Boom lifts serve as one of the most versatile types of aerial lifts that allow workers to work safely at heights up to 200 feet. These lifts not only extend vertically but once up in the air, they can also extend horizontally, providing safe access to otherwise unreachable work sites.
Since the use of boom lifts involves height, there's always a risk of an accident. However, most boom lift accidents have one thing in common; they are preventable.
In this post, we look at how to prevent boom lift accidents and understand the role of boom lift training that aids in minimizing the risk of boom lift accidents.
Let’s start with an overview of boom lifts before we get into the details.
What are Boom Lifts?
Boom lifts are a specialized type of aerial lift extending vertically and horizontally. The idea of using these lifts on work sites is to reach areas of the work site which are otherwise unreachable.
However, given that the use of a boom lift involves working at a height, there's always a risk of an accident. These accidents can range from falls to tip-overs and a lot more. The risk of accidents can increase significantly without appropriate training and emphasis on safety practices. Hence, accidents involving boom lifts can lead to severe injuries and may even result in death.
All Purpose Aerial Lift Training offers OSHA-compliant training programs and certification for all of your aerial lift workers. With the online and on-site training courses that we offer, you can significantly reduce the risk of boom lift accidents and much more.
3 Causes Boom of Lift Accidents
Boom lift accidents can be a result of several factors, which can range from mechanical failure to errors by the operator.
Let’s look at a few causes of boom lift accidents.
#1. Improper Use of the Machine
Boom lifts allow you to move vertically and horizontally (once you reach the desired height). However, they need to be used in a specific way. If the boom lift operator doesn't follow the procedure, it can lead to an accident.
#2. Inadequate Maintenance
Like every equipment and complex machine, boom lifts require adequate maintenance. If the machine is not appropriately maintained, there will be a much higher risk of accidents.
#3. Lack of Training
The most significant cause of boom lift accidents is lack of training. Since boom lifts are used in a specific manner, without appropriate training, the operators are often unaware of how to use the equipment, which may contribute to an increased risk of accidents, including falls that lead to injury and may even result in death.
Ways to Prevent Boom Lift Accidents – Addressing the Causes of Boom Lift Accidents
While boom lift safety has improved significantly over the years, there is still a risk of injury and death involved. However, most boom lift accidents can be easily prevented. Let's look at some of the approaches that can help prevent boom lift accidents.
#1. Adequate Training
Since lack of training is one of the leading causes of boom lift accidents, providing adequate boom lift training to the operators is one of the best ways to prevent boom lift accidents.
With appropriate and relevant training, boom lift operators can learn how to handle the equipment in normal conditions. Moreover, they will also learn to use the equipment in specific weather conditions, such as windy and rainy. Furthermore, adequate boom lift training will enable boom lift operators to identify hazards and react in time to avoid any potential injury or accident.
Remember, most boom lift accidents can be avoided through adequate training and certifications, yet organizations fail to train their employees, which can result in traumatic lifelong injuries or even death.
If your employees are using boom lifts, then it's time to invest in boom lift training for your employees. All Purpose Aerial Lift Training is your one-stop solution to boom lift training and a lot more. Whether you are looking for online training for your employees or you prefer the trainer to be present on-site, we offer training sessions that meet your requirements. All our training and courses are designed to meet OSHA requirements for general and construction industries.
#2. Taking Appropriate Measures When Using Boom Lifts
There are several reasons why boom lift accidents may occur. From falls and ejection to the inappropriate operation of the lift, several factors can contribute to accidents. It is therefore important to take appropriate measures to avoid all potential causes of accidents.
Boom lift accidents that results in the worker tripping over the equipment can lead to a fall resulting in injuries and even death. It is, therefore, critical to take appropriate measures to prevent falls. Moreover, measures must be taken to minimize injuries to an employee that has suffered a fall.
Some of the measures to prevent falls and reduce injuries to employees in case of falls include the following:
- Wear a harness and lanyard at all times when using the boom lift.
- Ensure that employees are not belted off to any nearby structures.
- Workers should not stand on the guardrails. Instead, they should always have both feet on the platform floor.
The other most common cause of boom lift accidents is improper use of the boom lift. Boom lift operators need to have adequate training about how to use the lift. Moreover, they should also take the following measures:
- Avoid exceeding the maximum lift load capacity.
- Avoid placing objects which are larger than the boom lift platform.
- Avoid driving the boom lift with a raised bucket.
Enroll in Aerial Lift Classes at All Purpose Aerial Lift Training, where our expert instructors provide hands-on experience and comprehensive knowledge, ensuring you master the skills needed for safe and efficient operation of aerial lifts.
Train Your Boom Lift Operators Today!
Appropriate training ensures the prevention of boom lift accidents. Train your boom lift operators today with All Purpose Aerial Lift Training. The OSHA standards-compliant training is one of the best investments you can make for workers, so they stay safe while using boom lifts.
Learn more about boom lift training here.
