Ladder Safety: Can Your Business Afford a Lawsuit or OSHA Citation?

What's the most dangerous piece of equipment in your facility? While forklift accidents may make headlines, ladders are significantly more dangerous.

According to the CDC, more than 500,000 ladder-related injuries occur every year. The estimated annual cost of ladder injuries (including time away from work, medical, legal, liability, and pain and suffering expenses) is $24 billion annually.

Scaffolding isn’t any better. Of the top 10 most-cited OSHA violations in 2020:

• Scaffolding ranked #4 (2,538 violations)
• Ladders ranked #5 (2,129 violations)
• Forklifts showed up at #7 (1,932 violations)

Scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts aren’t just a safer alternative to ladders and scaffolding. They improve productivity and reduce risk.

Scissor Lifts: A Safer Alternative to Ladders and Scaffolding

If you’re like most safety-conscious managers, when you see an employee on a ladder or scaffolding, there’s probably a lot of hope-ing going on.

• I hope that the ladder is at the right angle...
• I hope the installers braced  the scaffolding correctly...
• I hope that guy knows there’s a drill right behind his foot...

You have good reason to worry. Just do an online search for “fell off ladder at work,” or “scaffolding injuries” and count how many law firm websites show up. It’s a lot.

Human error, including improper set-up and general carelessness (like tools left lying around), is the leading cause of falls and scaffold-related deaths and injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Boost Productivity and Reduce Risk

When you use a scissor lift or vertical mast lift, you don't have to worry about the many risks associated with using a ladder or scaffolding. Built-in safety features minimize the opportunity for employee error, including:

• Specially-designed trays to secure tools
• Load sensors that alert operators if the machine is over-capacity
• Anti-tilt technology prevents the lift from traveling up unsafe grades
• A 110V power outlet (no more dangling extension cords)

Scissor lifts also improve productivity. 

• Moving from one job to another is quick and easy; no set-up required, just drive.
• Workers can complete tasks at different heights by simply moving the joystick
• Unlike ladders, which max out at 250 lbs, scissor lifts can handle 500 - 1,500 lbs. 
• Employees can bring every tool they need, not just what fits on their belt or in a bucket.

If employees need to complete a job up high in a tight or narrow space, they can use a vertical mast lift.

Standard scissor lifts come with “pothole protection” technology, but if you need a job done on rough terrain, there’s a scissor lift solution for that too.

Ready to elevate workplace safety and productivity? 

Scissor lifts are available in working heights from 20 ft. up to nearly 45 ft. Our aerial lift experts can help you choose the right scissor lift, boom lift, etc. for your application. We’re an authorized AICHI, JLG and Skyjack dealer serving customers throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and eastern Arkansas.

Scissor lifts start at $9,000 (new), but we also rent aerial equipment so you can try before you buy. We also provide scissor lift safety training.

Scissor Lifts and Boom Lifts for Sale or Rent in the Mid-South

A friendly expert from The Lilly Company can answer any questions you have about aerial lifts. Connect with us online, by phone 800-238-3006, or visit one of our 13 locations across the Mid-South.

Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, and Memphis

Further Reading:
Skyjack Equipment Videos 
Top 6 Reasons Companies Need OSHA Forklift Certification
OSHA Forklift Training Requirements for Your Staff