In the construction industry, safety is a top priority. However, despite the advancements in safety equipment and training, workers are still falling off manlifts. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. As experienced Connecticut work comp lawyers, we unfortunately see a lot of manlift accidents.  Often with very serious injuries including fractures and paralysis. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind these accidents and provide solutions to prevent them from happening.

1. Lack of Proper Training The use of manlifts requires proper training and certification. However, many workers are not properly trained, which leads to accidents. Employers should provide regular training sessions to ensure that all workers are up-to-date on safety protocols and equipment usage.

2. Equipment Malfunction Manlifts are complex machines that require regular maintenance and inspection. Equipment malfunction can cause serious accidents, and it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all equipment is in good condition before use. Routine maintenance and inspection should be conducted to prevent equipment failure.

3. Human Error Human error is a significant factor in manlift accidents. Workers may forget to secure their harness or fail to follow safety procedures. Employers should emphasize the importance of following safety protocols and provide reminders and incentives to encourage proper behavior.

4. Improper Use Improper use of manlifts is a common cause of accidents. Workers may use the equipment to lift heavy loads or transport materials, which is not the intended purpose of the manlift. Employers should provide clear guidelines for proper usage and enforce these guidelines to prevent accidents.

5. Inadequate Safety Equipment Inadequate safety equipment is another contributing factor to manlift accidents. Workers may not have access to the proper safety harnesses or fall protection equipment, which increases the risk of falls. Employers should provide the necessary safety equipment and ensure that it is in good condition before use.

6. Distractions Distractions are a significant hazard on construction sites. Workers may be distracted by their cell phones, coworkers, or the surrounding environment, leading to accidents. Employers should implement policies to reduce distractions and provide training on how to avoid distractions while operating manlifts.

7. Improper Supervision Proper supervision is essential to ensuring worker safety. Supervisors should be trained to identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to prevent accidents. Regular supervision of workers and equipment usage can help prevent accidents and ensure that all safety protocols are being followed.

8. Poor Communication Poor communication can also contribute to manlift accidents. Workers may not communicate effectively with each other, leading to misunderstandings and mistakes. Employers should provide training on effective communication and establish clear communication protocols to prevent accidents.

9. Fatigue Fatigue is a significant hazard in the construction industry. Workers may be fatigued due to long hours or physical exertion, leading to accidents. Employers should ensure that workers are taking regular breaks and provide training on fatigue management.

10. Lack of Safety Culture A lack of safety culture is a common issue in the construction industry. Workers may not prioritize safety or may not feel comfortable reporting safety concerns to their employers. Employers should foster a culture of safety by providing regular training, incentives for safe behavior, and open communication channels for reporting safety concernIn conclusion, preventing manlift accidents requires a multifaceted approach. Employers should provide regular training sessions to ensure that all workers are up-to-date on safety protocols and equipment usage. Routine maintenance and inspection should be conducted to prevent equipment failure, and workers should be reminded of the importance of following safety procedures. Employers should also provide the necessary safety equipment and ensure that it is in good condition before use. In addition, employers should foster a culture of safety and provide open communication channels for reporting safety concerns. By addressing these factors, we can reduce the number of manlift accidents and ensure that workers stay safe on construction sites.