Scissor lifts are invaluable tools for workers in many industries, helping them reach and work in areas they wouldn’t be able to otherwise. While these machines are incredibly useful, especially in applications like construction work, maintenance, and repairs, they can also be extremely dangerous when they’re mismanaged.
Nothing is more important than your safety — that should be front of mind from the moment you step onto the platform.
Falls: The Biggest Risk To Scissor Lift Operators
One of the biggest risks of using a scissor lift is tip-overs. This happens when the machine’s center of gravity shifts beyond its base, causing the whole thing to topple over.
Certain conditions make this more likely, including:
- Uneven ground
- Heavier loads than the machine can manage
- Improper operation
- Reckless behavior, like sudden movements or rocking the machine
- High winds
Basically, anything that makes the machine unstable risks causing a tip-over.
The scissor lift isn’t the only thing that can fall — you could lose your balance, too.
Working at great heights makes a simple trip far more dangerous, especially if you:
- Don’t have fall protection, like guardrails or a safety harness
- Are leaning or reaching beyond the platform’s boundaries for tools or materials
- Slip and fall
Make sure you suit up with the proper personal protective equipment before you get on the platform and that it’s outfitted with adequate fall protection to keep you safe while you’re working.
Skipping Maintenance Could Lead To Accidents
Some people get frustrated working through a checklist every day — but when it might be a matter of life and death, it’s better not to skip steps. Before you fire up your scissor lift, make sure you give it a thorough inspection, even if it worked just fine the day before.
Checking for things like hydraulic leaks, adequate tire pressure, and functioning controls can prevent catastrophic failures.
Just as important as an equipment check is a thorough site assessment. Before getting to work, scrutinize your work area for potential obstructions, especially overhead hazards. Ensure you have enough clearance for your tasks and the lift’s full range of motion.
If you’re working outside, make sure you’re prepared for difficult weather conditions that might affect the stability or safety of the lift.
Finally, clear communication between the ground personnel and operator is crucial — if you’re not well-coordinated and working together, construction accidents are far more likely to happen.
Other Hazards for Scissor Lift Operators
Even after you’re geared up and have all your safety measures in place, ready to get to work, there’s more that can go wrong. Working at height comes with a variety of risks, and there are others to be mindful of in any industrial setting.
For example, if you’re working on or near power lines, electrocution is a very real danger. Make sure you or whoever is operating the lift elevates and lowers the platform very carefully so that it won’t come in contact with the lines.
Also, if other people are operating heavy-duty equipment in the same area, make sure your work areas and paths are well-defined and clear to reduce the chances of collisions.
The Golden Rule of Scissor Lifts: Safety First
Scissor lifts are powerful tools, and if you don’t take your responsibility seriously, you put yourself — and everyone else on your work site — at serious risk of harm.
Most important of all, make sure everyone dealing with heavy equipment is well-educated on the risks involved and qualified to operate it. Proper equipment handling goes a long way to reduce workplace accidents.
Following safety protocols shouldn’t just be something you do because you have to — it’s what gets you through a serious workday in one piece so you can go home safe at night.
Contact Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, and need legal help contact our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV. 89104
(702) 222-9999
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410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV. 89145
(702) 297-6373
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV. 89123
(702) 997-4264
