Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-11 Origin: Site
Aerial work platforms (AWPs), also known as elevated work platforms or cherry pickers, are essential tools in construction, maintenance, and many industrial applications. While they provide safe and efficient access to hard-to-reach areas, their improper use or lack of awareness about potential hazards can lead to accidents and injuries.
This comprehensive guide highlights the most common aerial work platform hazards and provides actionable tips to avoid them, ensuring safety for operators and nearby workers.
To effectively address potential risks, let's first discuss the most common hazards operators and teams face when working with aerial work platforms.
One of the most dangerous hazards is AWP tip-overs. Uneven surfaces, high winds, overloading, or improper positioning can all lead to the platform tipping. This is especially common in outdoor or crowded work environments.
How to avoid tip-overs:
● Always position the platform on level and stable ground.
● Use outriggers or stabilizers when available for additional support.
● Adhere to the platform’s weight capacity, factoring in the tools and equipment carried.
● Account for environmental factors, such as high winds or unstable terrain, and avoid work during unfavorable conditions.
Falls from the platform remain a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in aerial work. This can occur due to inadequate fall protection, operator inattention, or improper usage of the equipment.
How to avoid falls:
● Require all operators to wear personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) with harnesses and lanyards that are properly secured.
● Ensure guardrails and toe boards are in place and in good condition.
● Train workers to follow proper procedures, such as never leaning over the edge of the platform.
Electrocution can occur if the aerial work platform comes into contact with overhead power lines. This is particularly dangerous for industries like utilities or construction, where working near live wires is common.
How to avoid electrocution:
● Maintain a minimum clearance from power lines. OSHA recommends at least 10 feet for lines under 50kV, with greater distances for higher voltages.
● Always treat nearby power lines as live or energized, even if they appear de-energized.
● Equip your team with proper insulated tools and non-conductive materials when working in hazardous areas.
Poorly maintained or malfunctioning aerial platforms can pose serious risks, including unexpected equipment failure. These issues often occur due to inadequate maintenance or failure to conduct regular inspections.
How to avoid equipment malfunctions:
● Follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for all aerial work platforms.
● Perform daily pre-use inspections, including checking for fluid leaks, damaged parts, and warning lights.
● Report and tag out malfunctioning or damaged equipment until repairs are completed by qualified technicians.
Another hazard to be mindful of is the risk of crushing or pinching injuries. This can occur when a worker gets trapped between the platform and adjacent objects, such as walls, structures, or vehicles.
How to avoid crushing and pinching hazards:
● Train operators to remain alert and avoid positioning the platform too close to obstacles.
● Establish clear communication among team members to ensure everyone is aware of the equipment's movements.
● Install proximity sensors or alarms to detect nearby objects and avoid collisions.
Exceeding the platform’s weight limit or extending the boom too far can destabilize the equipment, resulting in tip-overs or structural damage.
How to avoid overloading hazards:
● Consult the manufacturer's load chart and ensure that the combined weight of workers, tools, and materials does not exceed the specified capacity.
● Avoid extending the boom beyond the recommended length stated in the operating manual.
● Distribute weight evenly on the platform to maintain balance.
Even the most advanced aerial work platforms are only as safe as the operator behind the controls. A lack of training often leads to unsafe practices and increased risk of accidents.
Comprehensive operator training programs should include:
1.How to operate the specific type and brand of AWP being used.
2.Proper pre-operation inspections and maintenance routines.
3.Emergency procedures, such as lowering the platform in case of a system failure.
4.Awareness of workplace-specific hazards, including overhead power lines and confined spaces.
Organizations such as OSHA and ANSI also require operator certification for the safe operation of aerial work platforms.
Establishing a strong culture of safety in the workplace goes beyond just training. It requires the active involvement of leadership and the implementation of standardized safety protocols. Here’s how companies can prioritize safety when working with aerial work platforms:
● Conduct regular toolbox talks to remind workers of key safety practices.
● Develop clear protocols for incident reporting and response.
● Encourage an environment where workers feel comfortable voicing safety concerns.
● Integrate technology, such as wearable sensors or real-time monitoring systems, for enhanced safety measures.
Aerial work platforms are valuable tools that improve efficiency and accessibility in the workplace. However, they come with inherent risks if not used correctly. By understanding the common hazards, providing adequate training, and fostering a proactive safety culture, organizations can minimize risks for their teams.
Safety is not just a compliance requirement; it is a shared responsibility among operators, trainers, and employers. Commit to these safety practices to protect your team and enhance the efficiency of your operations.
