Pennsylvania employees who are required to work on scissor lifts could potentially be facing safety risks if they were not properly trained to use this particular piece of equipment. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated 10 deaths and more than 20 accidents over a 12-month period that were found to be preventable. Possible risks include falls, crushing hazards and even electrocution hazards.
To prevent falls, all scissor lifts must have guardrails installed on the platform. These guardrails can reduce the risk falls by preventing employees from tripping over the edge. Additionally, employees should be trained to check the scissor lift to ensure that guard rails are installed. Employees should also be trained to properly position the scissor lift so that they do not have to reach over the guardrails to complete their work.
Scissor lifts can cause crushing hazards when they are present. Employees who are required to work around scissor lifts should be trained to be watchful when they are in use. Those who are on the ground can potentially be crushed, especially if the scissor lift is moving. To prevent electrocution hazards, employees who are working on scissor lifts near energized power lines should be specifically trained and qualified to do so.
People who are injured while working on a scissor lift may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover the cost of their medical care and a percentage of the wages lost during the recovery period. Most employers are required to provide this type of insurance coverage, for the benefit of their employees, and an attorney can often describe the amount of benefits that might be available.