Heavy Construction Equipment: Repair, Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Two ways to prevent injuries when using elevated work platforms

27 November 2017 by Clifton Barnes

Elevated work platforms, such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, are often used during building projects. Here are two steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of injuries occurring when this type of construction equipment needs to be used:

Only allow licensed individuals to operate the equipment

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent accidents when using elevated work platforms is to ensure that those who operate this kind of equipment have a valid EWP licence.

An EWP licence is a good indication of a person's ability to safely operate an elevated work platform, as this documentation is only given to individuals who have undergone rigorous training and have passed a series of examinations.

Those who have taken EWP training courses and passed the relevant examinations will not only have an in-depth understanding of how this kind of equipment works but will also know how to check the equipment for potentially-dangerous faults. You can also know how to identify and avoid hazards in the work environment that could interfere with their ability to use the equipment safely.

In short, they will be far less likely than an unlicensed individual to make an error which could endanger them or their co-workers.

Provide fall protection gear

Even in situations where an elevated work platform is being operated by a licensed and highly-skilled individual, accidents and injuries can still occur.

If for example, the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worst and a strong wind appears, the person standing on the platform could be blown off balance, which could result in them falling out of the platform and onto the ground. Likewise, if it starts to rain very heavily and the equipment is being used on soil, the ground could soften to such an extent that the equipment tips over.

As such, it's important for building site managers to ensure that any individuals who are tasked with performing work on the elevated platform are provided with fall protection gear.

This might include, for example, a harness, which the wearer can place on their torso and then attach to the platform's guardrails, to prevent them from falling to the ground if they trip or lose their balance.

They should also be provided with a helmet, which will reduce their chances of sustaining a serious head injury if they do end up falling over the edge of the platform. Contact a company like Australia Wide Forklift Training Centre for more information and assistance. 

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