3 Points of Contact Training
Learn how to prevent slips and trips in portable sanitation work by using three points of contact and proper climbing techniques.
Slips, Trips, & Three Points of Contact:
When working in the portable sanitation business, you sometimes need more than just a strong stomach. You need strong footing. From muddy festival fields to bustling construction sites, mastering the Three Points of Contact is your first defense against untimely tumbles. Pair that with heavy-duty safety toe boots and solid ankle support, and you’ll be wading through your workday like a sanitation superhero. In this video, we’ll break down the key steps (pun intended) to keeping your feet and the rest of you safe on the job.
The Power of Three:
Whether you’re scaling in or out a truck cab, stepping down from a trailer, or hopping into a skid steer, three points of contact means you’ve always got two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, planted on a stable surface. This is not just safety-talk here, it’s cold hard physics. Simply put, this creates a stable triangle of support, minimizing the chance of losing your balance and falling.
This is big because in the water business, we all know things can get wet and wet boots mean slippery steps, and that’s a disaster just waiting to happen. One wrong move, and your “quick hop up” could turn into a trip straight to the ER. Don’t gamble with your safety. Slow down and always use THREE points of contact—because a solid grip beats a hospital trip every time.
Climbing in or out of your ride? Always keep your body turned INWARD. Never jump, no matter how tempting it may be. And please, don’t be that person trying to carry a mountain load of stuff with one hand—unless you want to faceplant in front of everyone. Stay smart. Stay on your feet. Your dignity (and your bones) will thank you!
Safety Toe Boots: The First Line of Defense
You know the drill. Heavy units, sharp tools, and thousand-pound trailers don’t care if your feet get in the way. That’s where safety toe boots come in. They aren’t just a uniform requirement; they’re the armor your feet need to survive the daily grind.
Crushed toes? Puncture wounds? Slippery floors? The right footwear stops disaster in its tracks. On the job, you’re not just walking, you’re navigating hazards. Safety toes squash those dangers into just another day’s work.
Ankle Support: Don’t Let a Twist Take You Out
When you’re dealing with trucks and trailers, rough terrain and hidden hazards are always waiting to trip you up—literally. Most people focus on toe protection, but the real game-changer is tough ankle support. This means having a safety toe boot with above the ankle protection and not safety toe shoes. This style of shoe with ankle support keeps you steady and ready to react when the ground shifts or a trailer slips. Ignore a twisted ankle, and you’re not just limping for a day, you could be out for weeks, or worse, sidelined for good.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line here is to always utilize three points of contact and gear up with the right safety toe boots with ankle support. Protect yourself every step, every day and ALWAYS be prepared for the unexpected.