Scissor lifts and aerial lifts have replaced ladders and scaffolding in many general industry workplaces due to their mobility and flexibility in allowing workers to perform certain job tasks. Using this equipment poses serious hazards which OSHA says can and does lead to worker injuries and death. in one year, the agency reports it found ten preventable fatalities and more than 20 preventable injuries resulting from a variety of incidents involving scissor lifts alone.

OSHA says that falls are among the most serious hazards associated with scissor and aerial lift use. Unfortunately, there are no general industry standards that specifically address this issue, but OSHA does provide guidance in various Letters of Interpretation (LOIs), publications, and the construction standards. Employers can elevate their understanding of scissor and aerial lift fall protection by thoroughly reviewing this information.