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What happened?
Two workers were using an aerial work platform.
As they raised it into position, the controls stopped working and the basket tilted forward 50-60 degrees.
They remained calm and lowered the platform to the ground.
No one was hurt due to good processes and practice.
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Why did it happen?
The platform passed the pre-use inspection, but it still failed during operation.
What prevented injury or fatality?
Workers were wearing full body harnesses and retractable lanyards, preventing a fall.
An exclusion zone around the platform had been established. No one was in the zone, preventing anyone being hit by dropped objects.
Good housekeeping in the basket ensured that materials did not fall out.
The workers had radio communication and were able to contact others.
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What did they learn?
Understand the hazards of aerial lifts:
- Overhead obstructions
- Leaning over guard rails
- Platform selection – vertical lift, articulated or telescopic boom
- Losing control of platform controls
- Lighting conditions – ambient or poor/inadequate
- Pedestrians or vehicle paths
- Surface conditions – uneven ground, steps, trenches, rough terrain or objects on the ground
Carry out pre-start / work zone inspections.
- Have you considered:
- Fall protection?
- Operation/traveling/loading?
- Overhead protection?
- Stability in the work zone or terrain?
Understand who to contact in an emergency and have the means to do so.
-
Ask yourself or your crew
What other actions could have been taken?
How can something like this happen here?
What can go wrong with today’s aerial lift operation?
What can we do to prevent or reduce the risk?
What do we do if something goes wrong?
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What happened?
Two workers were using an aerial work platform.
As they raised it into position, the controls stopped working and the basket tilted forward 50-60 degrees.
They remained calm and lowered the platform to the ground.
No one was hurt due to good processes and practice.
Why did it happen?
The platform passed the pre-use inspection, but it still failed during operation.
What prevented injury or fatality?
Workers were wearing full body harnesses and retractable lanyards, preventing a fall.
An exclusion zone around the platform had been established. No one was in the zone, preventing anyone being hit by dropped objects.
Good housekeeping in the basket ensured that materials did not fall out.
The workers had radio communication and were able to contact others.
What did they learn?
Understand the hazards of aerial lifts:
- Overhead obstructions
- Leaning over guard rails
- Platform selection – vertical lift, articulated or telescopic boom
- Losing control of platform controls
- Lighting conditions – ambient or poor/inadequate
- Pedestrians or vehicle paths
- Surface conditions – uneven ground, steps, trenches, rough terrain or objects on the ground
Carry out pre-start / work zone inspections.
- Have you considered:
- Fall protection?
- Operation/traveling/loading?
- Overhead protection?
- Stability in the work zone or terrain?
Understand who to contact in an emergency and have the means to do so.
Ask yourself or your crew
What other actions could have been taken?
How can something like this happen here?
What can go wrong with today’s aerial lift operation?
What can we do to prevent or reduce the risk?
What do we do if something goes wrong?
Two workers were using an aerial work platform. As they raised it into position, the controls stopped working and the basket tilted forward 50-60 degrees.
