Abstract

Québec has 2,129 fire trucks, which may present risks of injury for fire fighters when they mount on or dismount from them. The standard relating to this type of vehicle prescribes a method of access but provides no parameters or reference values for evaluating the situation. Previous IRSST work, corroborated by studies carried out by other researchers, has demonstrated that the height of the steps, the layout of the supports and the method of dismounting from this type of truck have an effect on the force of impact on the lower limbs when they touch the ground. The aim of this study is to develop a checklist that will allow easy evaluation of the access points to the trucks and will propose solution scenarios for correcting them as needed. Produced and distributed by the Association paritaire du secteur Affaires municipales (APSAM), it will provide the firefighting industry with additional means of ensuring that these vehicles are mounted and dismounted from safely. This checklist will help reduce falls and related musculoskeletal problems. It could then be adapted to other activity sectors using utility or industrial vehicles.