struck hazards with aerial lifts

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# Fall Protection ■ OSHA regulates aerial lifts as scaffolds. - 1926.453 Aerial Lifts only applies to bucket trucks - Fall protection is required (full body harness with lanyard or body belt with 2-foot lanyard as restraint device) - OSHA does not require harnesses and lanyards on other boom lifts and scissor lifts if there are guardrails ■ Fall arrest systems (harness plus lanyard to stop a fall) - Can tip over some boom lifts and scissor lifts due to fall stopping force ■ Fall restraint systems intended to prevent falls are preferred - e.g. Full body harness plus lanyard designed for size of lift platform - Always close entrance chains or doors ■ Stand on floor of bucket or lift platform - Do not climb on or lean over guardrails

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WORK SAFE KENTUCKY Free safety resources provided by KEMI HOME SAFETY RESOURCES SAFETY TRAINING SAFETY BLOG ABOUT KEMI CONTACT US O # Aerial Lifts and Overhead Power Lines ## Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version Coming Soon Operating aerial lifts near overhead lines has many potential hazards. However, by following safe work practices these exposures can be controlled. • Equipment can only be operated by trained workers and within equipment rating and design limitations. • Personnel working in an aerial lift must wear fall protection and cannot belt off to a pole or other structure. • The lift controls of the bucket, derrick, and pole setting trucks, etc., must be tested before use each day to be sure they are in safe working condition. • Critical safety components that affect raising, lowering, or rotating of lifts must be visually inspected before use on each shift for indications of any possible defects. • When other workers are present, vehicles must not be backed up unless: • The driver has a clear rearview and the vehicle has a backup alarm. • Or another worker serves as a guide. • If a vehicle has outriggers, they must be used unless the work area or terrain prevents their use. • Vehicles may only be used within their maximum load limits and without outriggers if the manufacturer's design and instructions indicate that it is safe to operate without the outriggers. • Before outriggers are set, the operator must have a clear view of the outriggers and ensure all workers are clear of the outrigger's motion. • When a load is suspended from a boom, operators must remain at the controls unless it can be shown that there is no hazard to personnel, such as those created by a falling load, wind, or unstable soil. • When operating near energized lines or equipment, aerial lift equipment must maintain the minimum approach distance unless the insulated portion of the aerial lift is operated by a 269-qualified employee. necessary, another worker must …

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# Appendix A, Section 3(b)-1 COURT AND CASE NUMBER: US Eastern District Court, PA #87-5967 & #87- 5644 DATE OF OCCURRENCE: April 25, 1986 DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 1987 EQUIPMENT/FACILITY: Aerial work platform/ manlift HAZARD: Error provocative controls - AVAILABLE HAZARD PREVENTION: ◆ Controls should have been guarded. - A new protective covering put on joystick controls to prevent the accumulation of dirt on the electrical contacts SUMMARY OF OCCURRENCE: A worker was crushed to death between in an aerial work platform between its handrail and an overhead beam when accumulated dirt from sandblasting caused the control to malfunction. NOTES: Scissor lifts with controls unprotected from overhead obstruction have been a repeated cause of entrapment of the operator. Aerial lifts used in functions such as sandblasting are known to contaminate the controls and cause creeping and unintentional activation. 24 94 94

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# Illustration 17: Boom Cage (cont.) provide protection to utility linemen. (This type of work also requires a number of additional safety appliances and personal protective devices, including insulated line covers, rubber gloves, rubber sleeves, and non-conductive hard hats.) Aerial lifts used for tree trimming, installation of traffic signals, replacement of highway lights, telephone and cable TV installation, and other tasks that bring workers in close proximity to powerlines are susceptible to this hazard. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Electric Safety Code (NESC) (C2) Table 325-5 allows for a clearance of only 40 inches below uninsulated powerlines of voltages up to 8.7 kilovolts. Uninsulated aerial lifts are banned from use next to powerlines. For a number of reasons this prohibition is often violated. Qualified electric utility linemen who work close to powerlines are often victims of unintentional phase-to-phase powerline contact, despite their use of insulated baskets. Use of non-conductive cages discussed and illustrated (see Illustration 17) in this document is a necessary prevention method of powerline contact injury. Aerial lifts and the hazard of powerline contact have two areas of concern. First: Aerial lifts used by the electric utility industry have their own set of rules when working within the 10-foot danger zone next to powerlines. Their aerial lifts must comply with ANSI.SIA A92.2 (Vehicle-Mounted elevating and rotating aerial devices 2001 and OSHA requirements 1910.137 and 1926.950-960 subpart V: Power Transmission and Distribution). Second, uninsulated aerial lifts used for other tasks are often situated immediately adjacent to powerlines (see OSHA 1926.550(a)(15)(i/iii) Clearance from powerlines). Decreased clearance should 29

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# Tree Care Work: Falls and Falling Object Hazards (cont.) ## Prevention (cont.) falling object hazards due to tree condition. The American National Standard Institute's (ANSI) Z133 consensus standard on tree care work defines "qualified arborist." - Determine if rigging is necessary and, if so, that workers can use it safely. This determination helps prevent sections of the tree from falling while performing tree care work. - Determine if workers will need to climb or use aerial lifts. In making this determination, ensure that: - o Ladders are: - Well maintained and not defective, such as having missing or broken parts; - Kept at least 10 feet away from power lines and other electric equipment. For lines and equipment over 50 kV, the distance should be 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50 kV.* - Inspected before each use, and remove damaged or defective ladders; - Secured to avoid slippage; and - Used according to the manufacturer's instructions. - o Aerial lifts are: - Maintained and properly set up for use; - Used according to the manufacturer's instructions; - Not used as cranes to lift or hoist tree parts or material unless designed for that purpose; - Only used with fall protection equipment including tie-off; and - Kept at least 10 feet away from power lines and other electric equipment. For lines and equipment over 50 kV, the distance should be 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50 kV.t - o Workers who climb trees are trained on: - Climbing techniques; - Using climbing spurs with gaffs that are compatible with the tree they will climb; † This guidance is intended as a general warning for all tree care workers. In situations where employees other than qualified workers, as defined in 29 CFR 1910.269(a)(1)(i)(E)(1), are clearing trees and brush around electrical lines, minimum approach distances are given in 29 CFR 1910.269(r)(1). For further information see the Electric Power eTool at www.osha.gov/SLTC/ …

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# Fatality Narrative Aerial Work Platform Operator Pinned Between Basket and Overhead Beam* Industry: Framing contractors. Occupation: Carpenter/Welder. Task: Operating extending boom platform to weld beam. Type of Incident: Machinery/Pinned between. Release Date: August 19, 2009. Case No.: 08WA00601. SHARP Report No.: 71-84-2009. On February 21, 2008, the operator of a hydraulic extending boom platform was crushed between the lift's basket and a beam. The 39-year-old carpenter and welder was employed by a company that supplies and erects panelized roof, steel and wood roof and floor structures. He was helping to build a warehouse. The victim, who had considerable experience doing this kind of work, was welding vertical stanchions to a horizontal beam above a doorway from the basket of a hydraulic extending boom lift. He had partially completed the welding and started to reposition the basket when he either extended or elevated the basket, causing him to be pinned between the basket's frame and the overhead beam. Photo of incident scene. ## Requirements/Recommendations (! Indicates items required by code) • Conduct a job hazard analysis before starting a job involving an aerial lift. • Employers should provide training on aerial lift safety that would include the hazards of overhead obstructions and steps to take to prevent injury from becoming entangled in these obstructions. • Require the presence of a ground person to assist the lift operator if hazardous conditions are encountered. - Tether the key that operates the aerial lift from the ground controls to the ground control panel. • Manufacturers and distributors are encouraged to follow the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard for articulated boom-supported aerial work platforms regarding providing pressure sensor/relief valves on their equipment. State Wide Statistics: This was the 7th out of 72 work-related fatalities in Washington State during 2008, and was the 3rd out…

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# MIOSHA Fact Sheet # Using Aerial Lifts MIOSHA Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration The major causes of injuries and fatalities involving aerial lifts are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip-overs. Aerial devices include boom-supported aerial platforms, such as cherry pickers or bucket trucks, aerial ladders and vertical towers, and scissor lifts. Safe work practices for aerial lifts include: • Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained and tested in the safe use of the equipment and issued a permit. Perform the required inspection of the equipment prior to use and repair any damage or defects affecting the safe operation before use. De-energize and lockout/tagout aerial lifts before performing any maintenance or repairs. Conduct a job site or workplace survey of the area it will be operated in. • Maintain and operate aerial lifts according to the manufacturer's instructions and keep a copy with the lift. Always stand firmly on the basket floor. Do not sit or climb on the edge or rails of the basket. Never use planks, boxes, or other items inside the basket to extend your reach. Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker(s), tools, and materials. Platform gates shall be closed while in the elevated position. Do not alter, modify, or disable safety devices or interlocks. • Ensure that all wheels of an elevated lift are on a solid base or within the slope limits allowed by the manufacturer. Outriggers or stabilizers, when provided, shall be positioned on pads or a solid surface. Vehicle mounted aerial work platforms shall have brakes set and wheels chocked when on an incline. ## Working near Power Lines Maintain a clearance of 10-15 feet away, depending on the voltage, from the nearest overhead line; this includes any conductive objects such as tools or other equipment. Always treat overhead lines as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated. On…

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# AERIAL LIFT SAFETY ## WHAT IS AN AERIAL LIFT? According to OSHA, an aerial lift is any vehicle-mounted device used to elevate personnel, including: • Extendable boom platforms • Aerial ladders • Articulating (jointed) boom platforms . Vertical towers • Any combination of the above. Work from or around aerial lifts presents many significant hazards. These include Power line contact or contact with other overhead obstructions, falls from elevation, tip-overs, being ejected from the lift basket, structural failure of the lift, objects falling from the and striking persons below, causing injury. Injuries from aerial lift accidents can be devastating and life-threatening, life-altering, or fatal. When broken down by trade, electricians had the most deaths (25%), followed construction laborers (15% ), electrical power installers and repairers (13%), painters (8%), and carpenters (5%). lift Additionally, most falls/collapses/tip-overs were within the height category of 10-29 feet. Tip-overs comprised 44-46% of boom-lift falls and 56-59% of scissor-lift falls. Constructing and repairing activities were associated with fall/collapse/tip-over incidents. ## HAZARDS AND HAZARD PREVENTION TIPS WHEN OPERATING AERIAL LIFTS Falls: This is the most common cause f aerial lift fatalities. Severe injuries or deaths can result from falls. Falls from aerial lifts often occur from improper lift operation and/or not using adequate fall protection equipment. To prevent falls from aerial lifts: • Ensure that access gates or openings are closed • Stand firmly on the floor of the lift platform or bucket • Do not climb on or lean over guardrails • Do not use planks, ladders, other devices to extend the working position • Use a body harness with a tether or lanyard attached to the boom bucket If Tip-overs can occur if proper safety precautions are not followed when using aerial lifts. Ensure the ground a lift is traveling or positioned on is free from bumps, holes, depres…

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WASHINGTON State FACE Program Fatality Assessment & Control Evaluation CONSTRUCTION # FATALITY NARRATIVE FACE INCIDENT FACTS # Framer Struck by Beam after Falling from Scissor Lift This narrative was developed to alert employers and workers of a tragic incident and is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or the cause of the injury. Developed by WA State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (WA FACE) and the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), WA State Dept. of Labor & Industries. WA FACE is supported in part by a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH grant# 5U600H008487). For more information visit www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-research/ongoing-projects/work-related-fatalities-face. ## SUMMARY REPORT #: 71-258-2024 GS-1930 REPORT DATE: September 25, 2024 The framer was assisting a co-worker at the construction site of a new apartment complex. Their plan was to use two scissor lifts in tandem to raise and insert a glulam wooden beam into the side of a horizontal I-beam over eight feet above the concrete floor. The wooden beam was 22-feet long, 22.5-inches wide, and 3.5-inches thick. They aligned the lifts about 10-feet apart and placed the beam broadside down across the lifts' top guardrails but did not secure it. It was 6.5 feet above the floor. The workers expected to complete the task in two hours, without rushing. INCIDENT DATE: September 11, 2023 WORKER: 41 years old ## INDUSTRY: New Single-Family Housing Construction Construction Framer ## SCENE: Apartment complex construction site ## EVENT TYPE: ## OCCUPATION: Scissor lift from incident. The workers were standing on the floor at opposite ends of the beam. The framer was out of view of his co-worker at the rear of the other lift. He unexpectedly went up the steps or climbed the side of his lift and fell on his back. The beam then fell off the lift on t…

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FACE Washington Fatality Assessment & Control Evaluation # FATALITY NARRATIVE # Foreman and Laborer Fall when Aerial Lift Struck by Vehicle Industry: Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction Task: Installing retaining rods on bridge Occupation: Foreman and laborer In July 2016, a 40-year-old construction foreman died and a 57-year-old laborer was injured when a truck struck the elevated aerial lift platform they were working in, ejecting them from the platform. The two men worked for a civil construction contractor that does, among other projects, bridge construction. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) hired the contractor to replace rubber bearing pads on an expressway bridge. Their task that day was to install replacement retaining rods underneath the bridge. Also known as seismic restrainers, these rods prevent excess movement of bridge elements. They were using a self-propelled telescopic boom-supported elevating work platform or aerial lift. They positioned the lift underneath the bridge in a dirt median between two roadway ramps. After loading equipment, they both stood on the platform while the foreman raised it and boomed out so that they could access the work area between girders on the bridge above. The work area was about [redacted street address] of an elevated exit ramp. As the foreman was positioning the platform, it was struck by a box truck traveling in the lane below. The impact spun the platform 180 degrees and ejected the workers from the platform. The foreman was thrown 50 feet horizontally, landing on a railroad track 48 feet below. He died of his injuries. The laborer fell about 10 feet and dangled from his lanyard above the road until the truck driver and a passerby helped him down. Emergency responders took Type of Incident: Fall Incident Date: July 1, 2016 Release Date: July 5, 2017 SHARP Report No.: 71-160-2017 Incident scene showing the aerial lift after being struck by a truck. for abdominal injuries. The investiga…

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# SCISSOR LIFT SAFETY Date Posted: 05/15/2024 ## WHAT IS A SCISSOR LIFT? Scissor lifts are considered self-propelled elevating work platforms that move workers vertically to various locations to perform work. Scissor lifts are different from aerial lifts because the lifting mechanism moves the work platform straight up and down using crossed beams functioning in a scissor-like fashion. However, scissor lifts present hazards like scaffolding when extended and stationary. Therefore, using scissor lifts safely depends on considering equipment capabilities, limitations, and safe practices. Scissor lifts can be a great alternative to ladders on a job site. They can save time and provide a safer means to reach heights. However, they have risks and can cause serious injury if an employee is not trained or the equipment is misused. Scissor lifts come in various types, such as electric, rough terrain, pneumatic, diesel, or hydraulic. Finding the right scissor lift for the work location and task is essential to ensure it does what is needed and keeps the scissor lift operators safe. ## HAZARDS WHEN OPERATING SCISSOR LIFTS - Falls: This is the most common cause of scissor lift fatalities. Severe injuries or deaths can result from falls. Falls from scissor lifts often occur due to operator negligence, carelessness, and not using proper fall protection equipment. • - Tip-Overs: Tip-overs can occur if proper safety precautions are not followed when using scissor lifts. Ensure the ground a scissor lift is traveling or positioned on is free from bumps, holes, depressions, slick or wet surfaces, inclines, and slopes. Outriggers are used when stability is required. If work with a scissor lift must be completed while positioned on uneven ground, an incline, or a slope, ensure the scissor lift is equipped with outriggers. Avoid operating scissor lifts in high winds. Consider waiting until the winds calm down before proceeding with operations. When stationary, the scissor li…

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# Traffic Control For Part 58. Aerial Work Platforms (cont.) ## The five categories of work duration are: (cont.) Page 2 Traffic Control For Part 58. Aerial Work Platforms ## What do I need to know about a work zone? There are four components to a work zone: • Advance Warning Area - This is the section of the highway that informs of an up-coming work area. • Transition Area - This is the section of the highway that moves traffic out of its normal path. • Activity Area - This is the section of the highway where the work activity takes place. . Termination Area - This is the section of the highway where traffic returns to normal. Refer to Part 6 of the Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for more in-depth information. ## What types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are required? Traffic regulators have always been required to wear head, eye, and foot protection along with high-visibility reflective vests. The vests must be ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 or Class 3 High-Visibility Apparel. This requirement helps protect construction and maintenance crews by making them more visible in the workplace during both daytime and nighttime work. All employees that work within the road right of way are required to wear High-Visibility Apparel (see Section 6D.03 Workers safety Considerations in the MMUTCD). Part 58 requires the use of fall protection when working in an aerial lift platform. ## What type of training is needed for my employees? Part 6 of the Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Section 6D.03(A) states: All workers should be trained on how to work next to motor vehicle traffic in a way that minimizes their vulnerability. Workers having specific TTC responsibilities must be trained in TTC techniques, device usage, and placement. All traffic regulators must be trained as required before starting work. Please see MDOT traffic regulator training documents: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT- Traffic RegulatorsManual 327…