May 28, 2025

Improper work platforms and falls from vehicles

As a service to our policyholders, Texas Mutual shares serious workplace injury trends based on catastrophic injuries and fatalities reported to our claims department. Not all of these reported injuries are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, but our goal is to help you ensure these types of incidents do not happen in your workplace. Find safety tips below to help keep your employees safe on the job.

You can contact our safety services support center with any questions at 844-WORKSAFE (967-5723) or safety@texasmutual.com.

In this alert:

• Improper work platforms
• Falls from vehicles

Improper work platforms

An employee was installing equipment overhead while standing on an improvised platform lifted by a forklift. The platform broke, causing the employee to fall and sustain serious injuries. In a separate incident, an employee was standing on a cooler to take pictures when they fell off, striking their head on the concrete.

Using improper work platforms for elevated tasks poses significant risks to employees. It is essential that you use appropriate, stable platforms and follow proper fall protection procedures when working at heights.

• Always use proper elevated work platforms such as ladders, scaffolds or aerial lifts for tasks above ground level.
• Inspect all work platforms before use to ensure they are stable and in good condition.
• Implement and follow fall protection measures when working at heights, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
• Report any unsafe conditions or lack of proper equipment to your supervisor immediately.

Falls from vehicles

An employee was standing in a trailer waiting to start work when the driver performed a U-turn. The employee, who was not wearing a hard hat, fell onto the concrete and was seriously injured. In a separate incident, an employee was riding in the bed of a truck that was traveling between nearby work sites on a windy day. As the driver made a turn, the employee lost their balance and fell off the vehicle.

Working while standing in a moving vehicle or trailer can lead to serious injuries. When a vehicle is moving, employees should ride in designated passenger areas with proper safety restraints. When the vehicle is stopped and work is being completed, employees should follow proper safety procedures to avoid falls and other injuries.

• Avoid riding in areas of vehicles not designed for passengers, such as truck beds or trailers.
• Secure all loose items and materials during transport to prevent shifting or falling.
• Use proper hand holds and maintain three points of contact when entering, exiting or moving on vehicles.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including hard hats or helmets when working on or around vehicles.
• Stay alert to your surroundings and potential hazards, especially when working from a trailer or vehicle..

Get free safety resources

Texas Mutual policyholders have access to thousands of free training materials in our multimedia safety resource center, including our safety catalog with up-to-date resources.

To access the free materials, log in to your texasmutual.com account and select Safety. If you need help accessing safety resources or you have a safety question, call us toll-free at 844-WORKSAFE (967-5723).

Download a PDF (762KB) version of the May Safety Alert.