One of the more common practices at shipyards across the country is to utilize boom-supported personnel platforms and/or bucket trucks -- commonly referred to as aerial lifts or cherry pickers -- if the construction of staging is not feasible. While this is certainly an acceptable practice, it is extremely important that employers take the necessary precautions when operating these aerial lifts above the water. Failure to do so may result in serious or even fatal longshoreman and harbor worker injuries.

In recognition of the dangers posed by aerial lifts -- failure of the boom, worker falls/ejection and tip-overs -- the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a new publication on how to keep shipyard workers safe.

Entitled "Aerial Lift Fall Protection Over Water in Shipyards," the two-page handout outlines safe work practices for employers to consider and other important protective measures.

While a complete analysis of the OSHA publication is clearly beyond the scope of this single blog post, some of the more notable safety tips suggested include:

  • While a shipyard worker elevated above the water should be equipped with a personal floatation device (PFD), the PFD will not be adequate if they are more than 40 feet above the water. In these scenarios, the shipyard worker should be tied-off to the basket or platform.
  • The operator of the aerial lift must be properly trained and take the necessary steps to make sure it is secure. In addition, the operator must also know both the weight capacity and swing radius of the aerial lift.
  • Failure to fully extend the aerial lift's outriggers (stabilizers), low tire pressure and excess weight capacity are the primary causes of shipyard worker falls from elevated platforms.

Employers -- or employees -- with questions about how to prevent longshoreman and harbor worker injuries, or the publication itself are urged to contact the federal agency for confidential guidance.

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), "Aerial Lift Fall Protection Over Water in Shipyards," Oct. 17, 2011