On the 2nd Day of Industrial Ergonomics, My Favorite Safety Team Gave to Me… The Three Points of Contact Rule!
Welcome back to DORN’s 12 Days of Industrial Ergonomics, our holiday-themed blog series featuring some of today’s hottest safety topics.
Each day, we’re giving away a prize to help you celebrate the season while you catch up on the latest in the world of safety. To enter, just share this post on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, and make sure to tag the DORN Companies account so that we can find your entry. Tag friends and share on multiple platforms for extra entries! We’ll announce winners each day here on the DORN Companies blog. The winner from Day 1 of the 12 Days of Ergonomics is Rick Haynes, who did an incredible job and added some humor—check out his post!
Today’s prize: a $15 Starbucks gift card!
Today’s topic is an important one in the transportation sector: the Three Points of Contact rule. This is especially key for anyone who regularly uses heavy machinery, which can include big-rig trucks, forklifts in warehouses, fire trucks, and even large farming equipment.
The Three Points of Contact rule is a helpful system for preventing common injuries associated with entering and exiting large vehicles. This may seem like an easy action, but too often, drivers and vehicle operators can be injured while entering or exiting a vehicle due to falls, slips on slick surfaces, or poorly maintained equipment.
Here’s how the Three Points of Contact rule works.
- Use one hand to grip the outside edge of the vehicle door or a safety rail, if available.
- Use the other hand to grip the other side of the door or the steering wheel inside the cabin.
- Place your lead foot on the sturdiest step available. Most large vehicles are now outfitted with runners or steps.
If you don’t have three easy points of contact, use your body as a guide to mount or enter a vehicle. One hand can grip any secure point on the car while you put your lead foot on a step or rail. Place your other hand on your knee to steady yourself as you step up.
To exit any vehicle, simply reverse the process, stepping down while facing the interior of the vehicle. Facing outward can undermine your balance, which can lead to falls and injuries.
For a visual rundown, watch this Safety Minute demonstration video from DORN’s Cheryl Roy.
Thank you for joining us for the 12 Days of Industrial Safety! Remember to share this post on social media to be entered to win today’s prize: a $15 Starbucks gift card!
