The Development of Improved Ingress/Egress Systems for Large Haulage Trucks 800680

Over one-third of all haul truck accidents in mines are related to mounting or dismounting the vehicle. An evaluation of the safety hazards associated with ingress and egress on these vehicles showed that most of the accidents occurred near the bottom of the ladder. The major hazardous design conditions were identified as excessively flexible supports for lower steps or rungs, inappropriate ground-level-to-first-step distances, poor step designs, and inadequate handrail and guardrail designs. Additional hazards are introduced by the lack of proper maintenance of ladder hardware and the work practices of operators in carrying articles onto the truck. Several improved ladder designs were designed and tested. They are currently undergoing long-term testing in operating mines.