Daily Reminders Ensure Emphasis on Safety Continues

Managers seeking to ensure that operators of aerial platforms work safely and efficiently have two other continuous options beyond training and certification — work site safety posters and daily safety and proper operations reminders. Managers can update these training resources daily as the work progresses, job-site conditions, and weather changes. These materials can remind equipment operators to:

• keep hydrated when working in extreme heat
• have ground support use hand signals practiced in training if moving across uneven terrain
• review operator controls for stability
• keep an equipment clearance of at least 15 feet to avoid electrical shock or power line damage if working near 750 kV power lines

These daily reminders tend to be effective because they are specific to actual conditions and because they are more immediate and likely to be heeded during the work shift. It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of close, daily job-site supervision to ensure operators perform daily pre-startup inspections of equipment, as well as review personnel safety reminders. Anticipation and preparation are essential for ensuring the successful and safe operation aerial work platforms.

Thomas A. Westerkamp is a maintenance and engineering management consultant and president of the work management division of Westerkamp Group LLC.

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