Access platforms get the job done. Whether it’s a scissor lift inside a warehouse or a cherry picker swaying above a construction site, they’re essential – but they’re also risky if used carelessly. It’s easy to think of them as just another tool, but the reality is they’re only safe in the right hands, with the right prep.
Know Your Machine Before You Touch It
Every lift feels the same until it doesn’t. Controls might look familiar, but that doesn’t mean they’ll behave the same way under pressure – or at height. The manual isn’t there for decoration. Read it, get a walkthrough if it’s your first time with that model, and don’t make assumptions just because you’ve used something similar. A sudden tilt or twitch at full extension isn’t something you want to figure out mid-air.
Also, let’s not pretend memory is infallible. Revisit training materials now and then. A quick chat with a tech rep or revisiting a few video demos can be more valuable than you’d think, especially when new kit or updated guidelines roll in.
Look Over Everything – Every Time
Start of the day? Do the checks. End of lunch? Do them again if something looks off. Hydraulics, wheels, brakes, controls, guardrails – run through them all. Look around the work area, too. A platform’s only as safe as the ground it sits on and the space it moves through. Overhead wires, soft patches, blind corners – spot them before you’re ten feet up and boxed in.
Got doubts? Park it. Report it. Don’t be the one who says “it’ll probably be fine” five minutes before the sirens show up. And you can always visit a website like CPSLift to learn more about how to operate scissor lifts or other access equipment safely.
Dress Like It Matters
Safety gear isn’t just a box to tick. The helmet, the boots, the gloves – they’re your insurance. And if the platform requires it, that harness isn’t optional. It’s tempting to skip the lanyard because it “gets in the way,” but so does a broken pelvis. Wear it properly or don’t get on at all.
Also, don’t assume your PPE’s in good nick just because it looks okay. Frayed straps, cracked visors, loose clips – all that stuff adds up. Replace it before it fails, not after.
Weight Limits Are There for a Reason
It’s not just about how much you load onto the platform, it’s how it’s distributed, and whether things move unexpectedly. A drill, a toolbox, a colleague shifting their feet at the wrong moment – these things can unbalance a lift, especially when fully raised.
If the spec sheet says 200kg, don’t test that number. It wasn’t a guess. Leave a margin, keep things centred, and forget trying to carry up that “one extra item” that tips it over the edge.
Stability Isn’t a Given
Even a top-tier platform becomes a hazard if it’s parked wrong. Make sure the surface is level. If it’s not, level it out or find somewhere else. Use chocks or stabilisers when needed – and know when the wind’s too much. Gusts that feel like nothing on the ground can make a raised lift sway like mad. That’s how accidents happen.
When in doubt, come down and reassess. Better to waste ten minutes than explain to someone’s family why corners were cut.
Rules Exist for a Reason, Too
Every site has its quirks – some more than others – but safety protocols are rarely random. If the site says don’t lift near X or don’t move past Y, don’t treat it like a suggestion. Especially when other machines or workers are nearby. Coordinate. Use signals. Keep your radio on. And don’t assume others can see you – visibility from the ground can be deceiving.
Don’t Fiddle With the Platform
This one’s simple: don’t tweak, remove, bend, override, or modify anything. Not the guardrails, not the alarms, not the reach mechanisms. If the machine won’t reach the spot you need, get the right one or reposition the job. Hacks and shortcuts might look clever until someone ends up in a stretcher.
No Training? No Go.
If you haven’t been properly trained on a platform, don’t use it. Doesn’t matter how urgent the job is or how confident you feel. Training covers more than just operation – it teaches you what to do when things go wrong. And they do go wrong sometimes.
Most suppliers offer decent courses, and most sites expect certification. Keep yours up to date and take refreshers when the rules shift or new kit shows up.
Outside? Stay Sharp
Working outdoors adds another layer of risk. Sloped ground, poor lighting, surprise rain, power lines you didn’t notice – take it all seriously. Before heading up, check the forecast. If the wind’s picking up or storms are brewing, think hard about whether the job can wait.
Also, always assume lines are live unless proven otherwise. That’s not a risk worth taking.
The Bottom Line
Access platforms can make tough jobs safer – but only when they’re treated with the respect they demand. It’s not about ticking boxes or covering your back with paperwork. It’s about walking away at the end of the day without injury, every time.
Don’t let habit or overconfidence take the wheel. Stick to the checks. Wear your kit. Know your gear. Ask questions when you’re unsure. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
