WorkSafe is looking into the death of a 37-year-old who fell from a scissor lift in Auckland just after Christmas
The incident occurred on 28 December 2024 and the worker died days later in hospital.
WorkSafe is reminding businesses that use scissor lifts to take a fresh look at safety.
Scissor lifts, also known as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), are useful but complex pieces of equipment often used for access in hazardous areas. WorkSafe says operators must be trained and competent before using a MEWP and must follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. They must also use safe working practices and operate the MEWP within its limits.
“If you have a scissor lift on your worksite, now is a good time to review what it’s used for and capable of. Re-familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions, check tasks are appropriate for the platform, ensure risk assessments and standard operating procedures are relevant, and ensure staff are trained and competent to use the equipment,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Danielle Henry.
The causes of elevated work platform injuries and deaths investigated by WorkSafe include:
- not following the manufacturer’s recommendations
- inadequate training and supervision
- equipment failure
- not fully assessing the hazards and risks of the job, site, and equipment.
Boom lifts and vertical lifts are the two basic types of MEWPs. Both can help workers reach elevated areas but have very different capabilities. Businesses must choose the best platform for the task, given the type of work and the work environment. The work needs to be properly planned and hazards and risks managed at the worksite.
WorkSafe’s good practice guidelines outline when harnesses are required for work in mobile elevating work platforms.
Read WorkSafe’s guidance on MEWPs
