Aerial work platforms (AWPs) are prominent and essential in the construction and maintenance industries. That, of course, means aerial work platform safety has never been more important.
Your organization can reduce the risk of accidents and keep its workers out of harm by following established best practices and investing in comprehensive training. However, beyond that, maintaining compliance with the regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is non-negotiable.
To that end, the following guide outlines the basics of aerial lift certification and provides tips for preventing common AWP accidents.
Table of Contents
Why Aerial Work Platform Safety Matters
Working at high altitudes carries significant inherent risks. According to OSHA, 163 documented incidents involving aerial lifts took place between April 2020 and August 2024. Many of these resulted in fatalities, and some involved multiple employees. Falls from lifts represent the most common cause of AWP-related casualties, though other frequent causes include equipment tip-overs, collisions between ground personnel and AWPs, and electrocution.
The good news is that many of these accidents can be avoided with proper aerial lift training and a safety-first mindset. However, it’s important to remember that ensuring safety is a team effort; everyone, from AWP operators to ground crews and company leadership, must be on board.
Key Safety Practices for Operating Aerial Work Platforms
You can make using AWPs safer and less risky by ensuring that your team does the following:
Inspects Equipment Before Each Use
Your team members need to perform regular inspections of their AWPs before each use, checking for signs of wear and tear, broken parts, and any other concerns. These pre-use checks should always be performed, even if your employees have used the equipment the previous workday.
Uses Fall Protection Gear
Anyone who works on an AWP must wear a harness and attach their lanyard to an approved anchor point. Furthermore, they must stand on the floor of the AWP and refrain from climbing on the railing. Using ladders within the lift is also prohibited by OSHA. Fall protection training is another essential skill to keep workers safe. It ensures they understand how to properly use harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points to prevent life-threatening injuries while working at height.
Operates the AWP Within Manufacturer Guidelines
AWP operators must familiarize themselves with the load limits and other capabilities of the machine(s) they use. Users must also close the access gates while the lift is in use. Additionally, in inclement weather, AWP work may need to be rescheduled.
Understanding Aerial Lift Certification and Training
OSHA requires employers to train their teams on the safe operation of AWPs. You can conduct such training in-house or bring in a third-party solutions provider like Alpha-Omega Training and Compliance (AOTC).
Bringing in an OSHA-compliant third-party provider is the more pragmatic approach, as it will cover essentials such as:
- Equipment operation
- Hazard recognition
- Use of safety equipment
- Emergency procedures
Upon successful training completion, participants will receive an aerial lift training certificate. While AWP certification has no standard renewal period, you should provide periodic refreshers at least once a year. If your team members frequently use AWPs during their duties, you may also want to send updates or reminders about best practices throughout the year.
Choosing the Right Aerial Lift Course
Choosing a reputable aerial lift course provider is critical to promoting safety and compliance. When comparing providers, ask questions about their program curricula, lengths, and costs. You should also determine whether they’ll come to you or you must send your team off-site for the training program.
On-site training is more convenient and cost-effective, and it also gives your team a chance to train with the equipment they will be using each day, which can help reinforce learning and information retention.
AOTC offers many professional services, including a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) course and aerial rescue training. Our training programs will help your business remain compliant with OSHA requirements, as well as equip your team to respond to emergencies involving AWPs. Furthermore, these training programs are flexible and use various delivery methods to accommodate multiple learning styles.
Recognizing and Preventing Common Aerial Lift Hazards
There are numerous hazards associated with AWPs. Some of the most common of these include the following:
Tip-Overs
These occur when users exceed an AWP’s load limits or operate the machine on uneven terrain. To reduce the risk of tip-overs, always work within those limits and ensure that the ground can accommodate the weight of an AWP.
Electrocutions
Workers whose lifts come into contact with live power lines are at risk of electrocution. You must ensure your teams maintain a safe distance from energized lines and always assume they are live.
Falls
To reiterate, falls are one of the most common causes of AWP fatalities and injuries. They can occur due to a tip-over or platform shifting, but they can also be prevented by using harnesses and following safe operating procedures.
OSHA Standards and Compliance for Aerial Lifts
OSHA outlines the requirements for aerial lifts in 29 CFR 1926.453. Some of the Association’s most important provisions are as follows:
- Operations must be conducted by authorized personnel only
- The use of fall protection equipment is mandatory
- Manufacturer’s load limits must be adhered to
- Unsafe practices, such as belting off to adjacent structures, are strictly prohibited
Ensure your team recognizes and follows these compliance standards to keep everyone safe and minimize the risk of life-threatening accidents. Regularly remind your team of these provisions, and monitor worksites to ensure they follow them. Any violations should be addressed right away.
The Supervisor’s Role in Aerial Work Platform Safety
Supervisors play a crucial role in promoting aerial work platform safety; it’s up to them to promote safety through leadership. If workers consistently see their supervisors prioritizing safety in meetings, communications, and work practices, they will do the same.
Additionally, supervisors are tasked with enforcing training protocols and best practices. They must encourage their fellow employees to do things by the book so that everyone can go home safely at the end of their shift.
Regular audits are valuable for supervisors to promote safety in aerial work platforms. With them, supervisors can identify patterns of violations and be proactive when addressing concerns. Altogether, audits prevent complacency and keep everyone safety-minded.
Leveraging Technology to Improve AWP Safety Management
The right technology can help you create and maintain a compliant workplace that, in turn, is constantly working to improve its aerial work platform safety. Digital inspection tools allow operators and supervisors to conduct equipment checks and document their findings in real time. These capabilities work to reduce the risk of missed hazards and promote accountability.
You should also explore cloud-based platforms that track aerial lift certifications and training schedules. Digitizing your training protocols improves visibility and helps you better understand who is authorized to perform AWP work. Cumulatively, these tools increase accountability and help standardize how you manage and enforce safety across the business.
The Importance of Ongoing Aerial Lift Safety Training
Obtaining an aerial lift training certificate is just the beginning; anyone using or working on an AWP must receive ongoing training to reinforce safe work practices and continue reducing the risk of accidents. Even your most experienced operators will benefit from refreshers.
In addition to providing training, you should send periodic refresher resources, such as safety checklists and emails. The goal is to make safety a foundational aspect of the company’s safety culture.
Common Aerial Lift Safety Mistakes to Avoid
Over time, AWP operators can be lulled into a false sense of security. That complacency opens the door for such mistakes as:
Skipped Pre-Use Inspections
Operators should always perform a thorough pre-use inspection of their AWP(s), even if they’ve just used the equipment the day prior. Assumptions can lead to catastrophe. On the other hand, being diligent about pre-use inspections allows users to find minor issues before they become major ones.
Improper Platform Use
Misusing an AWP is another common safety mistake. Complacent operators may falsely claim that they “know” their equipment well enough to disregard certain usage restrictions. However, that can lead to overconfidence and mishandling, such as climbing guardrails or overloading the AWP.
Neglected Fall Protection
Workers may find themselves in a hurry and forget to use their harness or lanyard, but that can be fatal. Supervisors and other employees should always be on the lookout for these common safety mistakes so they can be addressed before causing a disastrous accident.
Partner With AOTC for Trusted Aerial Lift Safety Training and Certification
AOTC is a trusted provider of aerial lift safety training, aerial rescue training, and other professional services designed to meet OSHA requirements and protect workers. We offer on-site and customizable training courses tailored to your team’s needs, from general aerial lift operation to hazard identification and fall protection.
Partnering with AOTC also means working with experienced professionals who prioritize safety, reduce risk, and promote a safety-first culture. Contact us to schedule one of our AWP training programs today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Primary Safety Factor in Aerial Platform Operation?
A well-trained operator is your first defense against workplace accidents involving aerial lifts. To that end, proper training and certification are the most important factors in AWP operation. Without them, operators may lack the knowledge to safely inspect, operate, and maintain the equipment, potentially leading to falls, electrocutions, and tip-overs.
Approved training programs equip your employees with the knowledge they need to keep themselves and others safe; they will be educated about lift capacities, operational limits, and hazards.
What Are the Safety Requirements for an Elevated Work Platform?
OSHA outlines several safety requirements. These include regular inspections, fall protection systems, and ensuring the platform is used on stable ground. Users must secure themselves to an AWP with a body harness and lanyard attached to an approved anchor point.
Operators must receive proper aerial lift training and be authorized to use the equipment. Additionally, the platform must be kept from overhead electrical lines, and its guardrails must remain closed.
What Is the OSHA Standard for Aerial Lifts?
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.453 establishes rules for using AWPs. For instance, you can only allow trained personnel to use aerial lifts; fall protection is mandatory. OSHA also prohibits users from engaging in unsafe practices, such as standing on or climbing the railing.
As an employer, you are also responsible for training your team and ensuring that your lifts are regularly inspected.
What Are Potential Hazards for Aerial Lifts and Work Areas?
Your team members may face dangers like tip-overs, electrocutions, and entrapment (by being pinched between the lift and a structure). Operators must also be aware of environmental conditions that can exacerbate these dangers, such as high winds or uneven terrain.