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Workplace scissor lift accidents

Posted by James Aspell | Aug 19, 2022 | 0 Comments

Workplace scissor lift accidents

In many different types of industries, the need to get a worker into an elevated position can arise during a work project. There are a variety of types of devices and equipment that can be used for getting workers to such positions. One is a scissor lift.  They are also called Manlifts, JLG's or, simply  lifts. 

A scissor lift is a vertical lift with a work platform on top, in which the platform is raised and lowered (straight up and down) by crossed beams. These beams make scissors-like motion when raising or lowering the platform.

If you are hurt on a scissors lift at work in Connecticut, you will most likely be entitled to Connecticut workers compensation for your man lift accident.

When using scissor lifts in their work projects, there are various safety steps employers should take, including:

  • Having appropriate safety practices and policies in place for lift use. 
  • Ensuring that the workers who will be using the lift have been properly trained on lift use and safety. 
  • Making sure the lift has appropriate fall-protection features.
  • Keeping the lift in proper repair. 
  • Providing workers who will be using the lift with the right personal protection. 
  • Only using a lift in stable and proper locations and conditions. 
  • Following the instructions provided by the lift's manufacturer in all lift use.  

Why is proper scissor lift safety by employers so important? Failing to engage in appropriate lift safety measures can result in lift accidents. So, dangers in a workplace could be upped quite a bit when an employer's scissor lift safety measures fall short. Example of accidents that can occur involving scissor lifts include: worker falls, crushing accidents, electrical accidents, lift collapses and lift tip-overs.

Scissor lift accidents in a workplace can not only cause injuries to the workers using a lift, but also other workers in the area. When any worker in the state is hurt in a scissor lift accident (or another accident involving work equipment), among the things they may want to consider doing is talking with an experienced work accident attorney about what rights they have under Nebraska's workers' compensation laws and what steps it can be helpful to take when seeking to get what one is entitled to under these rights. 

Aerial Lift & Scissor Lift Accidents – Stats, Safety And More

Scissor lift accidents and aerial work platform accidents happen all the time. In 2016, OSHA guideline 3842 was published to address aerial work platform accidents, specifically scissor lift fatalities. This much-publicized bulletin contains helpful information on stabilization, maintenance, and other issues that can cause scissor lift accidents.

Learning about the most common accidents – and how to avoid them – can help your company's safety program. AerialLiftCertification.com (ALC) provides training and certification for aerial work platform operators. With our training & certification, your employees are better prepared to avoid the most common scissor lift accidents and aerial lift hazards. 

It's important to get your employees the right training so they know how to properly operate your equipment – and NOT become part of aerial lift accident statistics!

Our courses explain OSHA safety regulations for scissor lifts & aerial lifts in clear, concise manner. Sign up today and learn everything you need to know about mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), aerial work platform (AWP), aerial lift & scissor lift safety! 

Common Connecticut Scissor Lift Accidents & Aerial Lift Hazards

Let's look at some typical causes of the most common scissor lift accidents, along with some statistics that illustrate just how important it is to have 100% OSHA compliant safety training.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), which is the parent organization of OSHA, around 300-400 workers are injured each year operating an aerial lift or scissor lift. Additionally, an average of 20-25 scissor deaths per year happen to workers while operating MEWPs, AWPs, scissor lifts and similar equipment. 

Most Common CT Scissor Lift and Aerial Lift Accidents

A handful of accident scenarios are responsible for the vast majority of these injuries and deaths. Speaking of which, here are some of the  most common types of AWP accidents:

Tip-Overs

If your scissor lift or aerial lift isn't properly balanced or overloaded, tip-overs can happen. This common aerial lift accident is the root cause of a handful of scissor lift fatalities every year in the United States. More common in aerial lifts, since they're mostly used outdoors, tip-overs can also occur with scissor lifts. Even in an indoor setting, tip-overs are the primary cause of scissor lift accidents. Always check your operator manual for proper loading techniques and ensure the aerial lift ground is stable – this will help prevent the conditions and causes that eventually lead to scissor lift accident statistics.

Defective Equipment

Everything from malfunctioning pneumatics to frayed wires to inadequate safety restraints lead to scissor lift accidents. Defective equipment is detected before it becomes a problem with a thorough maintenance program. Regular, thorough checks of your aerial lifts is essential to ensure defective equipment doesn't cause an accident or fatality. 

Trapped on Lift

Careless operation can result in scissor lift accidents and aerial work platform accidents where the operator is pinned between the lift and other objects. Trees, bridges, walls and overhead hazards have to be accounted for. The best way to avoid this danger? OSHA compliant certification, courtesy of ALC!

Falls

This is the most common cause of aerial lift and scissor lift fatalities. Serious injuries also result from falls. Falls happen due to operator negligence, carelessness, and not using proper safety restraints. OSHA recommends the use of safety harnesses, and of course your operators should always stay within the safety guardrails when working on AWPs.

Ignoring Operational Guidelines

By “operational guidelines,” we mean a combination of the aerial lift manufacturer's manual and your organization's own safety recommendations. To avoid aerial lift accidents, all operators must have a solid understanding of their equipment and surroundings. With proper hands-on training and certification, your employees are more likely to adhere to these important guidelines!

Unstable Ground Conditions

To avoid aerial lift & scissor lift accidents, it all starts from the ground up – literally! From cherry pickers to telescopic boom lifts to scissor lifts, any aerial work platform requires a solid, stable foundation to work on. For outdoor work especially, ensure your employees always operate aerial lifts and MEWPs on flat, even surfaces. Mud, water, inclines and other hazards should be avoided at all costs. 

Power Lines

Always be aware of overhead power lines. Electrocutions and serious injuries occur when workers or equipment come in contact with live electrical wires. Before working, ensure the general aerial lift work zone is free of dangerous power lines. If your job requires workers in close proximity to power lines, extra training & instruction is recommended.

Remember, accidents always step from hazards that might not seem serious at first glance, but can cause Connecticut accidents, injuries or even CT workplace fatalities.

Improve Safety & Learn How to Avoid Scissor Lift Accidents

James F. Aspell, P.C . is here to help you  or your family if you or a loved one are injured in a Connecticut construction site accident

About the Author

James Aspell

Principal since August 1, 2006 James F. Aspell is the principal and managing attorney of the firm which he started in 2006 following 20 years of litigation practice in a mid -size firm in Hartford, Connecticut. Jim focuses his practice in the areas of worker's compensation and personal injury l...

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