Wyoming’s state OSHA department is considering changing the law to hold companies more responsible for workplace safety incidents, especially those that result in the death of an employee.

Lawmakers are looking to increase the civil penalty for serious violations. Currently, an employer can be fined a maximum amount, or “cap.” But new laws would raise the maximum cost to significantly more – in some cases, up to ten times the current cap. These fines could be on the table if an employer “willfully and knowingly” violates the state law.

For such a sparsely populated state, Wyoming is known as one of the most dangerous and deadly places to work in the country. The statistics back that sentiment up; Wyoming’s rate of worker fatalities is always near the top of the list. “We definitely have seen some improvements recently, but we continue to have workplace fatalities,” said Minority Floor Leader Rep. Mary Throne, D-Cheyenne. “And when a violation results in a fatality, I think there should be an enhanced penalty.” Rep. Throne is not alone in her opinions; Wyoming legislators are looking to make significant changes as quickly as possible.

Another proposed law would not change the current fine schedules. Instead, it would fine companies an additional $50,000 above any other fines for violations “that materially contribute” to the death of a worker. According to Throne, this bill should get through the Legislature.

Instead of increasing Wyoming OSHA fines, lawmakers have, up to this point, suggested that energy and manufacturing companies enact their own internal safety standards. However, the Wyoming OSHA department may be necessary to force changes on unwilling businesses. Wyoming usually deploys “courtesy inspectors,” who identify safety issues but don’t necessarily cite or fine companies with known safety issues.

When state OSHA departments change laws, like this case in Wyoming, it helps to be ahead of the curve. State legislatures are typically more fluid with revisions to existing law, and CertifyMeOnline.net knows OSHA from top to bottom. In fact, our staff includes many OSHA experts. We know when laws change – and how they can impact your business. Along with our aerial work platform training, we offer instruction for scissor lifts, fall prevention, boom lifts and much more.

Interested in keeping one step ahead of your state’s OSHA department? Please visit the CMO contact page for more information, or speak with our safety experts at (602) 277-0615.

Thanks for visiting the CMO blog – stay tuned for more updates that could affect you and your company.

When operating an aerial lift, some tasks will require you to use aerial platforms. When doing so, there are a number of risks involved that can easily lead to a dangerous situation. When working at an elevated height, you’ll need extra training and need to utilize special safety procedures to ensure everyone stays safe. With the proper training, you’ll reduce the risk for falling and dropping objects. There are also a number of tips you can use to ensure everything runs smoothly.

• – When using aerial lifts, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent overtraining hydraulics, mechanical issues, and electrical devices.
• – Unless the equipment’s manufacturer specifies, don’t operate the lift while with workers on the platform.
• – Keep the aerial lift free from objects that can cause a problem. Ensure there is at least a 10 foot clearance around you, including any overhead lines.
• – Be sure to use brakes, chokes, and outriggers at appropriate times, such as when at an incline.
• – Don’t exceed the load limits of the equipment. You’ll need to take the weight of employees, tools, and materials into consideration when using the equipment.
• – Prior to using the lift, inspect it each time to ensure everything is working properly.
• – Do not walk under the lift and pay careful attention employees don’t either.
• – Keep your eyes focused in the direction that the machine is moving.
• – Use the safety harnesses provided by the manufacturer as an anchorage point, even while the lift is lowered.
• – Ensure all limbs are away from the lift when raising and lowering it.
• – Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in the event of an emergency.

OSHA has certain requirements that must be met when operating an aerial lift. By abiding by these requirements and the above tips, you’ll reduce the risk for a workplace hazard. To become properly certified to operate aerial lifts, contact CertifyMeOnline today!

 

Are you new to aerial lifts? Looking to get a job in the industry? We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for anyone curious about these essential maintenance and construction machines.

What is an aerial lift?

An aerial lift is a bucket truck, cherry picker, or other lift that is used to access elevated areas. Aerial lifts are supported by a boom, which is different from a scissor-type lift mechanism. A boom can either be a telescopic lift, which is a straight arm or an articulating boom lift, which is able to bend, making it useful for jobs that require extra movement to avoid hazards or provide better accessibility.

How high do they get?

Most aerial lifts are typically designed to lift workers anywhere from 20 – 60 feet off the ground. However, there are some aerial lifts that go hundreds of feet up in the sky! An aerial lift’s range in height depends upon the type of work being done. For indoor construction projects, an aerial lift may only be required to reach 30 – 40 feet. But for large-scale projects which require extensive range, it’s not uncommon to have an aerial lift extend 100, 150, or 200 feet and beyond. Regardless of how high an aerial lift goes, CertifyMeOnline.net provides complete OSHA compliant training for all aerial lift operators.

Is any special training required to operate an aerial lift?

It is recommended that anyone looking to work on an aerial lift has the most recent OSHA compliant instruction. CertifyMeOnline.net is a great place to get started.

What jobs are aerial lifts used for?

Basically, anything that involves an elevated workspace. Painters, maintenance workers, construction personnel, even security (police, surveillance, etc.) use aerial lifts on a daily basis.

Can a boom lift be used as a crane?

OSHA guidelines prohibit the use of a boom lift as a crane. A boom lift and crane are used for different jobs and are designed to handle specific tasks. If you use a boom lift as a crane, you’re putting personal safety at risk – and the safety of your co-workers.

Doesn’t it get windy up there?

As a matter of fact, it does! Dealing with the wind, weather and other special circumstances are just some of the things an aerial lift worker is faced with. Our training material at CertifyMeOnline.net is designed to give workers the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with all sorts of hazards and difficult working conditions while on an aerial lift – including dealing with windy conditions.

When should an aerial lift be used instead of a ladder?

There are many different circumstances where an aerial lift is preferable over a ladder. Aerial lifts are more mobile than ladders and can hold more weight. What’s more, they can also accommodate fall protection equipment. Plus, aerial lifts are stronger and more stable than ladders. For a variety of on-the-job tasks, CertifyMeOnline.net recommends aerial lifts instead of ladders.

Does an aerial lift worker make good money?

Because the job has risks from falling and other hazards, aerial lift workers usually make a higher hourly rate than other workers. Of course, it depends on the employer, type of work, union considerations and other factors. Perhaps the biggest factor that determines an aerial lift worker’s pay is the local job market. Generally, the larger the market (for example, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.) pays more than other job markets (Omaha, Jacksonville, Columbus, etc.).

Can aerial lifts hold more than one person?

The larger lifts are built to accommodate multiple workers. But usually, they hold a single person.

Can aerial lifts tip over?

Yes. This is one of the most common types of aerial lift accidents. Properly trained aerial lift operators are aware of the different hazards that can cause an aerial lift tip over. The main causes of aerial lift tip overs include uneven surfaces, unstable and / or heavy loads, and failure to properly understand the operational requirements for the equipment. With aerial lift training from CertifyMeOnline.net, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to avoid aerial lift tip overs.

What is a boom lift?

That’s just another name for an aerial lift. You’ll also see elevating work platform (EWP), mobile elevating work platform and aerial work platform (AWP) used, as well. All boom lifts fall under two different categories: articulating or telescoping. Boom lifts are not scissor lifts, which have their own type of lifting mechanism. Boom lifts are able to reach much higher than scissor lifts.

If you have more questions about aerial lifts, talk to the experts today. CertifyMeOnline.net offers great training for AWPs, aerial lifts, scissor lifts and other elevated work platforms. What’s more, we also supply top-flight fall protection courses and other training for aerial lift workers. Companies all over the United States depend on CMO for their aerial lift training. Call us today!

You can reach us at (602) 277-0615, or check out our contact page for more info. Thanks again for reading the CMO blog!