How to prevent aerial lift accidents

The construction industry growth has reportedly increased since 2013. This is good news for both the industry and economy thus accumulating a rise to the number of the labor workforce for construction. However, the increase in construction activity also leads to an alarming number of deaths in the history.

With this inevitable growth, it is also necessary to make sure of the safety of the labor force to prevent the growing quantity of deaths and accidents in the midst of the construction and operation.

Tips to Prevent Aerial Lift Accidents

This image credits to Nifty Lift

Choose the “most qualified person”

– Entrusting the operation to someone with less ability and control over the machine is forbidden. Make sure the operator undergo an extensive training plus a lengthy experience before he can manipulate the machine.

Proper maintenance and inspection

– It is very important for a qualified technician to frequently maintain the operated machine. This is the way to be certain that there will be no more problems in the midst of operation. There should be electrical tests and detailed inspections to avoid recurring problems in the future.

Secure work areas

– Minimizing worries from falling objects and hitting someone while working is quite easy. Before starting the job, the operator must make sure to clear the work area and be aware of the activities in nearby buildings or places.

Stop electrocution mishaps

– Electrocutions comprises the highest number of aerial deaths so far as statistics are concerned, and it’s really alarming. To stop the this accumulating deaths, an operator must be vigilant to use an insulated bucket near overhead power lines and keep a safe distance away from the high voltage electricity conductor.

Stop accidents in falls

– Wearing the harness and lanyard is the basic rule for this. Plus, the security of closing chains and doors always is also the easiest way to prevent from falling.

Stop tip-over cases

– Operators must know about the maximum capacity of the machine and should not exceed the limit of it. Be careful not to drive near drop-offs or holes and avoid too much of pushing and pulling. Position the lifts with extra care and do not move from one job location to another while the lift is in elevated position.

General recap

– An aerial lift job is a tedious procedure that needs careful considerations to a variety of safety instructions. From the training and preparation, to wearing the personal protective equipment (PPE) climbing onto the machine, actual working, and finally cleaning up, returning the tools and equipment – the operator take  full responsibility with a watchful attitude to successfully undergo this process.