BSAFE
The numbers don't lie
Why Lift Safety Matters
Scissor lifts and aerial work platforms expose workers to serious fall, tip-over, and electrocution hazards every time they are used. OSHA investigated a single year of scissor lift incidents and found every fatality and serious injury was preventable. The common thread across nearly all of them was the same: inadequate fall protection, improper stabilization, and insufficient operator training.
Sources: CDC/NIOSH Aerial Lift Safety, OSHA Hazard Alert HA-3842, BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries
THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE
Why Ladder Safety Matters
Ladders ranked as the 3rd most-cited OSHA standard in 2023, and fall protection remains #1 for the 14th consecutive year. The cost of a single ladder-related fatality exceeds $1.5 million in direct and indirect expenses.
#3
Most-cited OSHA standard, 2023
24K+
Ladder injuries requiring days away from work each year
$1.5M
Avg. cost of a fatal ladder incident
81
Fatal ladder falls annually (BLS)
Essential Safety Rules
Follow these every time, without exception
Pre-Use Inspection
Always run an inspection before climbing the ladder
Three-Point Contact
Mainatin three points of contact at all times during ascent/descent
Level Surface
Ensure you are on stable and smooth ground before ascending
Engage The Lockstep
Engage lockstep & verify ladder is stationary before climbing
Stay Centered
Don't overreach or lean over the handrails at any point on the ladder
Forward Descent
Be aware of the stairway angle when climbing down the ladder
Non-negotiable
Essential Lift Safety Rules
Follow these every time, without exception
Ballymore product comparison
Rolling Safety Ladders vs. Powered Lifts
Both are Ballymore products. Both are safe, OSHA-compliant, and built for industrial use. The question is which one is right for your specific task. Here is how to tell the difference.
Safety training
Lift Safety Video Library
Short, practical videos covering pre-use inspection, safe operation, lift selection, and more. New videos added regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Lift Safety Questions Answered
Have a question not covered here? Our Certified Safety Professionals are happy to help at no cost to you.
Ask Our Safety TeamThis is one of the most commonly misunderstood points in lift safety. Scissor lifts are not classified as aerial lifts under OSHA. They meet the definition of a scaffold, which means OSHA's scaffold standards under 29 CFR 1926.451 (general requirements for scaffolds) apply, along with 29 CFR 1926.452(w) for mobile scaffolds specifically. Employers must also comply with OSHA's Hazard Alert HA-3842, which covers scissor lift fall protection, stabilization, and positioning requirements.
Choosing the right lift involves 7 key factors: lift type, working height, load capacity, power source, platform size, environment and surface, and operator training requirements. The right combination depends on your facility layout, ceiling height, task frequency, and how the lift will be used day to day.
Yes. OSHA requires all powered lift operators to be trained and authorized before operating any lift equipment. Training must be equipment-specific and cover safe operation, load limits, worksite hazards, pre-use inspection, and emergency procedures. Operator certifications are typically valid for three years from the date of issue. Ballymore's Certified Safety Professionals can conduct on-site operator training as part of a free ergonomic evaluation.
Ballymore lifts are designed primarily for indoor use on firm, level surfaces. Outdoor use on uneven ground, gravel, wet surfaces, or sloped terrain is not recommended as it compromises stability and increases tip-over risk. Wind is also a significant hazard — extended scissor lifts are particularly susceptible to instability in windy conditions. If you need outdoor elevated access, contact our safety team to discuss the right solution for your environment.
Weight capacity varies by model and lift type. Always check the capacity label on the specific lift you are using and ensure the combined weight of the operator, tools, and materials does not exceed the rated load. OSHA requires that lift equipment safely support at least four times the maximum intended load without failure or collapse. Never exceed the manufacturer's rated capacity under any circumstances.
A pre-use inspection must be completed before every single use — this is not optional. Inspections should cover controls, guardrails, brakes, wheels, hydraulic systems, and the work platform surface. In addition to daily pre-use checks, a thorough maintenance inspection by a qualified technician should be conducted according to the manufacturer's recommended service intervals. Any lift with unresolved maintenance flags must be taken out of service until repaired.
Lift selection guide
How to Choose the Right Lift
Work through all 7 factors to find the right Ballymore lift for your application, environment, and safety requirements.
Factor 01 of 07
Lift Type
Scissor lifts provide a large guarded platform for stationary elevated work. Vertical mast lifts are compact and ideal for tight indoor spaces. Power Stocker lifts are built for retail and warehouse stocking tasks. Maintenance lifts support overhead equipment and facility work. Merchandise lifts move product vertically in retail environments. Matching the lift type to the task is the single most important selection decision.
Factor 02 of 07
Working Height
Working height is the height at which the operator performs the task, not the platform height. Working height is typically platform height plus 6 feet to account for operator reach. Always select a lift with a working height greater than the highest point you need to access. A lift that is barely tall enough forces operators to overextend, which is a leading cause of falls from elevated platforms.
Factor 03 of 07
Load Capacity
Load capacity must account for the combined weight of all operators, tools, and materials on the platform. Exceeding the rated capacity compromises stability and can cause hydraulic failure or tip-over. Ensure the load is evenly distributed. Never use ladders, step stools, or other equipment on the platform to gain additional height.
Factor 04 of 07
Power Source
Electric lifts are the standard choice for indoor use — zero emissions, low noise, and no fumes make them appropriate for warehouses, retail, and food environments. Battery-powered models require access to charging infrastructure. For environments near electrical sources, ensure the lift is rated for proximity to live lines and operators are trained on electrical hazard protocols.
Factor 05 of 07
Platform Size
Platform size determines how much working space the operator has. Consider the width and depth of the platform in relation to the task. Narrow platforms are better for tight aisles. Wider platforms suit tasks requiring tools and materials. Also consider whether an extension deck is needed to reach over obstacles without leaning.
Factor 06 of 07
Environment and Surface
Ballymore lifts are designed for indoor use on firm, level surfaces. Evaluate aisle widths, doorway clearances, ceiling heights, and floor conditions before selecting a model. Uneven, soft, or sloped surfaces are not appropriate for standard electric lifts. Also consider where the lift will be stored when not in use.
Factor 07 of 07
Operator Training Requirements
OSHA requires all lift operators to be trained and authorized before use. Training must be equipment-specific and cover operation, load limits, worksite hazards, pre-use inspection, and emergency procedures. Ballymore's Certified Safety Professionals can conduct on-site operator training and certification as part of a free ergonomic evaluation.
Not Sure Which Lift Is Right for Your Facility?
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Focused Safety Guidance for Everyday Operations
Explore practical safety guidance for the most common workplace tasks. These resources highlight key considerations, best practices, and equipment solutions designed to help teams work safer and more efficiently.