Out of the heavy machinery that is often associated with heavy duty work is the handy and versatile aerial lift. Designed to be one of the primary tools in front line duties such as access to higher places, aerial lifts are also one of the hazardous equipments to work with.
From maintenance to engineering costs that come with handling aerial lifts, it comes with its own hazards as well. To prevent mishaps from occurring within the premises of the workplace, it is important to note the most common mistakes committed using aerial lifts. By correcting these, the entire workplace is one safe place for workers to be involved in the entire project.
Find out more about the top five common mistakes committed in the workplace involving aerial lifts and how these can be remedied.
Lack of identifying potential hazards in the workplace.
Safety begins with identifying the hazards that every person will encounter in the workplace. The need to identify hazards such as falls, tip-overs, electric shocks and ejections from platforms will allow people involved in the project on what needs to be done to prevent such accidents. It will also teach personnel to become vigilant in the workplace even if they are not within the premises of the aerial lift and when not in operation.
Underestimating the lift’s capacity.
Each aerial lift has its own specifications that is good for a number of jobs. It is important to note that before renting a particular aerial lift, one must be able to identify the required specifications based on the conditions of the job. Certain lifts are only capable of a kind of job due to its technical provisions. From the lift’s loading capacity to its height requirement, choosing the perfect lift for the right job will prevent accidents in the workplace.
Outdated lift specifications.
One of the biggest mistakes committed, especially by managers when enlisting the help of aerial lifts in the workplace, is by assuming the specifications from before can still be applied today. This misjudgment creates two particular risks, such as the possibility that the lift’s needs and job site conditions might be different from the last usage and lifts with new technologies might just offer lower productive costs for the workplace. Updating one’s self with the newest specifications will allow smoother and safer work to be done.
Lacking training among the personnel in handling the equipment.
Another workplace hazard that occurs in handling the equipment is the lack of training required for each worker. Safety regulations require trainings and re-trainings to be done at appropriate times. Trainings should encompass the following: accidents that occur while using an aerial lift, workplace hazards and familiarizing what equipment or accessory to use in various situations.
Management holds the responsibility for the welfare of workers in the workplace. To minimise the risk of accidents occurring in the workplace, one surefire method is by training personnel in handling aerial lifts properly.
Underestimating the lift’s reach.
One of the most common causes of accidents in the workplace is when workers underestimate a lift’s reach beyond its specifications or requirements while in operation. Working conditions change when workers utilise a lift that is either too short or too long for the job. The imbalance beyond the ability of the lift to be controlled will result in a tip-over. Minimising the damages and accidents in the workplace starts within the people involved in the project. However, it also comes with employing aerial lifts from the most trusted source around.