frames or handles as makeshift holds. Keep running boards and steps free of contaminants.
Excavators, dozers, loaders, graders. Use the designed ladder or step system only. Never climb with the attachment raised; bring it to rest first and set the machine. For compact and skid-steer loaders, NIOSH adds a critical note: enter facing the seat, maintain three-point contact using handholds and steps, and never use foot or hand controls as steps or handholds. Controls can move attachments and create crush hazards if nudged—do not rely on them for balance.
Aerial lifts and platforms. Keep to manufacturer access points, manage lanyards to prevent entanglement, and maintain three points when entering or exiting the platform in accordance with equipment instructions and applicable rules. The principle stays the same: face the machine, keep three-point contact, and avoid awkward twists that break the triangle.
Site conditions that raise the risk
Weather and surface conditions are repeat offenders in slip incidents. Ice and snow create micro-slides that defeat even good technique. Rain carries mud and fines onto treads. Grease and hydraulic oil create invisible risks. Crews should treat cleaning access points as part of the start-of-shift routine. Keep steps and handholds clear of mud, snow, ice, and grease, and for taking extra care in bad weather.
Lighting and housekeeping also matter. Poor lighting turns a safe step into a guess. Yard lighting around parking rows, task lighting in winter months, and good ground housekeeping at fuel, wash, and maintenance bays remove the “I didn’t see it” variable.
Training that actually sticks (10 minutes, done right)
A quick talk can be powerful if it’s hands-on and specific.
- Start with the “why.” Share your recent near misses, or the IHSA data point that more than a quarter of operator injuries happen during mounting/dismounting. Keep it concrete.
- Demonstrate on real equipment. One truck. One loader. Show correct technique. Then have each crew member practice the sequence with a spotter. IHSA’s talk format explicitly recommends demonstrating and having the crew try it.
- Debrief common errors. Carrying a tool, turning outward, stepping on a tire, using a control as a step. Tie each error to what could happen and how to fix it.
- Close with expectations. “Three points every time. No jumping. Face the machine. Report damaged steps or missing grips before use.”
Bonus: grab our printable toolbox guide you can keep in the cab or shop to reinforce the message daily. 👆
Engineering and equipment considerations
Three-point contact works best when equipment is designed and maintained for it. That means intact, high-traction treads and properly placed handholds that match the operator’s reach. Missing or damaged grips, smooth steel edges, or bent steps all undermine the technique. NIOSH guidance for skid-steer loaders underscores the broader point: the safest systems are the ones that make the right move the easy move—clear steps, good handholds, seat belts and restraint bars that prevent inadvertent activation, and interlocks that require correct setup before motion. Do not bypass interlocks, and keep access surfaces free of mud, ice, and snow.
Policy and accountability without the paperwork bloat
You don’t need a new binder to improve mounting and dismounting safety; you need a short, enforceable policy and a few smart checkpoints.
- Short policy. “Three-point contact is mandatory for all equipment. Face the machine. No jumping. Use designed holds and steps only. Break contact only on the ground or in the cab. Report damaged or contaminated access points immediately.” Anchor it to your broader fall-prevention program.
- Pre-use inspections. Add a line to your standard vehicle/equipment checklist for steps, treads, and handholds: “Present, secure, clean, high-traction.” If anything fails, tag and correct before use.
- Observation and coaching. Supervisors should spot-check technique during start-up and at high-risk locations like fueling and wash bays. Correct in the moment, then reinforce at the next toolbox talk.
- Record near misses. If someone slips or almost falls during entry/exit, log it like any other near miss. These are leading indicators that the triangle is breaking somewhere—usually contamination, bad habits, or damaged hardware.
Frequently asked questions crews actually google
Is jumping ever acceptable if I’m in a hurry?
No. Jumping deliberately breaks three-point contact and increases impact forces on knees and ankles, especially on uneven or icy ground. Do not jump when exiting the vehicle. Step down facing the machine.
What if my hands are full—can I still keep three-point contact?
If you can’t keep three points, you’re not climbing safely. Stow items in a tool belt or bag, use a hoist/hand-up method, or stage materials so you can climb with both hands free and maintain contact on the way up and down. This is a core expectation in IHSA and NIOSH guidance.
Do I have to face the machine on the way down?
Yes. Facing outward encourages twisting and long “reach-offs” that put your weight outside the triangle. Face in, move hand-foot-hand-foot, and keep three points until both feet are on the ground.
Are door handles, wheel hubs, or controls acceptable handholds?
No. Only use designed access points. NIOSH specifically warns against using controls as steps or handholds on compact loaders because they can activate and move attachments. Door hardware and wheel hubs weren’t designed for load or traction.
What about skid-steer loaders? Is there anything different?
Two key differences: you enter through the front and over the attachment area, and you must avoid any contact with foot or hand controls during entry and exit. Keep the attachment flat on the ground, use proper steps and handholds, and maintain three points while facing the seat.
Supervisors: how to make it stick
Adoption rises when leaders model the behavior. Step down facing the truck even when you’re rushing. Correct gently but firmly when you see shortcuts. Build the habit in low-stress moments (start of shift, fueling, cleanup) so it’s there under pressure. Tie the behavior to metrics your forepersons already track: fewer near misses, fewer strains and sprains, and fewer lost-time claims. Then document it the simple way: add a line to your toolbox talk attendance and to your pre-use inspection that specifically mentions steps/handholds condition and three-point technique. Over time, you’ll see fewer “simple missteps” turning into recordables.
What to include in your training materials
To match enforcement with education, include three pieces in your orientation and refresher content:
- A one-page visual showing correct entry and exit, with a reminder to maintain three points and face the machine.
- A short checklist for operators: ground conditions checked, steps/handholds intact and clean, both hands free, no jumping. Keep it on the pre-use sheet.
- A field demonstration plan that requires each worker to practice on a parked machine and get coaching on the spot.
Bottom line
Three-point contact is not a suggestion; it’s a system that keeps weight inside a stable triangle so slips don’t turn into injuries. Face the machine, use purpose-built steps and grips, keep access points clean, and never jump. Back it with a short policy, daily practice, and quick documentation, and you’ll lower incident rates without slowing crews down.