OSHA releases hazard alert for safely working with scissor lifts [US]

In February 2016 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a hazard alert that addresses specific hazards associated with scissor lifts and provides guidance on controls employers must use to prevent injuries and fatalities.

Over a one-year period, OSHA investigated ten (10) preventable fatalities and more than 20 preventable injuries resulting from the use of scissor lifts. Most of the injuries and fatalities resulted from the failure to address fall protection, stabilization, and positioning. The hazard alert provides guidance on addressing these three issues, as well as maintenance and training requirements.

Scissor lifts provide a safe and reliable platform for workers to perform job tasks when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When not used properly, scissor lifts can present a serious hazard to workers.

OSHA identifies the following standards as applicable when workers are using scissor lifts:

General Industry

• 1910.23 – Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes • 1910.28 – Safety Requirements for Scaffolding • 1910.29 – Manually Propelled Mobile Ladder Stands and Scaffolds (Towers) • 1910.333 – Selection and Use of Work Practices

Shipyards

• 1915.71 – Scaffolds or Staging

Construction

• 1926.21 – Safety Training and Education • 1926.451 – General Requirements • 1926.452 – Additional Requirements to Specific Types of Scaffolds • 1926.454 – Training Requirements

Sources:

OSHA Hazard Alert, Working Safely with Scissor Lifts, February 2016

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