Access Paths - On the Job Tool Box Talks

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Getting into a unit may seem like a simple task, however many employees are injured doing so every year. Even though injuries may be minor, they could result in lost time and loss of production.  Employees carrying lumber or tools may needlessly trip or stumble causing an employee to twist an ankle or bruise a knee.

Key points to remember about access paths:

1.Maintain  a  minimum  of  one  3-foot  wide  clear  access  path  into  each  unit  or  house.    Front  door  and  garage doors entryways should not have material or debris piles in front.

2.If an access point is not safe for entry, such as when front porch stoops are not back-filled, a rail should be placed across the access point and not be used by employees. 

3.An  access  ramp  must  be  provided  when  there  is  an  elevation  break  19”  or  greater.    It  is  greatly recommended that a ramp be installed with an elevation  break of 12” or greater.  This saves employees knees and also is more productive.

4. Ramps  should  be  made  of  doublewide  planking  or  equivalent  with  evenly  spaced  cleats  for  extra traction.    TGI  boards  should  not  be  used  for  ramps  nor  should  laminated  planks  as  they  could  become slick when wet. 

5.Mud and rocks should be removed at regular intervals from ramps.

6.Ramps need to be secured and installed at a safe angle.

7.Cords and hoses shall not be resting on ramps.

8.When storing material in garages or in front of garages, place material so that employees do not have to climb over to access areas.   Place material off to the side of the garage away from the access point.

9.Also  keep  material  and  debris  from  stairs – plastic  pop  bottles  on  a  stair  can  cause  an  employee  to  fall down the stairs.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

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