How Eaglehook safety system prevents deadly trailer falls

Falls are a leading cause of injury for maintenance technicians, and workers are in an especially risky spot when the job requires them to be on top of the trailer for repairs, maintenance, or snow removal. To put things into context, a drop from the top of a 13-foot-tall trailer onto concrete is the equivalent of slamming into a brick wall at 20 miles per hour. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported that the truck‑transportation industry saw 27 fatal falls in 2021, many of which occur when workers climb on or off trailers or work on trailer roofs.

Across the broader transportation and warehousing sector, falls killed 42 workers that year, and the National Safety Council notes that falls caused 129,010 non‑fatal injuries requiring days away from work across all U.S. industries in 2022.

Trucking safety equipment provider Eaglehook, which was founded by former trailer mechanic John Sousa, has a solution: the Eaglehook Trailer Top Fall Protection System.

OSHA requires fall protection for working at heights above four feet, and this compliant harnessing gear was designed for real-world repair yards, not perfect conditions.  It does not require scaffolding or any installations; instead using an EH1 that anchors to both sides of the trailer, allowing workers to walk the 53-foot span safely and confidently.

Workers can don the lightweight personal protective equipment and attach the anchor system in under five minutes and are ready to work with a wide range of motion and complete stability on the trailer roof.

Whether techs are working on dry vans, containers, or reefers, the system keeps them protected. It’s also trusted by top fleet teams across North America to reduce risk, boost compliance, and unlock more repair jobs.

One user, Canada Cartage, said, “Safety is a full-time job while maintaining and repairing heavy equipment. The Eaglehook was our shop's solution to fall restraint when it comes to trailer roof repairs. This mobile, light-weight, easy-to-use tool just makes sense to any operation requiring fall prevention.”

Check out the video for a look at the system in action.