Aerial Work Platforms: Improving Safety and Productivity at Height
For many construction, maintenance, infrastructure, and industrial applications, working at height is necessary. But work above ground level can create serious risks if workers are not equipped, trained, or following the correct procedures. Aerial work platforms are a practical solution for accessing elevated work areas and provide operators with a stable platform to complete their tasks. If chosen and used properly, these machines can improve workplace safety and increase productivity.
In construction and supply chain businesses, the advantages go beyond reaching higher work areas. With the right access equipment, teams can complete tasks more efficiently, avoid unnecessary manual lifting, and support project planning.
Understanding Aerial Work Platforms
Aerial Work Platforms are a class of powered access machines used to move a person, tool, and, in some cases, materials to a higher working height. Machine designs vary depending on their applications and environment.
These include scissor lifts, boom lifts, vertical lifts and truck-mounted access Aerial Work Platforms. Some are designed for more vertical movement, while others focus on horizontal reach and elevation.
Several factors matter when choosing the right equipment, including working height, required reach, ground conditions, workspace, load capacity, and the type of job.
A scissor lift may be appropriate, for instance, when workers need to remain on a stable platform when working directly above the machine. A boom lift can be more appropriate when workers need to work above obstacles or in hard-to-reach areas.
How Can They Improve Workplace Safety?
One of the best benefits of powered access equipment is that it provides a more controlled work area at height than improvised solutions.
Ladders or improvised platforms used for activities that involve long periods of working at height may pose unnecessary risks. A suitable access platform offers a safe working space for elevated operations and features safety devices.
But equipment is not risk abatement. Operators should be trained and be aware of the machine’s operating limits. Previous incidents have highlighted the need to train people operating powered access equipment such as booms and other mobile elevated work platforms.
Before starting work, teams should conduct a pre-work assessment of the site and identify potential hazards, including unstable ground, overhead hazards, electrical hazards, moving vehicles, inclement weather, and people in the work area.
Improve productivity in the workplace
Safety and productivity are not mutually exclusive. In many situations, safer working practices enable teams to work more routinely and effectively.
A proper access platform can save employees time by reducing the need to transfer equipment, adjust ladders, or carry tools to a higher position. This is especially helpful for common elevated tasks that must be done in multiple locations on a large worksite.
Whether a maintenance team is working at different levels throughout a warehouse or industrial facility, they may need access to different lighting, ventilation systems, construction, and other equipment. The right access tools can make these tasks simpler and save needless downtime.
Better access also lets workers stay in a better working position and focus on the job instead of constantly changing their access method.
Choosing the appropriate equipment
Depending on the job’s needs, the right platform is the appropriate one. Site managers and project managers need to think about these before selecting equipment:
- Working height: Identify the maximum height that workers must reach.
- Horizontal reach: In some cases, tasks must be performed above the machine’s base.
- Load capacity: Consider the workers, tools and allowable materials.
- Surface and environment: Ensure the surface and environment suit the equipment.
- Workspace: Consider doorways, aisles, overhead structures, and restricted space.
- Power source: Choose equipment appropriate for indoor or outdoor use.
- Length of task: Longer tasks may need a more stable and comfortable working platform.
- Vehicular and machinery traffic: Consider interaction with vehicles, machinery, and other workers.
Choosing equipment solely for maximum height may cause operational problems. A machine may achieve the required height but cannot move safely through the work area or will not operate on the available surface.
Training and Competent Operations
Use the most sophisticated access equipment competently. Employees must know how to use the equipment, its operating limits, emergency procedures, and hazards.
This should also include pre-use inspections and identification of unsafe conditions during training. Operators must also know when equipment must not be used and what to do if conditions change during a task.
This is especially crucial at high-traffic construction and logistics sites, where things can shift rapidly. Materials may be transferred, vehicles may enter, and other contractors may begin work nearby.
IoSCM’s current guidance on heavy machinery safety also covers equipment inspection, load capacity, floor conditions, and equipment operation.
Inspection and Maintenance Matter
Another critical aspect of safe and productive operation is regular inspection.
Operators should inspect equipment before use, following the manufacturer’s guidelines and the organisation’s safety protocols. Operators should identify tyres, controls, guardrails, hydraulic systems, emergency functions, and other important parts before the machine goes into service.
Preventive maintenance can also minimise unexpected equipment failures. When a machine breaks down during a critical project, it can cause delays, higher expenses, and other work hazards.
Maintenance scheduling should thus be part of broader operational planning for organisations with multiple sites and/or large equipment fleets.
Incorporating Access Equipment into Project Planning
Do not take aerial access equipment for granted. Consider it in the planning process for construction, maintenance, and logistics projects.
Project Managers can identify where work will be above grade, which machines they will need, and plan equipment availability with labour and materials.
This can help prevent problems when tasks start, but access equipment isn’t available.
When delays in one activity can affect multiple downstream activities, as is common in supply chains, effective planning is especially important. Project timelines can be affected by equipment availability, operator competency, maintenance schedules, and site access.
Providing a Safer and More Efficient Workplace
In today’s workplace, people, equipment, technology and processes are often all required. When used and managed properly, aerial access equipment can be a critical component of this system.
The goal shouldn’t just be to give workers a machine that will go to a certain height. Consider the whole operation: Risk Assessment, Equipment Selection, Operator Training, Inspection, Maintenance, Communication, and Emergency Planning.
This holistic perspective can help eliminate unnecessary downtime and improve workplace safety for organisations.
Final Thoughts
Aerial work platforms can offer a major advantage to organisations that regularly work at height. They can enable workers to safely and efficiently complete maintenance, construction, inspection and installation tasks in elevated areas by limiting access to the area.
But equipment alone isn’t enough to ensure successful implementation. All of these are required: Proper planning, competent operators, regular inspections, suitable machine selection, and effective site management.
For businesses aiming to optimise operational performance and efficiency, incorporating access equipment into their broader safety and supply chain approach can foster a working environment where productivity and worker safety both contribute to and benefit from the other.
To find out more about keeping your workplace safe, visit The Sustain Chain.
