Aerial Manlift Hazards
Aerial manlifts are machines that use either a series of folding, linked supports, like an articulated boom lift or a scissor lift or a boom lift. These industrial kinds of machine allow workers to access hard-to-reach areas. In certain ways, these kinds of machinery have made construction much safer and easier, however, the general safety that comes with the unparalleled mobility of aerial manlifts has implemented a new list of dangers which can accidentally cause serious injury or even death to unaware drivers.
Falls
Falls from a man lift normally occurs when employees fail to or are unable to wear a safety harness or cannot secure the harness to the lift. Falls can occur when someone on the platform acts wrongly and partakes in an activity like for example climbing the guard rails to be able to gain added height. As well, mishaps can be caused if the operator on the ground causes the machinery to move in an unexpected motion prior to the employee being properly secured.
At times employees can fall when the lift's base is struck accidentally by a heavy object. During this situation, the force of the blow below becomes amplified by the lift's length, hence causing the worker to be suddenly catapulted off of the platform. Clearly this hazardous action has terrible results.
Tip-Overs
Boom lifts are prone to tipping over. Tip overs are more common in articulated boom lifts, but could happen in any type of lift. As boom lifts can move both horizontally and vertically, they are capable of changing the overall center of gravity of the machinery. Hence, if the lift is parked on a slope of some type or over loaded, totally extending the boom when it is in the wrong position can cause the machine to tip over.