This fall hazard awareness construction work site safety update is sponsored by Rent It Today’s Rent Safe program and features Volvo Rents Denver construction equipment rental center in Longmont, CO and the Colorado Springs, CO construction equipment rental location – The Denver Scissor Lift Rental and Boom Lift Leasing Experts.
Safe Use of Aerial Boom Lifts Minimizes the Risk of Fall Hazards and Saves Lives
Boom lift rentals, scissor lifts, and man lifts are construction site staples, thanks to their ability to provide a stable aerial work platform that places workers in normally hard-to-reach areas where work must be done. With any type of construction work or heavy equipment use there are always hazards and risks involved. When it comes to renting aerial boom lifts and working at heights, fall hazards are the top safety priority.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Construction Workplace Safety and Health division reported “according to the 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 605 workers were killed and an estimated 212,760 workers were seriously injured by falls to the same or lower level. The highest frequency of fall-related fatalities was experienced by the construction industry (NIOSH Construction Fall Injuries Prevention in the Workplace).”
The great tragedy is that most, if not all, of these accidents could be prevented through proper training and by observing appropriate safety precautions.
Lanyards, safety harnesses, and/or full body harnesses should be worn at all times while working at heights. As with any motor vehicle, operators should perform a safety inspection prior to operation. Any worn or broken parts must immediately be repaired or replaced. Tires must be in working order and all screws must be securely tightened to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.
Aerial lifts must be operated in a situations for which they were designed. Boom lift rentals should be operated on level ground or inclines within their recommended safe ranges. Anything outside of that range could cause the lift to break free and roll or slide during operation. Additionally, workers should keep a look out for low-hanging wires or other overhead obstructions. Colliding with overhead structures can cause not only monetary damage but also severe injuries. Thorough training must be completed before operation. It might be tempting to pick up these skills on the job, but that’s how expensive and potentially life-threatening accidents occur. Common sense can save the day. If you’re planning to operate a vehicle, don’t do so until you’re adequately trained.
In order to successfully reduce the risks of fall hazards, fall injuries, and fatalities from falling regulators, manufacturers, construction equipment rental companies, contractors or employers, workers, safety professionals and researchers must work together. Only through collaboration and dedication to improving work environments by implementing new effective fall prevention and protection technologies and safety practices can the construction industry create a safer, more productive workplace.
Update: In February of 2014 Volvo Rents changed its name to BlueLine Rental. Click here for details.
About Volvo Rents Construction Equipment of Colorado:
Volvo Rents Construction Equipment – Longmont, CO
Equipment Rental Location: 4068 Camelot Cir. Longmont, CO, 80504
Heavy Equipment Rental Service Area: Boulder, Fort Collins, Longmont, Denver, Greeley, Broomfield, Loveland, Front Range; Counties: Boulder, Weld, Larimer, Morgan, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas; Metro area(s): Northern Colorado, Denver Metro
Featured Denver Construction Equipment Rentals: Forklifts, Ground Heaters, Boom Lifts, Aerial Lifts, Backhoe Rentals, Wheel Loaders, Excavator Rental, Scissor Lifts, Skid Steers, Water Trucks, Generators, Air Compressors, Rammers, Light Towers.
Volvo Rents Construction Equipment – Colorado Springs, CO
Equipment Rental Location: 6425 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO, 80915
Heavy Equipment Rental Service Area: Colorado Springs, Fort Carson, Woodland Park, Black Forest,Fountain, Pueblo, Monument, Castle Rock, Front Range; Counties: El Paso, Teller, Park, Elbert, Freemont, Pueblo; Metro area(s): Colorado Springs
Featured Colorado Springs Construction Equipment Rentals: Bobcats, Ground Heaters, Forklifts, Boom Lifts, Aerial Lifts, Backhoes, Excavator Rental, Skid Steers, Drum Rollers, Wheel Loaders, Trenchers, Water Trucks, Scissor Lifts, Air Compressors, Light Towers, Generators.
Written by +Matthew Stephenson for +RentItToday – Make Renting Simple
Safety should always be a priority especially when dealing with big and heavy equipment.
Currently most equipment uses hydraulic drives as a primary source of motion.
Really good article, many people just don’t realize the dangers of working in these boom lifts. Anything to help prevent injury is fine by me.
Good educational post. An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure.
Hello Carol,
Thanks for the link further discussing NIOSH’s involvement with aerial equipment and lift manufacturers. Rent It Today is focused on raising awareness to workplace hazards like falling in the equipment rental industry. We are excited about finding new ways to become a valuable media vessel that can effectively promote workplace safety practices by working with and utilizing resources from authoritative entities like NIOSH Construction.
Nice article that heightens awareness of workplace injuries that occur from falling. Here is a link to some additional information regarding NIOSH researchers partnering with aerial equipment manufacturers and standards committees in order to protect workers from falls: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-166/
Visit NIOSH on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/NIOSH-National-Institute-for-Occupational-Safety-and-Health/28902055276