Aerial Work Platform Safety

Do not climb or sit on railings.

In addition to the risks of tipping over and collapsing, there is also a risk of falling from the work platform when it is elevated. The mid and top rails are meant to protect workers from falling, but they are not meant to be climbed on or sat upon. The first step in preventing falls from scissor lifts is to make sure these rails are securely in place.

Is anything loose? Is everything on the platform securely fastened? Regardless of how recently the equipment was used, make sure you do your own inspection to minimize risks and ensure the safe use of scissor lifts.

The second step is to ensure the mid and top rails are only being used as a boundary and nothing else. While the scissor lift does a good job of getting workers to the height they need, the width of the platform limits how much horizontal space you can cover. Rather than taking the time to lower the scissor lift and move the entire lift a few feet, it may be tempting to climb on the rails to attempt to reach the area. This can lead to workers falling from the work platform, resulting in serious injury and sometimes death.

Position the scissor lift properly and map out any movement across the site

The positioning of the scissor lift while on a job site is also important to take into consideration to maximize the safety of employees. Make sure traffic controls are in place to avoid any vehicle or other equipment coming in contact with the scissor lift, especially when it’s in an elevated position. If you must move the scissor lift while it’s in an elevated position, map out the route you’re taking across the job site, no matter how short the distance, to ensure you will avoid electrical lines and any other objects that may be in your way.