Because of its location, drivers who manually pull the fifth-wheel release without the aid of an assist-devise must stoop or squat and reach into the narrow area between the tractor frame and the trailer apron. While in that physically-awkward position, the driver must pull hard enough to release the king-pin. That can be a recipe for a shoulder, neck or back injury. Because it is difficult (if not impossible) to get solid footing and a secure stance while in that awkward position, a driver who pulls the fifth-wheel release by-hand increases the potential to fall backwards when a stubborn fifth-wheel finally gives.
The previous issue of Beyond the Cab suggested that air-operated fifth-wheel unlocking systems or newly-designed fifth-wheels that require less pulling force than standard fifth-wheel models may be a big part of the solution. Certainly these engineering advances should be strongly considered when defining specs for new trucks. However, the reality is that retrofitting existing trucks or purchasing new trucks with these devises represents a long-term solution. Implementing that long-term solution throughout the fleet may take 5 years or more.
Short-term solutions are needed to fill the gap. The good news is that there are a number of controls that can be employed to minimize drivers’ exposure to injuries associated with pulling the fifth-wheel release. The better news is that, as the safety director, you don’t have to pick just one. As a matter of fact, you are encouraged to use them all. In this issue of Beyond the Cab, we will take a more in-depth look at fifth-wheel hooks.
Fifth-wheel hooks are very likely the most commonly-considered control to address the hazard of pulling a semi’s fifth-wheel release. These are generally little more than a steel rod with a small hook on one end and a handle on the other end. In fact, many drivers fabricate their own out of rebar or stainless steel. By placing the hook onto the semi’s fifth-wheel release handle, a driver can stand erect while pulling, as opposed to the awkward posture described above.
Although the design concept is simple, not all fifth-wheel hooks are created equal. Whether a fifth-wheel hook is commercially-purchased or fabricated for personal use, drivers should be made aware that fifth-wheel hooks made of soft metal (such as aluminum) do not likely have the structural integrity for the job. In using an aluminum fifth-wheel hook, a number of drivers have fallen backwards onto the ground or thrust their elbow against an adjacent trailer because the hook portion of the devise straightened-out under the force on being used to pull a stubborn fifth-wheel release.
In addition to avoiding those fabricated from soft metals, before purchasing fifth-wheel hooks, determine the proper length by measuring the distance from the fifth-wheel release handle to the edge of the trailer. If the fifth-wheel hook is too short, a portion of the driver’s arm will still be under the trailer and he will not be able to stand erect when pulling. If the fifth-wheel hook is too long the driver may not have enough room to use it on those occasions in which there is limited space beside the trailer.
The specific configuration of the hook (the portion placed onto fifth-wheel release handle) is yet another consideration. Because some fifth-wheel releases have a latch mechanism, fifth-wheel hooks can be purchased with catches (Click here to see example). Under certain circumstances, hooks with a moderate bend are warranted, as opposed to those with a “J-shaped” hook on the end. Because hooks can get dirty from reaching under trailers, many drivers do not like to place the hooks back inside their cab. Instead, they store it behind their cab by dropping it through one of the holes in the catwalk (away from the driveshaft). This not only keeps a potentially dirty tool out of the cab, but makes it convenient to use every time. However, if this is how the hook is to be stored, the hook should likely have a 100-110° right angle bend so that it can be placed through the holes in the catwalk.
Although fifth-wheel hooks are an injury prevention tool, they have an ancillary benefit. The underside of the trailer is invariably dirty and greasy, even in the most pleasant of weather conditions. However, toss in some rain, snow or ice and the area between tractor frame and the trailer apron literally drips with slurry of road grime and grease. Many drivers have ruined shirts and jackets all the way up to their shoulder simply by reaching under a trailer to pull the fifth-wheel release. By keeping their arm from breaking the plane of the trailer, a driver not only helps avoid an injury, but also stays clean..
For the few drivers that pull van trailers with roll-up doors, a fifth-wheel hook can help prevent falls as well. Keeping the drivers’ feet on the ground, that same hook can be used to pull-down the trailer doors.
Some fifth-wheel hooks are marketed to also be used to pull the release for the sliding tandems. However that is a topic for a different issue of Beyond the Cab.
Do your drivers use fifth-wheel hooks? Have you ever asked them? A recent pole on Truck.Net revealed that 62% of drivers use fifth-wheel hooks religiously.
If you have further suggestions for controlling hazards associated with uncoupling trailers, we welcome your comments at losscontrol@midwesterninsurance.com. We also welcome comments on other non-driving hazards within the trucking industry and will post driver comments in future issues.
Copyright Ó2007 Midwestern Insurance Alliance
Midwestern Insurance Alliance, the exclusive workers’ compensation provider endorsed by the Kentucky Motor Transport Association (KMTA) and the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA).
