According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about 26 construction workers die each year from using aerial lifts. Approximately 70% involve boom-supported lifts, such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers; 25% of the other deaths involve scissor lifts.  Half of the falls from boom lifts involved being ejected from the bucket after being struck by vehicles, cranes, or crane loads, or by falling objects, or when a lift suddenly jerked. Three-quarters of the tip-overs of scissor lifts resulted in fall deaths; in the remaining accidents, workers died from being struck by the falling scissor lift. 

Often operators lack the training to know they are creating safety hazards. An aerial lift has the potential to cause serious injury when the operator has not read the operator’s manual. OSHA requires a qualified person to train all users on:·      

Electrical, fall, and falling-object hazards.

How to handle hazards.

Safe lift operation

Manufacturer requirements. 

Generally a pre-start inspection is required for all types of aerial lifts at each job site. Check operating and emergency controls, safety devices (such as, outriggers and guardrails), personal fall-protection gear, wheels and tires, and other machine components specified by the manufacturer. Look for possible leaks (air, hydraulic fluid, and fuel-system) and loose or missing parts.  Do not use defective equipment.

Safety Tips

·       Always close lift platform chains or doors.

·       Stand on the floor of the bucket or lift platform. Do not climb on or lean over guardrails.

·       Do not exceed manufacturer's load-capacity limits.

·       If working near traffic, install work-zone warnings, like cones and signs.

·       Use proper personal fall-protection.

·       Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.

·       Do not drive with the lift platform elevated (unless allowed by manufacturer).

·       Do not exceed vertical or horizontal reach limits or the specified load-capacity of the lift.

·       Prevent unauthorized use by locking a machine, keeping its keys off the job site, or securing it in an  inaccessible area  when not working

·       Operator’s manual must be kept on machine.