Scissor lifts are essential for efficiently accessing elevated work areas on construction sites. Despite their benefits, these machines can pose significant crushing hazards to operators and nearby workers when safety protocols are overlooked. Crushing accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, making it imperative to understand how these incidents occur and to implement measures to prevent them. In this article, we’ll explore the primary causes of crushing hazards with scissor lifts and the best practices to safeguard construction workers.
Common Crushing Hazards with Scissor Lifts
- Caught Between the Lift and Overhead Structures: When operators maneuver the scissor lift in tight spaces or under fixed structures, they risk being caught or crushed if the lift platform is raised too high.
- Pinching in Mechanical Components: Scissor lift arms and moving parts can pinch or crush limbs if workers position themselves too closely or reach into these areas.
- Collisions During Movement: Moving the lift through tight spaces without a clear view or spotter can result in collisions with structures or other equipment, leading to crushing injuries.
- Tip-Overs: Inadequate ground conditions, overloading, or improper movement can cause the lift to tip over, potentially crushing workers on or near the platform.
Best Practices to Prevent Crushing Accidents
- Maintain Safe Distances: Always position the scissor lift at a safe distance from overhead structures, beams, and other obstacles. Operators should be aware of their surroundings when raising or lowering the platform.
- Pre-Operation Inspections: Conduct pre-operation inspections to ensure that safety features are intact and that all mechanical components are free of defects or damage. Pay special attention to guardrails, safety switches, and lift arms.
- Avoid Overloading: Follow the manufacturer’s weight capacity guidelines for personnel and equipment. Overloading shifts the lift’s center of gravity and increases the risk of tip-overs.
- Use Spotters in Tight Spaces: When maneuvering the lift in congested areas or near structures, use a spotter to help navigate safely and avoid collisions.
- Proper Training and PPE: Train operators on safe scissor lift use, emphasizing the risks of crushing hazards and the importance of maintaining safe distances from moving parts and obstacles. Workers should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including hard hats and gloves.
- Emergency Lowering Procedures: Ensure operators and ground crew know how to use emergency lowering controls to quickly and safely lower the platform in the event of an accident or crushing hazard.
Conclusion
Preventing crushing hazards with scissor lifts requires a thorough understanding of common risks and a proactive approach to safety. Maintaining safe distances, using spotters, and conducting pre-operation inspections can significantly reduce the likelihood of crushing accidents. Proper training and adherence to weight limits are also crucial for preventing tip-overs and other incidents. If workers are injured due to crushing hazards caused by negligence or unsafe practices, they should consult a personal injury attorney to understand their rights and pursue compensation for their injuries.
Our experienced lawyers have handled personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits of all kinds and have the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously hurt. The experienced scissor lift personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident involving a scissor lift.
Our lawyers have represented numerous workers who have sustained serious and catastrophic injuries on a job site as a result of the negligence of another party. There are strict and short time limits on making claims, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.