Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading types of workplace accidents and are the top cause of lost days at work. These accidents are particularly hazardous when they involve aerial lifts. In fact, 36 workers died in a single recent year because of aerial lift accidents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here’s what you need to know about these potentially dangerous pieces of equipment, and how untrained operators increase the risk of serious accidents.
What Is an Aerial Lift?
An aerial lift is a vehicle-mounted device designed to elevate personnel. A lift may be motorized or manually operated. Common examples include the following:
- Scissor lifts
- Articulated boom platforms
- Vertical towers
- Boom platforms
- Aerial ladders
These versatile pieces of equipment have replaced scaffolding and ladders on many job sites thanks to their mobility and greater flexibility. However, they also present certain inherent dangers.
Hazards Associated with Aerial Lifts
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), these workers are at risk of accidents involving:
- Falls from elevated heights
- Objects falling from lifts
- Lifts falling over or collapsing
- Electrical shocks
- Entanglements
- Crushing accidents
The Importance of Training in Preventing Aerial Lift Accidents
Proper training is critically important to reducing the risk of severe injury or death when working on or around aerial lifts. In fact, section 1910.67(c)(2)(ii) of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards specifically states that only trained workers should operate aerial lifts. The agency says training should include the following:
- Explanations regarding the dangers posed by falls, falling objects, and electrical hazards
- Procedures on how to avoid or mitigate those hazards
- Guidance on how to recognize unsafe workplace conditions
- Demonstrations on how to operate the aerial lift in question
- Information about the manufacturer’s requirements
- Guidance on when and how to perform necessary maintenance
In addition to this initial training, workers should undergo retraining in the event that:
- An accident occurs while the aerial lift is in use
- The discovery of any workplace hazards regarding the aerial lift
- The worker must use a new type of lift they have not been trained to operate
Employers should also retrain workers they observe using an aerial lift improperly.
Common Injuries Caused by Aerial Lift Accidents
When untrained or improperly trained workers are placed in charge of aerial lifts, they put themselves and everyone around them at risk of injuries like the following:
- Musculoskeletal Injuries – Operating or working on aerial lifts can involve awkward postures and repetitive motions, leading to strains, sprains, or back injuries. These conditions can cause chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
- Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Falling objects, tip-over incidents, or falls from the lift can result in head injuries, including TBIs. These injuries may lead to cognitive impairments that affect a worker’s quality of life.
- Burn Injuries – Contact with hot surfaces, exposure to sparks, or electrical arcs can cause burn injuries, which lead to scarring, loss of mobility, or nerve damage.
- Lacerations and Abrasions – Workers may suffer cuts and scrapes from sharp edges, tools, or debris while operating the lift. Deep lacerations can lead to infections or scarring and may require surgical intervention.
- Electrocution – Workers can be electrocuted if the lift comes into contact with overhead power lines. Electrocution can result in severe burns as well as cardiac arrest.
Compensation for Aerial Lift Accidents
Workers who suffer injuries in aerial lift accidents may have several paths to recovering compensation. First, most Pennsylvania employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance provides necessary medical care resulting from an on-the-job injury, offsets a portion of lost income, pays for long-term disability, and offers certain other benefits to help an injured employee get back to work.
While workers’ comp also shields employers from lawsuits in most situations, there are also circumstances under which an injured worker could pursue a lawsuit. These include when the worker’s injuries are caused by:
- A worker from outside the employee’s company
- A property owner or general contractor who fails to keep a safe job site
- Improper maintenance provided by third-party mechanics
- Defects in the design, manufacture, or marketing of the aerial lift
An experienced construction accident attorney can review the circumstances of an accident to determine if a worker has grounds for a third-party lawsuit.
Hurt in an Aerial Lift Accident? Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Have you been hurt in an aerial lift accident in the Pittsburgh area? If so, DelVecchio & Miller, LLC wants to help you get the money you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today to speak with an experienced construction accident lawyer about your case.