Mobile Aerial Lift Safety Standards: OSHA vs Manufacturers

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Mobile Aerial Lift Safety StandardsMobile Aerial Lift Safety Standards: OSHA vs Manufacturers.

Mobile aerial lifts, also referred to as cherry pickers, are prevalent in a wide range of industries. Governments, institutions, and corporations utilize these lifts for construction, maintenance, painting, and installation work. Consequently, aerial lifts have become ubiquitous in the current industrial landscape, with a pressing need to address safety concerns associated with their use.

Aerial lift accidents make headlines globally, which demonstrates the need for enforcing safety standards. According to OSHA, aerial lift features such as fall protection, lanyards, and harnesses are some of the most exposed safety issues. To avoid accidents and to establish uniform safety standards, OSHA has requirements that must be met by all aerial lift manufacturers. The manufacturers are responsible for ensuring safety for all employees and users of their lifts.

However, despite such efforts, some aerial lift accidents continue to occur, prompting Manufacturers to call for stricter standards with potential unintended consequences. It begs the critical question; which system of safety standards is more effective? OSHA or the manufacturers? .

OSHA Regulation on Mobile Aerial Lifts Safety.

OSHA standards on mobile aerial lift operations are quite comprehensive and cover a wide spectrum of safety issues. By regulation, all aerial lifts must be inspected and certified by a certified technician every six months. Technicians must ensure that all components of the aerial lift are in good working condition.

Moreover, pre-operation inspections are required daily to check for damaged or warped components like tires, outriggers, flow controls, valves, wires, and hydraulic systems. The requirements also dictate that operators must complete a safety training course before operating aerial lifts. The standards go further to specify the type of personnel protective equipment mandated for use, which includes harnesses, lanyards, safety footwear, and appropriate clothing.

It is worth noting that OSHA mobile aerial lift standards became more stringent over time, informed by empirical research on accidents and the attending causes. Today, OSHA has mandated that all mobile aerial lifts be fitted with fall protection systems covering the operator and any workers on the platform. .

The Cost of Ignoring Mobile Aerial Lift Standards.

The risks associated with ignoring OSHA's Aerial Lift standards cannot be overemphasized. In 2016, approximately 24 workers died while scissor lifts were in use; the vast majority was due to falls. Such accidents can have catastrophic financial and legal implications. The increasing number of accidents and Closer scrutiny by OSHA has prompted manufacturers to introduce varying levels of safety features in their products. But how effective are their safety standards? .

Manufacturers' Safety Standards.

During production, manufacturers must ensure that all mobile aerial lifts under their name are safe and reliable. Since safety is critical, In addition, they must comply with OSHA regulations. However, the question remains; are manufacturers doing enough? The answer is mixed, which explains why OSHA regulations are getting stricter with time.

Manufacturers across the industry are continuously adding new safety features in their lifts. From sensors that shut down the lift when overloaded, to non-skid surfaces that minimize tripping, they are taking safety very seriously. Some have introduced cameras to help drivers to easily and safely load and unload the platform from the ground. Others have developed smart lifts that can self-diagnose their health and recommend maintenance and inspection. These advanced features are a welcome addition to ensure safety.

Nonetheless, while some manufacturers are offering comprehensive safety solutions, others are paying lip service. These manufacturers are doing the bare minimum to comply with OSHA's safety requirements. They are not doing enough to address safety risks while trying to cut corners and costs. This approach tampers with safety standards and introduces more risks.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, OSHA's stringent safety standards are still the most effective way to ensure safety is in place. Regardless of how sophisticated a lift may be, manufacturers should comply with OSHA requirements to minimize accidents. By law, all manufacturers must comply with OSHA's Mobile Aerial Lift Safety Standards. They serve as minimum requirements to prevent accidents and keep employees and users safe.

Manufacturers must stop focusing on cost-cutting and address safety improvements continually. OSHA regulators need to remain vigilant and introduce more regulations and standards if necessary, to ensure the safety of all personnel operating an aerial lift. Ultimately, it falls on manufacturers, operators, and service providers to embrace safety as a culture, prioritize safety above cost-cutting, and ensure that mobile aerial lifts are optimized for user safety and performance.

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