Tow truck operators aid motorists, keep streets and highways clear, and transport vehicles that are damaged, non-operational, or parked illegally. Tow truck operators are called out at all times of day, year-round. Their job involves personal safety, driving, heavy equipment, and traffic safety, so knowing the safety basics for tow truck operations is crucial.

Personal safety is the number one priority

Ensure that you have a record of each driver’s planned route. Your drivers should avoid situations that look or feel dangerous. It’s important that they are calm and tactful when working with customers. If a driver senses a potential threat from the public or encounter a dangerous situation, they should report the issue immediately either to dispatch, or in the event of imminent danger, law enforcement. Awareness of surroundings is another key part of personal safety. Operators need to wear a high visibility vest and always check the traffic around them when exiting the truck and before beginning work.

Similar to machinery in other lines of work, tow truck operators are exposed to caught/crush injuries, putting their hands and fingers at risk of injury.

Pinch points. Tow cables, winches, pulleys, and the operating controls all fall into this category. Operators should avoid placing their hands where they can be pinched or crushed between two objects.

Cuts and abrasions. When securing and releasing vehicles, sharp edges, broken glass, and/or jagged metals are likely present. Wearing cut resistant gloves can help protect against this exposure.

Chemical exposure. Vehicles could be leaking fluids including—but not limited to—oil and gasoline. Direct contact with any of a vehicle’s fluids can cause skin irritation and/or chemical burns. To protect against this exposure, wear chemical resistant gloves.

Impact injuries. Use the right tools for the job to avoid the potential for sudden release of energy caused by tool failure. The use of hand tools, such as wrenches or impact guns to remove lug nuts or secure straps. Impact resistant gloves can help protect against this exposure.

Operators should maintain three points of contact when climbing onto or off a truck. Use the steps and handles for this and never jump in and out of the cab or bed portion of the tow truck.

Personal safety also includes driving defensively and staying alert. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and medications that cause drowsiness. Follow safe hours of service guidelines. Obey speed limits and road regulations and wear a seatbelt. Don’t multi-task—keep your eyes and mind on the road. When towing, use your lights or a light bar to signal your intentions.

It’s also important to maintain fitness for the job which may require stretching, bending, lifting, and climbing. Use good body mechanics and lifting techniques to avoid back injuries. Don’t strain, twist, or overreach, and avoid extreme or awkward positions as much as possible.

Other health exposures

Before towing the vehicle, operators often need to gain entry to set the vehicle up to be moved (e.g. shifting to neutral, releasing the emergency brake). Assess the interior prior to entry. There is potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens, sharp objects, narcotics, and drug paraphernalia. A disposable hazardous materials suit may be needed in some cases. If entry to a vehicle is too dangerous, operators can use alternative towing options such as tire dollies. Exposure to illnesses such as the flu or COVID-19 are also possible when interacting with people.

Maintenance and operation

It’s important to know the truck’s equipment rating and capacity—overloading may cause an accident. Be aware of the truck’s height for maneuvering under overpasses and bridges.

Inspect the truck before each use. Things to check for include:

  • The utility body and mounts—look for and fix broken bolts, cracked welds, or stress fractures. The chains and hooks on the rig—make sure the security pins are not bent or falling out.
  • The chain—make sure it’s not bent, stretched, or has hammered links.
  • The winch and cable—keep them clean and lubricated.
  • The hooks and clamps—make sure these are rated at the same capacity as the wire.

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or operating manual for the specific tow truck being used for more specific details on maintenance.

When hooking up a towed vehicle, chock and block the wheels before disengaging the driveshaft or the brakes. Use lockout/tagout procedures on the wheel lift, boom, and winches while working under a truck or between the truck and towed vehicle. If you have a remote to the lift, boom, or winch, do not leave it in your pocket or on the ground where it could be accidentally activated. Instead, secure the remote inside your truck until you are ready to use it.

Since they work at any time, day or night, and in any type of weather conditions, tow truck operators have a difficult job. Talk to them today about the steps to take to stay safe on the job while performing their job duties efficiently.

(Rev. 10/2024)