Every driver · 5 minutes

Three points of contact toolbox talk

Climbing in and out of the cab, onto the deck, or up to tarp and check loads is a common cause of driver injuries: sprains, back injuries and broken bones. The fix takes seconds.

All Toolbox Talks

Vocational Trucks of America · Free toolbox talk

Every driver · 5 minutes · About 5 minutes · vocationaltrucksofamerica.com/talks

Read this to your crew

Keep three points of contact with the truck at all times: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.

Face the truck going in and out, the way you would on a ladder.

Use the steps and grab handles. Don’t use the door, the mirror bracket or the steering wheel as a handle.

Never jump down, from the cab or from the deck.

Look before you step: ice, mud, oil and uneven ground. Keep steps clean, and wear boots with good tread.

Don’t climb with your hands full. Hand things up, or use a bag. Most falls happen when we’re rushing, so take the extra second.

Key points

Three points of contact, every time.
Face the truck, like a ladder.
Use steps and grab handles, not the door or mirror.
Never jump down.
Hands free when climbing; watch for ice, mud and oil.

Ask the crew

Where on our trucks is climbing the hardest?
Are any steps or handles damaged or missing?
What do you carry when you climb, and how could you avoid it?

The rule behind it

Federal rules set requirements for steps, handholds and deck plates so drivers can get on and off trucks safely (49 CFR Part 399, Subpart L, including 399.207). Report any damaged or missing steps and handles so they can be fixed.

49 CFR 399.207: Truck and truck-tractor access requirements

Today’s actionToday: check your steps and grab handles, clean them, and report anything loose or missing.

General safety information for crew meetings, not legal advice. It doesn’t replace your company’s safety program, required training or site rules. Rules checked October 2026.

Prints on two pages: the talk, then a crew sign-in sheet. See the 52-week schedule.

Toolbox talk sign-in sheetFree from Vocational Trucks of America · vocationaltrucksofamerica.com/talks

Date

Time

Job or location

TopicThree points of contact toolbox talk

Presenter

Weather and conditions

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Questions or concerns raised

Follow-up actions and who owns them

Keep the talks going

More toolbox talks

Every crewBacking safety Dump bodies, booms and pumpsPower line safety Construction & dumpDump truck safety Dump & aggregateTarping and load securement Road & construction crewsWork zone safety Every driverDistracted driving Refuse, mixers, augers & PTOsLockout/tagout Every crewHeat stress Every driverWinter driving Every driverBreakdown safety Every driverPre-trip inspection

See all toolbox talks, the sign-in sheet and the 52-week schedule →