New Aerial Lift Hazard for Boston Aerial Lift Workers
Accidents happen every day with aerial lifts, and it is estimated that about 26 fatalities occur every year. Everyone who operates an aerial lift is at risk, but departments like OSHA are making great strides at preventing accidents by regulating workplaces, creating laws, and setting standards for employee training. The issue brought up in a recent hazard alert from the Massachusetts Department of Labor is that OSHA only covers privately-owned employees and businesses. The public sector also employs many aerial lift workers for various jobs and they require the same attention to prevent accidents.
The Massachusetts Department of Labor issued the aerial lift hazard alert to inform public sector employees of hazards associated with aerial lifts and the best practices to avoid them that aren’t being adequately taught.
What is Covered in The Massachusetts Aerial Lift Hazard Alert?
The new hazard alert for Massachusetts public sector employees states the dangers associated with aerial lifts and informs readers that factors found in common aerial lift jobs cause fatalities every year, with 80% of deaths being caused by contact with electrical sources. In addition, it is stated that tip overs, falling from the aerial lift, being struck by objects, and struck by vehicle traffic are all top causes of aerial lift accidents. The Massachusetts alert explains that the majority of accidents occur because employees are not properly trained to recognize and avoid hazards. It has been found that public workers are also not given proper fall protection tools and training to prevent fatalities from falls. A lack of hazard training is also the top reason why public workers fail to set up proper work zone areas.
How Can Public Sector Employees Avoid Aerial Lift Hazards?
For public employees working near live electrical lines, on a busy highway, or performing various tasks that require maximum height, they need to do the following to avoid accidents: assess the area for hazards like overhead electrical lines; stay at least 10 feet away from power lines; use fall protection and fall arrest systems to prevent fatal falls; never operate an aerial lift without adequate training; inspect the equipment pre-operation; maintain clean equipment with proper fluid levels; never move an aerial lift with the boom elevated; park with the flow of traffic; park on even ground and set brakes and chock the wheels; set up a work zone area; use outriggers and pads to stabilize the aerial lift; and never exceed the weight limits of the aerial lift.
Boston Aerial Lift Certification
Inadequate employee training is the number one concern according to the Massachusetts aerial lift hazard alert. Workers can more adequately prevent accidents by learning safety protocols, and how to recognize and avoid hazards with aerial lift certification in Boston. The training with CertifyMeOnline.net offers an online program that is compliant with OSHA, only takes about one hour, and teaches private and public workers everything they need to know about aerial lift safety. Make sure public workers receive the training they need and deserve to protect their life on the job with Boston aerial lift training.
Accidents happen every day with aerial lifts, and it is estimated that about 26 fatalities occur every year. Everyone who operates an aerial lift is at risk, but departments like OSHA are making great strides at preventing accidents by regulating workplaces, creating laws, and setting standards for employee training. The issue brought up in a recent hazard alert from the Massachusetts Department of Labor is that OSHA only covers privately-owned employees and businesses. The public sector also employs many aerial lift workers for various jobs and they require the same attention to prevent accidents.
The Massachusetts Department of Labor issued the aerial lift hazard alert to inform public sector employees of hazards associated with aerial lifts and the best practices to avoid them that aren’t being adequately taught.