Aerial Lifts Uneven Surfaces

You might be able to walk on that soft dirt, but a piece of heavy equipment might sink up to its axles! Do not take chances. Be mindful of loose dirt or gravel, water-saturated dirt, or unstable ground when positioning the aerial lift. The weight of an aerial lift could cause sinking or shifting, resulting in a tipping hazard. Be sure that the surface underneath the lift is solid, dry, stable, and compacted enough to prevent compression from the weight of the lift.

Proper positioning is critical to aerial boom lift safety. Positioning a lift on uneven terrain could result in the lift tipping over, causing injury or death to workers on the lift or around the base. Some examples of uneven terrain include:

• Holes
• Slopes
• Drop-offs
• Bumps
• Debris
• Utility vault covers

Always check your surface before getting onto the lift, and do not move the lift unless you have a spotter on the ground who can observe any uneven terrain or obstacles and provide a warning.

To learn more about Aerial Lifts visit our OSHA Aerial Boom Lift Safety Online Training web page.