Retract-A-Steps was invented in Penguin, Tasmania by an electrician who injured has knee by constantly jumping down from his vehicle. He figured there had to be a better way to get around his vehicle without risking injury.

The first models were heavy and cumbersome without the more recently added spring loading that prevents the steps from falling on the user's foot when pulling the steps into position, as well as making it easy to stow after use.

The difficult part of the design -- having the treads parallel to the ground at all times, was developed by a trio of engineers.  The spring was added and with a number of adjustments to the weight and construction of the steps, Retract-A-Steps was born and put on the market.

Initially there was a sceptical approach by both transport companies and drivers, as to the actual use of the steps.

"Too much trouble" .. "easier to just climb on and jump of" .... "extra expense", were just some of the comments received. However, within a short time those that fitted Retract-A-Steps to their vehicles came back with glowing reports on the ease of use. They also commented on the relief of walking down secure stairs instead of the jarring effect of jumping from heights onto surfaces which all too often were rough and uneven.

When landing on the ground from one or more metres high, knees, ankles and backs are subjected to a weight of up to 500 kilos. Those parts of the body are not built to withstand this, particularly if repeated time and time again each day.

Today many vehicles have been fitted with Retract-A-Steps including applications as wide as semi-trailers and small service trucks.   Even the US navy has fitted several steps to vehicles.  The team behind Retract-A-Steps is delighted with the acceptance of the steps by all sections of the trucking industry and look forward to being of service to the industry.