Scissor lifts, often aerial lifts, are prevalent in construction and enable workers to access multiple-story heights. Unlike their stationary counterparts, these mobile scaffolds can be relocated to various locations. Misuse, adverse conditions, or mechanical failures can result in severe or even fatal injuries. Inappropriate operation, poor conditions, or equipment malfunctions can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, injuries.

Adhering strictly to safety protocols is essential to ensure the safety of all workers on site. Let’s explore some common causes of scissor-lift accidents in Las Vegas, Nevada, and how they might be prevented.

What are Scissor Lifts?

Scissor lifts are mechanical devices designed to elevate workers. They are primarily used outdoors but are also suitable for indoor environments like warehouses. Workers stand on a small, railed platform or inside a metal basket while ground operators control the lift or provide guidance and instructions.

Types and Uses:

• Electric Scissor Lifts: These are best for indoor use, and they are commonly found in malls and office buildings for maintenance and installation tasks due to their quiet operation and lack of emissions.
• Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts: Designed for outdoor use on uneven surfaces, these are ideal for construction sites needing access to high areas, such as building exteriors or bridges.
• Hydraulic Scissor Lifts: Known for lifting heavy loads, hydraulic scissor lifts are used in industries like automotive and manufacturing for heavy-duty tasks at heights.

Each type of scissor lift is tailored for specific environments and tasks, enhancing safety and efficiency in operations ranging from construction and maintenance to warehousing and event management.

Common Causes of Scissor List Accidents In Las Vegas, Nevada

 

Scissor lifts are critical tools in construction and maintenance that come with inherent risks due to their size and the heights they can reach. At Moss Berg Injury Attorneys, we commonly face several types of scissor lift accidents:

1. Tip-overs: Often caused by the improper center of gravity, tip-overs can occur if the load is not centered or if a worker leans out too far. Adverse weather conditions like high winds and uneven surfaces, such as inclines and potholes, exacerbate these risks. Ensuring the lift is on stable ground and checking weather conditions are essential preventive measures.
2. Falls: Falls often result from mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance, or operator errors. Surprisingly, even small slips or collisions can lead to falls from significant heights. To mitigate this, OSHA mandates a fall protection system for work above six feet. While guardrails provide basic protection, the use of harnesses is recommended to enhance safety further.
3. Electrocution: Working near power lines is particularly risky with scissor lifts. Operators should always assume that wires are live and maintain a safe distance. Comprehensive training on handling electricity is crucial to prevent fatal accidents, as highlighted by the tragic incident reported by Reno Fire Chief Siebert in April 2022, involving a fatal accident near power lines.
4. Crushing incidents: Operators can become trapped between the scissor lift and stationary objects like roofs, walls, or beams. These accidents typically occur due to improper maneuvering or unawareness of the lift’s surroundings. Awareness and proper training on the lift’s operation can significantly reduce these risks.

Understanding these common causes and implementing safety measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents involving scissor lifts.

How to Prevent Scissor Lift Accidents in Las Vegas?

 

Scissor lifts are vehicle-mounted and used to elevate workers, equipment, or tools and supplies, exposing workers to various job risks. For instance, falling from a raised elevator can cause severe harm or death. However, incorporating the following precautions into their routines when working with scissor lifts may help people protect themselves and their co-workers while on the job:

Conduct pre-operational inspection:

Equipment failures while working on scissor lifts might have catastrophic results, so workers should inspect these vehicles before using them. Workers should inspect the vehicle’s fluid levels, wheels, lights, and backup alarms before use and look for any missing or loose parts.

Keep an eye out for potential hazards:

Before using a scissor lift on the job, workers should inspect their workspace and surroundings for any hazards. They should look for bumps, unstable surfaces, drop-offs, holes, and anything else that might create comparable blockages and cause the vehicle to tip over or lose stability.

Use Lifts only as intended:

Workers should use scissor lifts exclusively for the intended purpose and as directed. To accomplish this, avoid overriding the mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic safety devices; hauling things larger than the platform, exceeding the load-capacity restrictions; or exceeding the lift’s horizontal or vertical reach limitations. Furthermore, workers may benefit from wearing adequate personal protection equipment.

What are my Safety Rights as a Worker?

 

OSHA requires companies to provide a safe workplace and training and equipment for scissor lift operations. They state that “Employers must assess the worksite to identify all potential hazards in order to select the appropriate equipment for the task.” Employers using scissor lifts must examine and apply adequate fall protection, stability, and alignment measures.

For example, safe usage of scissor lifts in the workplace involves:

• Fall prevention, including guardrails
• Stabilization, to avoid tip-over incidents.
• Proper posture to prevent electrocution or crushing incidents.
• Proper maintenance prevents equipment breakdown or malfunction.
• Employee training to ensure personnel understand how to safely use and maintain scissor and scissor lifts in order to avoid potential dangers.

Contact our Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Today!

Scissor lift accidents can cause severe injuries and significantly impact your life. These incidents often occur due to inadequate safety measures, such as insufficient training or poor maintenance of equipment. At Moss Berg Injury Attorneys, we are committed to supporting victims of scissor lift accidents. We help you secure the compensation and medical treatment you need to recover and return to your daily activities as soon as possible.

If you’ve been affected by a scissor lift accident, don’t wait.

Contact us for a free consultation to figure out the worth of your case. Let our experienced personal injury attorneys guide you through the process and help ensure your rights are protected.