Team,

Just want to share what we learnt little bit about the three point rule (in other words say as 3 point
contacts), as it will be describes below.
Source : OSHA – 3 Points Rules.

Wish it can be useful and can share also to the WLI team onboard during safety talk/meeting (CC to TI
Supervisor’s onboard if any).

Three Point Rule: Avoid Falls (OSHA 3 Points Contacts):

Falling while getting walk onto staircase & ladder can cause serious injuries. Many knee, ankle and back
injuries result from jumping from equipment onto uneven ground or objects.
The biggest cause of falls from a staircase is human error and failure to follow the “Three Point Rule”.
The Three Point Rule requires three of four points of contact to be maintained with the vehicle at all
times – two hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand.
This system allows maximum stability and support, reducing the likelihood of slipping and falling.
There are important steps that can be taking to prevent mounting/dismounting injuries with use of the
Three Point Rule being most important.

WHAT THE WE CAN DO:

 Evaluate every staircase and any piece of equipment of it

 Provide additional steps, non-slip surfaces and hand holds where necessary.
 Maintain steps, contact surfaces and handholds in useable condition. Inspect frequently.
 Instruct all crews in safely performed a 3-point contact method.
 Install warning decals or signs into the reminding crews to use 3-point contact.
 Keep steps, ladders and standing surfaces free of dirt’s, mud and debris. Report damage
immediately.
 Wear footwear with good support and slip resistance.
 Don’t climb down with something in your hand. 
 Don’t rush to climb out after a long shift.
 Descend slowly to avoid straining a muscle.
 Be extra careful when working in inclement weather.
 Get a firm grip on rails or handles.
 Never Jump! You may land on an uneven surface, off balance or on something. Look before
exiting.


Portable Ladder Safety

Climbing a portable ladder is not as easy as it sounds. Many workers have been injured getting on or off a
ladder. Workers have died from falls after losing their balance.
Falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of
occupational fatalities and injuries.

 Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.

 Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using
a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.
 Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from
service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
 Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand)
contact on the ladder when climbing. Keep your body near the middle of the
step and always face the ladder while climbing.
 Break 3-point contact only when you reach the ground or a stable platform
 Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or hooks)
for their designed purposes.
 Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet.
 Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step ladder) as a single ladder or in a
partially closed position.
 Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose.
 Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to
prevent displacement.
 Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
 Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
 Always face the ladder when you’re climbing up and down
 An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must
extend at least 3 feet above the point of support (see diagram). Do not
stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.
 The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of
the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface
(see diagram).
 A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work
activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must
be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder.
 Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
 Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the
ladder’s load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the
weight of any tools or equipment.
 Put both hands firmly on the rungs before stepping onto a ladder
 Keep your body between the side rails. Don’t lean out on either side
 Moving quickly often results in only 2-point contact. You often have to
make a conscious effort to maintain 3-point contact
 Don’t carry tools, equipment, or material in your hands while climbing. Use a hoist line or gin
wheel for lifting and lowering.