Fell Off A Truck Tuesday!

SOooo... I said I'd post the good, the bad and the ugly. There it is!

Worst part was it turns out my new trainer wasn't even working Tuesday so I didn't need to be there.

We normally meet at the truck, not too far from personal vehicle parking area, then drive to office/lounge area. It is close to 200 yards. As I was hoofing it across the yard a driver stopped... obviously offering a lift. I set my backpack and lunch cooler bag on floor... he grabbed and moved them. Got to the entry ramp and went to climb out. I think I tried it with my bags but decided to set them down. Grabbed onto rails on either side of door and reached for the step. I think even though I trained in sleepers in class I was used to step setup on day cabs of last 3 weeks. In looking at the gloves I had on (normally bare handed) they are pretty slippery. Anyway... next thing I knew I was falling and then pretty much flat on my back, gasping for breath.

Anyway... doing much better today. Can actually walk without telescopic painter's poles as crutches/canes. Just completed the post-injury Facetime with a company (or 3rd-party provider) Dr. and follow-up EFA (range of motion) test. Sure glad I thought to shave they places they put the 27 or so sensors - made removal way better than at orientation 3 weeks ago.

SOooo... not sure how big a hit I take on this. Hoping it's not a deal breaker. I back and forth between "it could have happened to anyone" and "could have been much worse" and "He fell out of the freaking truck???"

Any / all inputs appreciated.

3 points of contact! REALLY!!!

Glad it wasn't more worse then what it was, I always use 3 points of contact when getting in and out of the truck. But there was one time where I almost lost my footing when stepping out of the truck, I placed my foot wrong on the step and it about slide off.

Hey, accidents happen. Just learn what you can from it and don't do it again. All it takes is a little slip, and you could be in big trouble. My father-in-law passed away after sustaining a head injury falling off a flatbed. It can happen in an instant. Be careful.

I slipped off the step because of snow/ice. Luckily I still had two points of contact and lowered myself down rather ungracefully.

Marc, this may surprise you, but most safety directors at large trucking companies claim that falling from the cab of the truck is the most common injury causing accident that trucking companies deal with.

The one time I fell.. I'd placed my shower bag on the seat. Used my 3 points of contact. No ice or anything like that lol. The parking lot at the Love's in Carlisle, PA is old and has deep ruts. As I was stepping off the bottom step, my ankle rolled due to a deep ruts. 3rd degree sprain.. was just awful. Was about 2 years ago.

Falls are quite common. Believe me, it hurts like crazy, so be careful.

When stowing gear; it goes in first, then me. When taking gear out, just the opposite. Both my hands are free of holding anything. I never rush or hurry when entering or exiting the truck cab.

Thanks all. Don't feel QUITE so bad now. (Still pretty sore however) .

I do recall putting the gear down and think the gloves were largely responsible, though, of course, if I had done the 3 points properly I probably would not have fallen.

Again... just hoping it doesn't result in a major "stain" or "stigma" and that I can soon get back to the serious business of learning how to succeed at this exciting and challenging career.

Me too GTown but that hole/rut caught me off guard. It was a real mess. I'll never make that mistake again.

Once, my other half's trainee was exiting the truck at a fuel island. He had his hand on the door handle opening the door. A gust of wind caught the door and jerked him out of the truck.. so he fell from the seat and landed on the ground at the fuel island. Luckily it was winter and he had on a thick coat with a hood and somehow didn't hit his head and wasn't seriously injured.

Gotta watch those doors when it's windy. I *almost* smashed my legs this past week when the wind hit the door hard trying to force it closed... If you see that door closing in, just stick your butt out to stop it from hurting your legs or feet. 3 points of contact is always a must. (Butt not included lol)

Marc Lee, stuff like that happens. Glad you weren't seriously hurt. Your company KNOWS you're going to be much more careful in the future, so there's no need to worry about any repercussions there. Be safe!

I flew off the back of a straight truck I was running about 2 yrs ago. I was docked waiting for product to load. When they finally said it was ready I was in a hurry, went to open the doors but needed to pull up. When I went to jump down the handle a grabbed broke right off and I took about a 6 foot drop on my upper back. Luckily I tucked my chin in and luckily there was a truck docked next to me because I landed right where one would of been parked. My lesson that day was never rush. Just not worth it. Take you time. Glad you're okay Marc.