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A practical safety guide for managers and health and safety leads Scissor lifts and cherry pickers (boom lifts) are among the most versatile and widely used pieces of access equipment to enable safe work at height. But with that versatility comes responsibility. These machines are heavy and powerful, and unfortunately, every year, accidents occur that … Continue reading “Dos and Don’ts for Using Scissor Lifts and Cherry Pickers”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/dos-and-donts-for-using-scissor-lifts-and-cherry-pickers/","featuredImage":null},{"id":"cG9zdDo0MzQw","date":"2025-11-28T11:30:27","title":"Winter-Proof Your MEWP: The Simple Step That Prevents Downtime","excerpt":"As temperatures drop, powered access platforms can become more vulnerable to performance issues, with flat batteries being one of the biggest issues. For teams working on installs, maintenance or repairs, winter downtime isn’t just inconvenient, it can cost time, money, and reputation. The good news? In this article, our Aftersales Manager, Todor Ilinov runs you … Continue reading “Winter-Proof Your MEWP: The Simple Step That Prevents Downtime”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/winter-proof-your-mewp-the-simple-step-that-prevents-downtime/","featuredImage":null},{"id":"cG9zdDo0MzA2","date":"2025-10-14T14:32:34","title":"10 uses of a telescopic boom lift","excerpt":"When planning a work-from-height project, you’ll likely want to consider a variety of MEWPs to help you complete the task in hand. If so, we’d like to suggest telescopic booms as a contender for the best boom lift for the job. Reading on, we’ve explored the practical uses of telescopic booms, to give you an … Continue reading “10 uses of a telescopic boom lift”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/10-uses-of-a-telescopic-boom-lift/","featuredImage":null},{"id":"cG9zdDo0Mjk3","date":"2025-09-29T13:28:07","title":"What is a personnel lift?","excerpt":"If you’re on the hunt for a ‘Mobile Elevating Work Platform’, you’ve likely come across a spectrum of machines offering various advantages. There are often so many to choose from, it is important to choose the right MEWP for the job! In this article, we’ve explored one of the most common types of platforms – … Continue reading “What is a personnel lift?”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/what-is-a-personnel-lift/","featuredImage":null},{"id":"cG9zdDo0Mjkw","date":"2025-09-17T15:40:39","title":"What is a Push Around Vertical Platform?","excerpt":"Are you on the lookout for a mobile elevating work platform for your next project? The chances are you’re comparing various types of MEWP; and, while there are many to consider, here, we’re going to take a closer look at ‘Push Around Vertical Platforms’. An introduction to push around vertical platforms A push around vertical … Continue reading “What is a Push Around Vertical Platform?”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/what-is-a-push-around-vertical-platform/","featuredImage":null}]},"wpCategories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToyMzU=","name":"Case Study","slug":"case-study","uri":"/category/case-study/","count":5,"seo":{"fullHead":"\nWhen undertaking a construction project, choosing your work-at-height apparatus is vital to ensuring a successful outcome while keeping people safe. Whether you opt for scaffolding or hiring a MEWP that’s tailored to a variety of work at height tasks each project is unique and will therefore warrant a different list of equipment. To help you … Continue reading “Cherry Pickers vs Scaffolding: Pros and Cons for Construction Projects”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/cherry-pickers-vs-scaffolding/","featuredImage":null,"content":"\nWhen undertaking a construction project, choosing your work-at-height apparatus is vital to ensuring a successful outcome while keeping people safe. Whether you opt for scaffolding or hiring a MEWP that’s tailored to a variety of work at height tasks each project is unique and will therefore warrant a different list of equipment.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo help you choose the best tools for the job, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of the different options available when working at heights, to ensure your project runs as efficiently and as safely as possible.
\n\n\n\nCherry pickers are a type of mobile elevating work platform that elevates a worker up in a basket using a long, extendable arm known as a boom. This allows the basket to be extended both upwards and outwards. The base of a cherry picker often swivels too for a greater range of mobility.
\n\n\n\nIn many cases, cherry pickers are an excellent choice for work-at-height projects, offering several benefits, such as:
\n\n\n\nDiscover more advantages of hiring a cherry picker and other MEWPs in our recent blog.
\n\n\n\nWhile cherry pickers have a wealth of benefits, there are some drawbacks to these brilliant MEWPs.
\n\n\n\nWith so many amazing benefits, and irrespective of the few disadvantages, cherry pickers are an excellent choice to complete projects safely and effectively when working at height is necessary..
\n\n\n\nWhen you hire a cherry picker from Horizon Platforms, you can choose from some of the most trusted brands, including Genie, JLG and Manitou. We make your hire as simple and seamless as can be, being flexible to your needs, delivering when you need, and being reachable 24/7 as part of our eight customer commitments.
\n\n\n\nEvery cherry picker hired from us is inspected before each delivery to ensure we only provide the very best and safest machines. When the machines come back after a hire, it has a post hire inspection (PHI). The MEWP will then undergo a 40-point pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before returning on hire.
\n\n\n\nThe IPAF checklist is a generic checklist which may also be used by the operator as a guide when doing their daily pre-use checks
\n\n\n\nWhen you hire a cherry picker from us, you’re hiring from a safe contractor approved and IPAF Rental+ certified establishment. So you know you can trust us with your access platform needs. Just see our glowing testimonials to see how hiring cherry pickers from us has helped people just like you.
\n\n\n\nScaffolding is a complex temporary work-at-height structure assembled around or against a building people intend to work on.
\n\n\n\nScaffolding is an option for many work-at-height projects, thanks to its array of advantages, such as:
\n\n\n\nDespite its advantages, scaffolding also has a number of disadvantages that mean it may not be the right choice when working at height. These include:
\n\n\n\nSafe, simple and cost-effective, cherry pickers make your construction, installation and repair projects easier. With a straightforward set up and the ability to easily move them around a site or from site to site, you’ll save time and money by completing work quickly and effectively.
\n\n\n\nAdmittedly, some jobs will need scaffolding. But with our excellent range of MEWPs and unconditional support from our powered access experts, you’ll end any head-scratching about how to reach those hard-to-reach spaces. Our boom lifts let you carry out essential work in the trickiest of spaces as safely as possible with their versatile manoeuvrability. Whatever terrain you’re working with, our Platform Finder tool will help you find the perfect cherry picker for your next construction project.
\n\n\n\nTo hire a cherry picker for your work-at-height project, contact Horizon Platforms today.
\n","slug":"cherry-pickers-vs-scaffolding","author":{"node":{"avatar":{"url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53cff1723be8bca85459ec3ae51ce0f3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"name":"Malcolm Briggs","uri":"/author/malcolm/"}},"categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","uri":"/category/company-news/","name":"Company News"}]},"tags":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToxOQ==","uri":"/tag/access-platforms/","name":"Access Platforms"},{"id":"dGVybTo4OQ==","uri":"/tag/mewps/","name":"MEWPS"}]}},{"id":"cG9zdDozMDk1","date":"2023-12-19T10:20:41","postedDate":"19th December 2023","yearMonth":"/2023/12/","year":"/2023/","month":"12/","title":"The Ultimate Cherry Picker Checklist For Working Safely & Effectively","seo":{"fullHead":"\nOperating a cherry picker requires a strong commitment to safety, precision and skill. With this in mind, to ensure the smooth and safe operation of your MEWP, it’s essential to have a well-structured checklist in place. In this blog, we’ll break down the key sections to include on an effective cherry picker checklist, covering everything from hiring MEWPs and … Continue reading “The Ultimate Cherry Picker Checklist For Working Safely & Effectively”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/ultimate-cherry-picker-checklist/","featuredImage":null,"content":"\nOperating a cherry picker requires a strong commitment to safety, precision and skill. With this in mind, to ensure the smooth and safe operation of your MEWP, it’s essential to have a well-structured checklist in place.
\n\n\n\nIn this blog, we’ll break down the key sections to include on an effective cherry picker checklist, covering everything from hiring MEWPs and access platform training to safety protocols, pre-operation checks, and more, to ensure you have a safe and successful experience.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s essential for MEWP operators to be equipped with the right knowledge and skills before stepping foot onto a cherry picker. This means being fully aware of the health and safety regulations when working from height, to minimise risks for everyone on-site.
\n\n\n\nThe first thing to consider for cherry picker user health and safety is providing necessary training for each operator, so they have a clear understanding of required safety protocols when operating powered access platforms.
\n\n\n\nAt Horizon Platforms, we offer an extensive range of cherry picker training courses, including IPAF courses, to provide a wealth of knowledge on the do’s and don’ts of operating MEWPs. Our training list includes, but is not limited to:
\n\n\n\nBy enrolling in accredited training programs, you can learn about cherry picker controls and regulations, safety protocols, and best practices. Whether you’re a beginner looking to gain your first qualification or a seasoned operator looking to enhance your skills, we have a range of training programs suited to all levels of experience.
\n\n\n\nBefore you can begin operating your cherry picker, you must first ensure your selected work environment Before you can begin safely operating your cherry picker, you must first ensure your selected work environment is safe for use; as outlined by HSE’s guidance on site rules and induction. This includes everything from ground stability to clearing sites of potential hazards that might pose a risk to either the operator or others.
Some of the essential inspections that should be added to your cherry picker checklist include:
Function & Visual Inspection:
\n\n\n\nLook for any visible signs of damage, leaks, or loose components on the boom lift. At Horizon Platforms, we carry out a mandatory extensive pre-delivery cherry picker inspection across all our hired access platforms, to assess the overall health and safety ahead of delivery.
\n\n\n\nWith that said, it is essential that daily pre-use inspections are also carried out by operators before using the MEWP, including visual and function checks to verify the ground, platform and emergency controls are all functioning correctly.
\n\n\n\nGround Stability Check:
\n\n\n\nVerify that the cherry picker is on stable ground to ensure it is safe for use. Due to the weight of MEWPs,
\n\n\n\nVerify that the cherry picker is on stable ground to ensure it is safe for use. Due to the weight of MEWPs, the ground can settle under heavier loads, causing the machine to tip and overturn.
\n\n\n\nFor more information, check out our ground stability safety checklist for the 7 common hazardous conditions to look out for.
\n\n\n\nWork Area Inspection:
\n\n\n\nIdentify potential hazards, such as overhead obstructions, power lines, or unstable surfaces. Clear floors and surrounding areas of tools, equipment and debris that may pose a risk to on-site workers.
\n\n\n\nWhen working from heights in a cherry picker, it’s essential to adhere to the correct health and safety procedures.
\n\n\n\nAlways wear a safety harness and the appropriate PFPE, including helmets, gloves, and safety shoes. A safety harness, in particular, provides a vital lifeline should any unexpected incidents occur while operating at heights in a boom lift. Ensure that these are correctly fitted and securely attached to the designated anchorage point.
\n\n\n\nStrictly adhere to the MEWP manufacturer’s recommended safe working load (SWL) for cherry pickers and scissor lifts – manufacturers specify SWLs for a reason. Overloading the platform compromises stability and safety, and can incur excessive stress leading to structural damage.
\n\n\n\nOperate the cherry picker at a controlled speed, especially when travelling the MEWP near people or structures, and avoid abrupt or jerky movements to maintain stability. Remember, smooth and controlled movements are essential to prevent any sudden shifts in balance. This is particularly crucial when changing the elevation of the platform.
\n\n\n\nStay vigilant and maintain awareness of your surroundings. Keep an open line of communication with Stay vigilant and maintain awareness of your surroundings, and keep an open line of communication with ground workers through radios or hand signals – awareness is your greatest ally when working at heights.
\n\n\n\nAn absolutely essential cherry picker safety rule to live by: never leave the MEWP unattended while it’s elevated, and ensure that a qualified operator is in control at all times.
\n\n\n\nLeaving the cherry picker unattended while elevated poses a serious safety risk. Plus, exiting the platform at height poses a serious risk, which should only be undertaken in exceptional circumstances
\n\n\n\nStrictly follow the specific make and model guidelines found in your cherry picker’s instructor’s guide, which is delivered with the machine and normally in a box near the platform controls.
\n\n\n\nNever cut corners here, as cherry picker controls, specifications, and capabilities are different and often tailored to each machine. These guidelines are designed to maximise safety and efficiency by guiding the operator to use the equipment within its intended parameters.
\n\n\n\nThe Work at Height Regulations 2005 stipulate:
\n\n\n\n“Employers must have a plan in place for emergencies and rescue when working at height, and the emergency services cannot be entirely relied upon”.
\n\n\n\nWhen preparing for emergencies, you should always make sure the ground controls are accessible for use by ground rescue people in case of an emergency before elevating the MEWP. You should also avoid positioning the MEWP with the side where the ground controls are up against a wall or structure.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure you can handle emergencies and potential hazards, you must also adhere to the following:
\n\n\n\nAs the end of the day nears, safety protocol must be maintained. Be sure to wrap up the workday with these crucial checks:
\n\n\n\nPark the cherry picker in the designated storage area, ensuring it’s on stable ground and adequately secured. Finally, MEWPs should be switched off, and keys should be removed.
\n\n\n\nShould an emergency occur, it’s essential that equipment used for firefighting or first aid, for example, are not blocked and emergency routes are clear.
\n\n\n\nWe pride ourselves on our approach to safety and are strong advocates for cherry picker health and safety. That’s why, besides this blog, we have a range of articles on working safely at height on MEWPs.
\n\n\n\nOf course, if you’re interested in upskilling yourself and your teams in a practical environment, essential powered access training will provide you with the necessary knowledge. Or, for a more informal insight, our experts are happy to offer MEWP safety advice and guidance.
\n\n\n\nTo discover more about choosing the right cherry picker for your requirements, browse our extensive and dependable range today, or get in touch if you have any questions – and one of our dedicated team members will be happy to assist you.
\n","slug":"ultimate-cherry-picker-checklist","author":{"node":{"avatar":{"url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53cff1723be8bca85459ec3ae51ce0f3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"name":"Malcolm Briggs","uri":"/author/malcolm/"}},"categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","uri":"/category/company-news/","name":"Company News"}]},"tags":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToxOQ==","uri":"/tag/access-platforms/","name":"Access Platforms"},{"id":"dGVybTozOA==","uri":"/tag/work-at-height/","name":"work at height"}]}},{"id":"cG9zdDozMDc0","date":"2023-11-23T09:43:24","postedDate":"23rd November 2023","yearMonth":"/2023/11/","year":"/2023/","month":"11/","title":"The Injury & Life-Saving Evolution of Cherry Pickers: From Simple Ladders to Advanced Aerial Work Platforms","seo":{"fullHead":"\nWhen working with a state-of-the art cherry picker, it’s easy to take for granted the simplicity, safety, and efficiency they provide. Access platforms today feature a host of features, including real-time diagnostics, all-terrain stability, and sensor technology. But it wasn’t always this way… In this guide, we delve into the history and evolution of cherry … Continue reading “The Injury & Life-Saving Evolution of Cherry Pickers: From Simple Ladders to Advanced Aerial Work Platforms”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/evolution-cherry-pickers-ladders-aerial-work-platforms/","featuredImage":null,"content":"\nWhen working with a state-of-the art cherry picker, it’s easy to take for granted the simplicity, safety, and efficiency they provide. Access platforms today feature a host of features, including real-time diagnostics, all-terrain stability, and sensor technology. But it wasn’t always this way…
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this guide, we delve into the history and evolution of cherry pickers and their technological progress from the humble ladder, to advanced access platforms we rely upon today for working safely and efficiently at height.
\n\n\n\nThe oldest recorded image of a ladder potentially dates back to around 8,000-6,000 BCE. Painted on the wall of the Spider Caves (or Cova de l’Aranya) in Bicorp, Spain, is an image of a human figure climbing up a series of straight lines to harvest a wild beehive – making this also the first image of honey and, indeed, bees.
\n\n\n\nWhether the painting shows an individual climbing up a man-made ladder or naturally occurring vines can’t be definitively answered, but it’s too unmistakable an image to ignore.
\n\n\n\nAs such, it may be that this so-called ‘Man of Bicorp’ was the original inventor of the ladder. That said, it’s far more likely that modern humans had been using ladder-like tools for thousands of years previous, and the evidence has simply been lost to time.
\n\n\n\nLadders were the go-to means of ascending and descending tall structures for millennia, with workers also relying on the likes of scaffolding, ramps and winches throughout history. The Ancient Egyptians used rope-driven hoist lifts to move people and materials using man and animal power. The Romans used cranks operated by teams of eight to raise and lower platforms carrying dangerous animals in the Colosseum!
\n\n\n\nRoman cranes, or Polyspastos, were used to lift weights and workers through the use of a treadwheel.
\n\n\n\nThe Polyspastos was an amazing 60 times more efficient than previous methods of moving heavy loads – one man in a wheel as opposed to 60 men pulling a block of stone with brute force!
\n\n\n\nWith the fall of Rome, these cranes disappeared from use until around 1,000 AD, when the technology was rediscovered and spread throughout Western Europe, helping produce the many great castles, cathedrals and other structures cherished across the continent today.
\n\n\n\nLadders, stairs, and scaffolding continued to be the go-to methods of transporting people vertically for centuries, until the industrial revolution brought renewed technological change.
\n\n\n\nOne of the key innovations that allowed for the development of the modern cherry pickers and boom lifts is hydraulics; the use of pressurised fluid as an energy source.
\n\n\n\nHydraulic theory was developed in 1648 by Blaise Pascal, while hydraulic mills and pumps were developed as early as 1738 by Swiss mathematician Daniel Bernoulli. These were further then advanced upon by Joseph Bramah in 1795, who used the principles of hydraulics to create the first patent for a hydraulic press – the foundation of industrial hydraulics.
\n\n\n\nUsing hydraulics to lift people became reality in 1823, when London architects Burton and Hormer developed an ‘ascending room’ within the London Colosseum in Regent’s Park that provided customers with panoramas of London hitherto impossible to see. Rope-based, they were incredibly dangerous, and it wasn’t until 1852 that Elisha Graves Otis developed the world’s first safety elevator in New York.
\n\n\n\nThe cherry picker was invented by American engineer Jay Eitel in 1944. After a summer spent laboriously and inefficiently picking cherries by hand using a ladder, Eitel developed a prototype cherry picker in his garage after work and at the weekends. Named the ‘cherry picker’, Eitel’s invention featured a telescopic steel boom attached to which was a bucket lift. The boom was controlled by a single lever.
\n\n\n\nEventually, in 1953 he founded Telsta Corporation and began developing, selling and offering a wide range of access platforms and lifts via contract hire. The company’s MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms – mobile machinery used to temporarily reach inaccessible areas) allowed for the rapid installation of telephone cables from a mobile vehicle. This enabled telecommunications businesses to massively expand networks across the US and speed up tasks including street lighting replacement, exterior cleaning and, of course, fruit picking.
\n\n\n\nThe cherry picker’s usefulness across diverse industries was cemented, and over his 22 years at the helm of Telsta, Eitel was granted 65 patents relating to powered access platforms until he retired in 1976.
\n\n\n\nAs competing companies innovated on Eitel’s original design throughout the 1950s, 60s, and beyond, cherry picker designs diversified.
\n\n\n\nFrom boom lifts like the telescopic cherry picker, vertical platforms like scissor lifts began to be released in a wide range of types, aiding operations not just outside, but indoors in locations like factories and warehouses.
\n\n\n\nWithin these two categories, two clear classes of machinery became popular. First, static platforms which are placed in a single location, utilise outriggers and stabilisers, and cannot be moved while being operated. And second, mobile platforms, which do not always require the use of stabilisers, are self-propelled, and can be moved while elevated. Learn more about the different types of MEWPs.
\n\n\n\nAs the decades rolled on, MEWP producers and bodies like the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) advanced and guided the industry with more sophisticated innovations.
\n\n\n\nCherry picker designs began to incorporate features such as outriggers and safety interlocks which improved stability and dependability. Operator training was standardised and became an expectation throughout the industry. Technological advancements like electric-powered cherry pickers and advanced control systems reduced the environmental impact of MEWPs and enhanced efficiency in kind.
\n\n\n\nIn the modern world, health and safety at work are non-negotiable, and this is where MEWPs play an invaluable role in keeping people safe when working at height. Therefore, it’s fundamental for employers and operators to follow MEWP health and safety guidelines. At Horizon Platforms, the safety of our customers is our number one priority. That’s why we offer training and ensure our equipment is always in working order and safe to use.
\n\n\n\nWe have also shared vital health and safety guidelines below:
\n\n\n\nFor more information on health and safety rules, you could be breaking without realising, check out our blog.
\n\n\n\nHSE statistics show that 40 falls from height fatalities out of a total of 135 fatalities, equalling 29.6% of all UK work-related fatalities. Fatalities on MEWPs are rare, but there are plenty of risks when working at height. Therefore, you should follow these vital safety and operator considerations when hiring a scissor lift or cherry picker.
\n\n\n\nHiring from a reliable MEWP provider is vital to ensure you meet health and safety demands, find out more in our blog.
\n\n\n\nThe digital revolution has further improved cherry picker operations, with innovations optimising workflow, enhancing precision, and contributing to overall worker safety.
\n\n\n\nTechnologies like pressure and tilt sensors are used to prevent platforms from becoming overloaded or toppling over. Digital interfaces have replaced analogue, providing increased precision through the use of joysticks, and safety improvements through the amalgamation of motor controllers, real-time diagnostics, alarm systems and limit switches. Scissor lifts in particular are set to be improved by a wide range of innovations.
\n\n\n\nAll these advancements are a world away from the primitive ladders the people of Bicorp used to harvest honey 10,000 years ago. But they’re the product of the constant technological development the equipment has experienced over the aeons.
\n\n\n\nNew to using powered access platforms or just require help choosing the right cherry picker for your next job? Browse our extensive and dependable range of cherry pickers available on hire. Alternatively, get in touch and our team will answer any questions or provide you with competitive rates specific to your machine requirements.
\n","slug":"evolution-cherry-pickers-ladders-aerial-work-platforms","author":{"node":{"avatar":{"url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53cff1723be8bca85459ec3ae51ce0f3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"name":"Malcolm Briggs","uri":"/author/malcolm/"}},"categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","uri":"/category/company-news/","name":"Company News"}]},"tags":{"nodes":[]}},{"id":"cG9zdDozMDUy","date":"2023-10-19T10:58:27","postedDate":"19th October 2023","yearMonth":"/2023/10/","year":"/2023/","month":"10/","title":"Work From Height: Health and Safety Rules You Didn’t Know You Were Breaking","seo":{"fullHead":"\nYou may not be aware, but you could be breaking health and safety rules on a daily basis. Health and Safety compliance is a necessity when engaging in work-at-height tasks and using a cherry picker or scissor lift plays a huge part in keeping people safe. Ignoring these rules can result in severe penalties, lawsuits, … Continue reading “Work From Height: Health and Safety Rules You Didn’t Know You Were Breaking”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/work-from-height-health-and-safety-rules-you-didnt-know-you-were-breaking/","featuredImage":null,"content":"\nYou may not be aware, but you could be breaking health and safety rules on a daily basis. Health and Safety compliance is a necessity when engaging in work-at-height tasks and using a cherry picker or scissor lift plays a huge part in keeping people safe. Ignoring these rules can result in severe penalties, lawsuits, and even imprisonment and can lead to tragedy.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s fundamentally important for employers and operators to understand the basic health and safety guidelines when working at height and the seemingly minor yet crucial points that may be overlooked.
\n\n\n\nHere at Horizon Platforms, the safety of our customers and team members is a priority and we are passionate about ensuring that our equipment is used safely. As such, we have gathered a checklist of vital work-at-height health and safety regulations to ensure you and your staff’s well-being while operating a MEWP (mobile elevating work platform), featuring those essential yet minimalistic details you may need to be made aware of.
\n\n\n\nRead on to find out which health and safety rules you could be breaking without realising…
\n\n\n\nDo You Know What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) You Need?
\n\n\n\nYou’re likely aware that proper use of personal protective equipment is crucial to working at height safely. However, you may not know what specific PPE you need or indeed need a refresher. The PPE used when working at height is called PFPE (personal fall protection equipment). The following are some PFPE items that should be worn when using our equipment:
\n\n\n\nHarness
\n\n\n\nA full body harness with five points of contact – to fully support the body in case of a fall, which sits over both shoulders, around both legs and around the wearer’s waist, is essential for boom lift fall protection. You can find harnesses amongst our access platform accessories.
\n\n\n\nWe also provide training on the use and inspection of safety harnesses.
\n\n\n\nLanyards
\n\n\n\nThe individual working at height wears the harness and attaches it to a restraint lanyard, which fastens it to an anchor point. The restraint lanyard should be adjusted to be short enough to prevent a fall. A MEWP lanyard allows you to move freely without needing additional support.
\n\n\n\nDo You Know How Often You Should Inspect Your Equipment?
\n\n\n\nAll equipment used at height must be carefully and regularly inspected for faults that may prove hazardous to worker’s safety. However, you may not realise how regularly you should be inspecting your work from height equipment.
\n\n\n\nMEWP Inspection
\n\n\n\nMaking sure that your MEWP is in perfect working order is far more important than you may realise. For safe use of MEWPs such as cherry pickers or scissor lifts, you must inspect your equipment. A pre-use checklist can be found in the operator manual or you can use the IPAF pre-use inspection checklist. If any issues are discovered, report them and only use your MEWP once a specialist has examined them.
\n\n\n\nIn the unlikely event of access platform equipment failing, when you hire from Horizon, you will have access to a specialist on the phone within fifteen minutes, and we can have an engineer onsite in three hours when necessary. Support is also offered 24/7, so you can contact us outside of usual business hours if needed.
\n\n\n\nLifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 states that MEWPs should go through a thorough examination every six months. There should be evidence on the MEWP to identify when the last thorough examinations took place and when the next thorough examination is due. Horizon provides a copy of the report of thorough examination with every machine.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if an incident occurs on site that may impact the safety of the MEWP, it is essential the customer contacts Horizon so we can arrange a safety inspection and if necessary, complete a thorough examination of the machine.
\n\n\n\nOn top of this, purchasing or hiring your MEWP from an accredited supplier is always the safest and most sensible choice. All of our MEWPs are put through a thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI) to reduce the risk of any surprises and we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in standards and quality checks, so any cherry picker or scissor lift hired from us comes with that additional peace of mind.
\n\n\n\nIf you are still unsure of how to carry out a pre-use inspection for scissor lift or cherry picker safety, we have a guide to walk you through the process in more detail.
\n\n\n\nPFPE Inspection
\n\n\n\nPFPE inspections are to be performed in compliance with BS EN 365:2004 and BS 8437:2005. Meaning PPE must be inspected every twelve months or more frequently if exposed to extreme environments. But at Horizon Platforms, to avoid devastating accidents, we would suggest you check equipment before each use as part of a robust risk assessment.
\n\n\n\nAre You Securing Tools and Equipment to MEWPs?
\n\n\n\nTools and equipment not being properly stored create a slip-and-trip hazard, which could cause a worker to trip or fall. It could also result in the tool itself falling from the MEWP and hitting someone below. Therefore, it is important to safely store all tools and equipment for proper scissor lift and cherry picker safety. This can be accomplished with tool belts and dedicated storage spaces.
\n\n\n\nAre You Overloading Platforms?
\n\n\n\nOverloading an access platform is extremely dangerous as it could damage the structural integrity of the platform or result in a MEWP overturning or tipping. Preventing an overload can be done by checking the Safe Working Load (SWL) in the machine’s operator manual, which is supplied with each MEWP. If this is missing, you shouldn’t use the platform until you have contacted the supplier to obtain the platform’s specification and SWL.
\n\n\n\nThe SWL outlines the maximum weight for operating the lifter. You can ensure you don’t exceed the SWL by accurately calculating the weight of all items and equipment and considering the weight of the people working on the platform. It’s also important to note that the load should not extend beyond the platform edge or lean against the guardrails.
\n\n\n\nDo You Make Sure You Check The Weather Conditions Before Working At Height?
\n\n\n\nWeather conditions can significantly impact the safety of working at height, though this is often underestimated.
\n\n\n\nWindspeed
\n\n\n\nWorking on a cherry picker, scissor lift or other MEWP in windy conditions can be dangerous. Many MEWPs are designed for indoor use only with a max-rated wind speed of 0mph. However, each MEWP is different and the wind speed limit for each can be found on the manufacturer’s data plate and in the operator’s manual and there should also be a max wind speed decal clearly visible on the machine.
\n\n\n\nFor further advice, check out our blog post on wind safety.
\n\n\n\nFreezing conditions
\n\n\n\nSnow and ice present a considerable slip risk, so ensure that all cherry pickers, scissor lifts and walkways are cleared. Heavy snow and ice can also cause damage to MEWPs and height safety systems, so full inspections should be carried out before use as, in some cases, work may not be advisable and will have to be put on hold for the safety of others. Freezing conditions can also affect the movement and response of the controls, so it is essential to do pre-use checks of all functions prior to use in inclement weather.
\n\n\n\nThunder and Lighting
\n\n\n\nIf there is evidence of thunder and lightning in your area, all outdoor work from height should stop immediately.
\n\n\n\nAre You Working Alone on a MEWP?
\n\n\n\nWorking from height alone should be avoided as much as possible. Additional persons can help to spot hazards, advise or remind of health and safety procedures and help with difficult tasks. They can also provide first aid or call for help should an incident occur.
\n\n\n\nThe Work at Height Regulations mandate a rescue plan is in place for any work at height. Hence it is essential that a nominated ground rescue person is available in the vicinity of any work at height. Workers should not operate on a site alone. Before any lone working at height takes place, managers and operators should ensure a robust risk assessment has identified a safe system of work to ensure all health and safety requirements are considered and adhered to.
\n\n\n\nAre You Aware of Traffic?
\n\n\n\nIf you are operating your MEWP in a public area, highway or construction site, you should have vigilant awareness of the vehicles around you, as IPAF‘s Global safety report noted a significant 38 incidents involving vehicle or machine collisions in 2022, worldwide.
\n\n\n\nAre You Conducting Risk Assessments?
\n\n\n\nHSE legally requires risk assessments to be performed before any work from height takes place. This means:
\n\n\n\nTo help you, we’ve compiled a list of common risks when working with MEWPs.
\n\n\n\nAre You and Your Workers Sufficiently Trained?
\n\n\n\nTraining is essential for working at height, and it’s important to understand exactly how much training is needed for each task or piece of equipment. For some work at height equipment, such as a ladder, training does not need to be formal and can happen on the job. On the other hand, structured operator training is absolutely necessary before using a MEWP. IPAF worldwide data shows that in the vast majority of cases, operators having accidents have yet to undergo structured training.
\n\n\n\nIf a casualty occurs from a lack of sufficient training, this creates a personal tragedy and significant legal trouble for the employer. As our training manager, Ben Hughes points out:
\n\n\n\n“It is essential that operators are trained to a competent standard for the safety of everyone concerned. If they aren’t adequately trained, with evidence to back it up, proving that in a court of law or a tribunal would be extremely difficult and could result in a large fine or jail time, or both!”
\n\n\n\nTherefore, we highly recommend providing fully IPAF-accredited MEWP training. This helps to protect the employer and the company should the worst-case scenario occur, as thorough and accredited training records can be supplied as evidence of adequate training in a police investigation.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to operators being fully trained, managers must also undertake health and safety and work-from-height training in order to have their operator’s backs, ensure risk assessments and rescue plans are airtight and correctly oversee all MEWP work. We have MEWPs for managers training for this purpose.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that IPAF and training certificates must be renewed every five years.
\n\n\n\nWe happily provide a variety of detailed and extensive IPAF training courses for our clients, so speak with your manager if you are not currently trading with Horizon.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re still unsure about how to protect the health and safety of yourself and your workers when working from height, feel free to contact us for more advice or consult our blog.
\n","slug":"work-from-height-health-and-safety-rules-you-didnt-know-you-were-breaking","author":{"node":{"avatar":{"url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53cff1723be8bca85459ec3ae51ce0f3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"name":"Malcolm Briggs","uri":"/author/malcolm/"}},"categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","uri":"/category/company-news/","name":"Company News"}]},"tags":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToxOQ==","uri":"/tag/access-platforms/","name":"Access Platforms"},{"id":"dGVybTo0ODk=","uri":"/tag/falls-from-height/","name":"falls from height"},{"id":"dGVybToxNDE=","uri":"/tag/health-and-safety/","name":"Health and Safety"},{"id":"dGVybToxOA==","uri":"/tag/horizon-platforms/","name":"Horizon Platforms"},{"id":"dGVybToyOQ==","uri":"/tag/ipaf-training/","name":"IPAF training"},{"id":"dGVybTozOA==","uri":"/tag/work-at-height/","name":"work at height"}]}},{"id":"cG9zdDozMDQ2","date":"2023-10-16T11:19:24","postedDate":"16th October 2023","yearMonth":"/2023/10/","year":"/2023/","month":"10/","title":"The Most Common Access Platform Accidents and How to Avoid Them","seo":{"fullHead":"\nDid you know falls from height are one of the highest causes of fatal injury in the UK? HSE statistics show that 40 falls from height fatalities out of a total of 135 fatalities, equalling 29.6% of all UK work-related fatalities. The good news is that fatalities on MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) are rare … Continue reading “The Most Common Access Platform Accidents and How to Avoid Them”
\n","status":"publish","uri":"/common-accidents-from-access-platforms/","featuredImage":null,"content":"\nDid you know falls from height are one of the highest causes of fatal injury in the UK? HSE statistics show that 40 falls from height fatalities out of a total of 135 fatalities, equalling 29.6% of all UK work-related fatalities.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe good news is that fatalities on MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) are rare but there are still plenty of risks when it comes to operating powered access platforms. Don’t be complacent and definitely do not take shortcuts! After all, MEWPs are heavy pieces of kit with powerful equipment that demand respect. They are certainly not toys.
\n\n\n\nThere are an abundance of vital safety and operator considerations when hiring a scissor lift or cherry picker. From hiring well-maintained MEWPs that work properly to researching which is the most suitable platform for the job. Failure to do so can increase the risk of serious or fatal injuries. After all, operators, managers and businesses have a responsibility to keep staff, sites, and members of the public safe.
\n\n\n\nBy hiring a reliable access platform from a safety-focused powered access provider like Horizon Platforms, you can have peace of mind and assurance that the machines are maintained to a high standard, reducing the risk of accidents, delays and downtime. In this blog, we delve into the common risks related to access platforms and explore crucial strategies to prevent these incidents and ensure the well-being of workers.
\n\n\n\nAccess platforms encompass a range of equipment, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, and cherry pickers, designed to elevate workers to perform tasks at heights. They are commonly used in construction, maintenance, and other industries where working at height is necessary. Yet, while these platforms enhance productivity and efficiency, safety should always be the top priority.
\n\n\n\nMEWPs have revolutionised the way industries approach at-height tasks. HSE documentation lists MEWPs as one of the preferred options for preventing falls while working at height, providing a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods like ladders and some types of scaffolding. However, despite their advantages, accidents involving access platforms continue to be a major concern and the potential accidents that can occur serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols and training when working at height.
\n\n\n\nThere’s a long list of risks you face when working at height, and serious accidents can happen. Therefore, by seeking out good providers, using the right machine for the job, which is in good working order, and ensuring you have the correct training in place, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and serious injury when working at height.
\n\n\n\nWhen carrying out work at a height, there is always the potential risk of a fall, even when working on a platform, whether it’s due to an operator error or an environmental factor. You must also have confidence in the machine being used and that your platform provider is 100% committed to supporting your safety by consistently supplying well-maintained machines in working order. Otherwise, the risk probability significantly increases.
\n\n\n\nTo make sure you’re choosing a reliable provider, you’ll also need to check for any accreditations listed on their website and ensure that they perform all necessary safety checks.
\n\n\n\nAt Horizon Platforms, we spend significant time and resources ensuring we have robust systems and procedures to continually provide a reliable service which is second to none. We undergo annual audits by several external bodies to ensure we maintain the best accreditations and certifications and can boast a triple crown of ISO standards. Also, we are an IPAF Rental+ accredited company that understands our customers’ needs and industries. Underpinning this is eight service-level Horizon Commitments that ensure we deliver the best service and solutions to every customer.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, one way to reduce your chances of falling whilst operating a boom lift platform is to use a harness to secure you to the platform. It’s also important that operators, supervisors and management undertake the necessary IPAF training course on the correct use of harnesses on MEWPs.
\n\n\n\nThe harness awareness course ensures management knows what type of personal fall protection is required for a MEWP, what inspection and maintenance is required, and how to check on their employees to ensure it is being worn and used correctly.
\n\n\n\nIPAF worldwide data shows that in the vast majority of cases, operators having accidents have yet to undergo structured training. Therefore taking the right training course will ensure you understand the basic use of a harness and lanyard for the MEWP operation.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve not been provided with enough information or support whilst making your choice of access platform, it’s possible that you could end up with a machine that is unsuitable for the work activity or environment you’re working in. Potentially putting people at unnecessary risk.
\n\n\n\nThe benefit of working with a service and safety-focused platform provider, such as Horizon Platforms, is that they will work with you to help you choose the right access platform for the task and working environment.
\n\n\n\nFor instance, at differing angles and outreach, you’ll need an articulated boom, as the joints in the cherry picker will allow for superior manoeuvrability. Choosing a scissor lift in this scenario could restrict your movement and potentially lead to an accident whilst trying to reach certain areas.
\n\n\n\nOf course, it is important to be trained in order to work safely in different environments and on different terrains. Explore the different access platform training courses we have available here at Horizon Platforms should you need to have a refresher, renew your IPAF licence or get an IPAF licence for the first time.
\n\n\n\nSupport and attention to detail from a safety-focused MEWP supplier act as an additional layer of safety for operators and companies. Something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
\n\n\n\nThere are two separate issues with ‘falling debris.’
\n\n\n\nThere is the possibility of debris posing a risk to your safety whilst working at height. In some cases, this can be due to the use of the wrong type of access platform in a restricted space and in other cases, it can simply be an issue with the structural integrity of the surroundings.
\n\n\n\nNot only does debris pose a risk to the operator of the access platform, but it can also create a hazard for bystanders. Tools and other equipment being used on the platform must also be secured to prevent them from posing a risk to those on the ground. This is why it’s extremely important to carry out a full risk assessment of the environment before you begin work.
\n\n\n\nAt Horizon Platforms, we’re a safety-focused provider and recommend that when assessing a project to determine the dangers involved whilst working at height, you should always identify what steps you can take to minimise the risks for both the operator and anyone else in the vicinity.
\n\n\n\nHere, we’ve outlined a few things you can do to increase safety when working at height.
\n\n\n\nOne of the best ways to avoid taking on unnecessary risk is to evaluate the project so you can outline your requirements fully. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to choose a powered access platform which has all of the functionality you require. This will ensure that you can safely reach the heights you need to without the need to stretch or lean outside of the platform area.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to ensure that those who are in charge of operating the MEWP have the proper training. If you don’t have an operator’s licence, you should not be allowed to operate any access platform. To ensure that you or your staff can get the correct training, we offer several IPAF training courses.
\n\n\n\nOur IPAF 3A and 3B Combined Course is perfect for operators looking to obtain their licence to work with different types of access platforms. This training course, which can be carried out at our training centre or on a suitable site nearer to you, will ensure that you become qualified in the 3A Mobile Vertical: Scissor lifts, vertical personnel platforms (mobile) and 3B Mobile Boom: Self-propelled booms categories.
\n\n\n\nOur IPAF site assessment for MEWP selection course guides candidates through the process of determining the optimum MEWP for a given task. Factors covered include height, reach, up-and-over height, the weight of people, required materials & tools, environment, restrictions, set-up, hazards, permits, accessories, delivery, and completion of documentation to justify the selection.
\n\n\n\nAnother way to enhance your safety further when operating access platforms is to use additional access platform safety accessories.
\n\n\n\nA harness and lanyard are appropriate for boom-type platforms – not only for the operator but for all occupants in the platform. The fall arrest equipment will help prevent people from falling to the ground from the platform. Undergoing specific MEWP training covering harness safety when working at height and relevant health and safety legislation is certainly recommended.
\n\n\n\nWhen a MEWP is supplied to you from Horizon Platforms, we can guarantee it will have had the necessary checks to ensure it is in full working order. We ensure it will have had a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) covering over 40 different safety checks to ensure it is in full working order and has the necessary inspection certificate and instruction manual. However, it’s important that you also check the MEWP to ensure it can be operated by either you or another member of staff and has not been damaged during transportation/delivery to the site.
\n\n\n\nA risk assessment should also be carried out for the task at hand and the environment you will be working in. This should cover areas such as hazards in the surrounding area, the size of the area you have to work in and protecting any other workers who may be in the vicinity.
\n\n\n\nThe HSE Accident Prevention Advisory Unit and other institutions have shown that human error is a major contributor to 90% of accidents. Hence why the MEWP for Managers training course was developed.
\n\n\n\nOur MEWPs for managers IPAF training course is designed to educate supervisors and managers on what is required to prepare for and safely coordinate various types of powered access platforms when working at height.
\n\n\n\nThe course covers crucial health and safety procedures, best practices and key steps to take when supervising MEWPs and MEWP operators. Once complete, the candidate will receive the MEWP for managers qualification and an IPAF Certificate of Training.
\n\n\n\nIf your current access platform provider doesn’t have your back and has not matched up to your service or safety expectations and requirements, we’re here to help. At Horizon Platforms, we take safety extremely seriously and ensure that all of the equipment we supply is well-maintained and safe to use for every hire in order to help reduce the risk of accidents.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d like to learn more about the MEWPs themselves, explore our blog, where we post top tips and need-to-know information.
\n","slug":"common-accidents-from-access-platforms","author":{"node":{"avatar":{"url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53cff1723be8bca85459ec3ae51ce0f3?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"name":"Malcolm Briggs","uri":"/author/malcolm/"}},"categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybTox","uri":"/category/company-news/","name":"Company News"}]},"tags":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToxOQ==","uri":"/tag/access-platforms/","name":"Access Platforms"},{"id":"dGVybTo0ODk=","uri":"/tag/falls-from-height/","name":"falls from height"},{"id":"dGVybToyOQ==","uri":"/tag/ipaf-training/","name":"IPAF training"}]}}]},"pageScope":{"scope":"Year","totalPages":4,"page_number":1,"name":"2023","uri":"/2023/","seo":{"fullHead":"\n![\"a](\"/static/94930f8ead6c36be545cebbcf8215509/f8f3a/Cleaning-Horizon-on-Cherry-Picker.png)
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