Operators of any aerial work platform should be trained and familiar with the equipment before using it.
During operation, it is essential for operators to remain aware of site work hazards and changing conditions that may affect safe operation of the aerial work platform.
Aerial lifts are powered and mobile platforms that are used for elevating workers to various heights.
Falls remain a leading cause of unintentional injury mortality nationwide, and 43% of fatal falls in the last decade have involved a ladder.
Among workers, approximately 20% of fall injuries involve ladders. Among construction workers, an estimated 81% of fall injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) involve a ladder.
Factors contributing to falls from ladders include haste, sudden movement, lack of attention, the condition of the ladder (worn or damaged), the user's age or physical condition, or both, and the user's footwear.
Many of the basic safety rules that apply to most tools also apply to the safe use of a ladder: • If you feel tired or dizzy, or are prone to losing your balance, stay off the ladder. • Do not use ladders in high winds or storms.
An OSHA investigation into a New Jersey workplace fatality found numerous safety violations at the facility. The agency issued one willful, one repeat and six serious violations against the man’s employer, Wei-Chuan U.S.A. Inc.
Last month, NIOSH and its partners asked construction workers and employers to take part in the second National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. This event calls for work to pause so workers can focus on activities to prevent falls.
Falls are among the most common causes of injury in the workplace. They can lead to severe injury, even death, but—with the proper precautions—they can be prevented. Without the proper precautions, same-level falls can occur during the simple act of walking, while falls to a lower level can occur from a ladder, scaffolding, roof, or other structure above the ground.
Healthcare workers make it their job to help others, yet face a significant risk of workplace violence ranging from intimidation to physical attacks. In fact, compared with workers in all other industries combined, healthcare workers are nearly 5 times more likely to encounter workplace violence.