Aerial Manlift Dangers
Aerial manlifts are machines which utilize either a series of linked, folding supports, like an articulated boom lift or a scissor lift or a boom lift. These industrial types of machine enable workers to access hard-to-reach places. In certain ways, these types of machinery have made construction a lot safer and easier, however, the general safety that comes with the unparalleled mobility of aerial manlifts has implemented a new list of hazards which could accidentally result in serious injury or even death to drivers who are unaware.
Falls
Falls from a man lift normally occurs when workers fail to or are unable to wear a safety harness or cannot secure the harness to the lift. Falls could happen when somebody on the platform acts inappropriately and participates in an activity like for instance climbing the guard rails in order to gain added height. In addition, accidents could be caused if the ground-based operator causes the machinery to move in an unexpected motion prior to the employee being properly secured.
Numerous workers also fall because the base of their machinery is accidentally struck by some other heavy thing. In this situation, the force of the blow below becomes amplified by the length of the lift, therefore causing the employee to be suddenly catapulted off of the platform. Clearly this dangerous action has terrible results.
Tip-Overs
Boom lifts are susceptible to tipping over. Tip overs are more common in articulated boom lifts, but can happen in any type of lift. As boom lifts can move both horizontally and vertically, they can change the equipment's overall center of gravity. Hence, if the lift is over loaded or parked on an incline of some sort, extending the boom completely when it is in the wrong position can result in a tip-over situation.