July / August 2007
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BOOM TYPE PLATFORM SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
A new safety campaign to encourage all users of boom type platforms to wear a full body harness with a short lanyard attached to a suitable anchor point has been launched by Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT) in North America. Called “Click It!” the campaign has received the approval of the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA), and is similar to successful promotional campaigns encouraging people to wear their seatbelts when riding in a car.
The new program’s initiative came from companies frustrated with the fact that people are dying in boom type lifts because they are not wearing a harness that would keep them from being thrown or catapulted from the platform. To remind and encourage people to wear a harness, AWPT had the advice printed on stickers that can be placed on the boom lift where they can be seen by all occupants in the platform. In addition, AWPT has made available a document that provides information on their recommendation for the proper use of harnesses and lanyards on different types of aerial platforms. Information on both can be found on-line at www.awpt.org.
This program is currently well established in the UK and Europe, and Skyjack, Inc., the major aerial lift manufacturer based out of Guelph, Ontario, has committed to placing the “Click It!” stickers on all boom lifts that leave their factory. A number of major rental companies have also expressed interest in placing this vital message on all boom lifts in their rental fleet, according to the AWPT.
Aerial Work Platform Training
RRC #4035
RRC #4035
