The aim of the study was to examine the problems related to moving on the access paths of mobile machinery, and the applicability of available research methods in solving them. Access path means the access and the exit path of the machine, i.e. stairs and doorways. The research began with the literary research concerning access paths, and the main problems and disorders associated with their use. Also the standards related to the access paths were clarified. Statistics from the Farmers Social Insurance Institution of Finland in 1997 formed the base material for the analysis of accidents on the access paths of the mobile machinery used in agriculture. The most usual accident types and their causes were analysed. A typical result of an accident on an access path was a strain or a sprain in the lower extremity or back when the machine s driver would jump from, or slip while exiting the cabin. Fourteen users and sixteen designers of the machines were interviewed as part of the research. As a whole, the designers were quite satisfied with the access paths of the machines designed by themselves but all of them also recognised that there were safety and ergonomic problems that should be improved. The user interviews were used to record users experiences, knowledge and opinions on the functionality, problems and risk situations on access paths. Also the movements of users on the access paths were recorded on video. The recordings illustrated that the users ability to maintain so called three point contact, i.e. to have at least three of the limbs supported, at any time while moving up and down was limited. Users preferred to face forwards while stepping down from the cockpit. This would make it more difficult to maintain three point contact because it is hard to grip a handrail while the back towards the machine. In other words exiting the machine by coming down the stairs facing forwards. The possibilities of motion analysis were tested with a video camera, which recorded the movements of two subjects on the pathways of a Lännen 860 S -backhoe loader. With a Peak Motus motion analysis system it is possible to model human movement as a three-dimensional stick figure taken from synchronous video camera recordings, and recorded from different directions. Motion analysis showed for example that the elastic attachment of the lowest step of the machine was a safety risk. According to these results, it is worthwhile investing in access path design. High relative disorder and the frequency of accidents indicate that the access paths still need development work. These needs should also be part of the machinery and access path safety and ergonomic standardisation.