Operators’ views of mobile equipment ingress and egress safety

The Role of Worker Age in Ohio Workers’ Compensation Claims in the Landscaping Services Industry

“…Five of the 40 falls were falls from ladders; only 1 of the falls was a fall from a tree. As noted in a study by Pollard et al, 32 ascending and descending a ladder can be a hazardous task. Descending typically leads to more falls and slips than ascending because of the lack of visibility of ladder rungs while descending backward 32 …”

“…[32][33][34] As a predominantly outdoor occupation, landscapers may face weather conditions that leave the ground or other walking surfaces slippery with mud, water, or ice. 32,34 Other walking surfaces, such as trailer beds, ladders, or steps, may also cause falls, slips, and trips due to the incline or the type of material used for the walking surface. 33 In a study comparing the number of slips for three walking surfaces, most slips occurred on contaminated walking surfaces with an incline >10 degrees.…”

“…Descending typically leads to more falls and slips than ascending because of the lack of visibility of ladder rungs while descending backward. 32 Research in the mining industry has shown that the walking surface heavily contributes to falls, slips, and trips. [32][33][34] As a predominantly outdoor occupation, landscapers may face weather conditions that leave the ground or other walking surfaces slippery with mud, water, or ice.…”

Lessons learned from Ohio workers' compensation claims to mitigate hazards in the landscaping services industry

“…They recommended implementing engineering controls, modifying risky workplace practices, and increased prevention education to reduce falls. A NIOSH study in the mining industry reported that entering and exiting mobile equipment poses a fall hazard 37 . It was noted that egress from mobile equipment poses a greater risk for injury than ingress, and that factors contributing to the greater hazard of egress included moving in a backward direction and carrying items in their hands.…”

“…A NIOSH study in the mining industry reported that entering and exiting mobile equipment poses a fall hazard. 37 It was noted that egress from mobile equipment poses a greater risk for injury than ingress, and that factors contributing to the greater hazard of egress included moving in a backward direction and carrying items in their hands. Stairs were described as safer than a ladder for egress and poor traction was often a factor in falls.…”