The 3-Point Rule: Best Practices for Entering and Exiting Equipment

In the trucking and transportation industry, safety is everything. Yet, one of the most overlooked dangers involves entering and exiting vehicles and equipment. Slips, trips, and falls are frequent when mounting or dismounting trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment, or aerial work platforms—especially in wet, snowy, or icy conditions.

The 3-Point Mount/Dismount technique offers a simple but highly effective way to reduce these risks. By ensuring you always have at least three points of contact—two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet—you can maintain maximum stability and control.

Here’s how to implement the 3-point system to keep yourself and your team safe

Best Practices for Safe Mounting and Dismounting:

1. Always maintain Three Points of Contact: Never break your three points of contact until you are securely on the ground, in the cab, or on the platform. This stability is your first line of defense against slips and falls.
2. Avoid Moving Equipment: Always ensure the equipment is completely stationary before entering or exiting. Mounting or dismounting while equipment is in motion significantly increases the risk of injury.
3. Use Manufacturer-Designed Access Points: Enter and exit using the access points specifically designed for safety, such as grab bars and steps. Avoid improvising with tires, wheel hubs, or door edges, which are not stable or secure.
4. Be Deliberate and Steady: Keep your movements slow and controlled when mounting or dismounting. Quick or jerky actions increase the likelihood of losing your balance.
5. Dress for Safety: Wear slip-resistant footwear that provides adequate support, especially in challenging weather conditions. Avoid loose or bulky clothing that could catch on equipment or obstruct your movement.
6. Face the Equipment: Always face towards the vehicle or machinery when mounting or dismounting. This allows you to maintain a stronger grip and better control.
7. Stay Alert in Hazardous Conditions: Wet, icy, or snowy surfaces demand extra caution. Take smaller, more deliberate steps to avoid losing traction.
8. Communicate with Others: If other personnel need to enter, exit, or move around equipment, ensure they notify the operator or supervisor. Use any signaling system in place to avoid accidents.
9. Never Jump Off: Jumping off equipment is one of the quickest ways to cause injury. Take the time to climb down safely.

Only authorized and trained personnel should handle equipment, and communication is key to avoiding accidents. By following these simple principles, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries while ensuring smoother, safer operations.

Preventing workplace injuries starts with education and proper procedures. At AssuredPartners we specialize in risk management solutions tailored to the trucking and transportation industry.
Contact our team today for personalized safety resources, training programs, or help with your insurance needs.