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Maintenance

ON-DUTY Government Motor Vehicle Maintenance

Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the Army's top five injury producing activities. While the most serious (fatal) maintenance-related injuries occur when Soldiers are pinned/crushed between or under vehicles or equipment, burned during fuel handling operations, or electrocuted while conducting maintenance operations, the majority of maintenance-related injuries occur when Soldiers:

  • slip or fall from a vehicle or other elevation.
  • are caught between or struck by a vehicle hood, hatch, door, or ramp.
  • hands or fingers are struck by moving parts (e.g., fan blades, belts, etc.).
  • are struck in the face or eyes by debris, fluid, metal chips or other objects.
  • lose their grip on objects or use improper lifting techniques.
  • hands, feet, or body are crushed under a lifted object.

To minimize these types of injuries, follow these tips:

  • Make available and enforce the use of appropriate PPE to include safety goggles, face shields, and gloves. Require Soldiers wear safety goggles anytime they are conducting maintenance or are in the maintenance shop or motor pool.
  • Ensure areas are clear of obstructions and hazards.
  • Make work platforms available when possible.
  • When feasible, have personnel use fall protection when working at heights above six feet.
  • Remind personnel to use safety pins and devices that secure hoods, hatches, doors, and ramps
  • Stress the importance of situational awareness and communication between crewmembers.
  • Institute procedures similar to lockout/tagout for operations involving hazardous machinery and emphasize the need for clear and concise communication between work crewmembers.
  • Conduct spot checks to ensure appropriate guards and barriers are in place, and equipment is properly grounded.
  • Never allow personnel to stand directly behind a moving vehicle or position themselves where they could be pinned or crushed.
  • Ensure personnel follow the procedures outlined in the TM and SOPs.
  • Promote a positive safety climate by developing metrics that measure positive, proactive safety behavior and instituting a challenging but attainable awards program.
  • Keeping up with equipment safety issues is important. You can access important safety messages and alerts through the Army electronic product support site. In addition, know who your local logistics assistance representative (LAR) is, so you can contact them regarding equipment concerns or questions.
  • Ensure that all lifting devices are inspected and have received an updated load test and functional test.
  • Ensure that operators inspect vehicle support stands before use as required.
  • Always ensure that appropriate safety and occupational health training is provided.
References and Links