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Opening and closing trailer doors are two of the leading causes of work-related injuries for truck drivers. Read the information below, and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to protect yourself from harm.nnRecognize the HazardsnnEnvironmentnnHigh winds can catch a swinging trailer door while you are holding it and cause back or shoulder strains. The door could also hit you with great force. Potholes, ice, mud, and uneven ground around the rear of the trailer can also lead to slips, trips, and falls when opening or closing trailer doors.nnEquipmentnnCargo could shift in transit and fall on a driver if he or she opens the door carelessly. Doors that are not properly secured to the side of the trailer can also get caught by the wind and hit the driver if he or she is not careful.nnPersonal BehaviorsnnStanding in the path of falling cargo, hurrying, failing to use a door strap, and ignoring slip, trip, and fall hazards around the truck are unsafe behaviors that contribute to injuries sustained while opening and closing trailer doors.nnKnow the Defensenn1. Start by stretching your back and shoulders.n2. Ensure there are no obstacles or people that could n prevent opening the doors.n3. Check the wind direction.n4. Look for slip, trip, and fall hazards around the trailer.n5. Install door straps, if available.n6. Stand behind the left-side trailer door and feel the right- n side door for pressure from fallen cargo.n7. If there is no pressure, open the right-side door enough n to peer inside for signs of fallen cargo. Do the same for n roll-up doors.n8. If cargo has shifted, try to close the door and lock it, n then ask for assistance. Do this for roll-up doors also.n9. If cargo falls, get away from the area quickly. Do not n attempt to catch falling cargo.n10. If cargo is secure, open the door completely, and n secure it to the side of the trailer. Do not attempt to n catch a trailer door if it is caught by the wind.n11. Visually inspect behind the left-side trailer door. Do not n open the door if fallen cargo is pressing against the n door.n12. If cargo is secure, open the door and secure it to the n trailer.