Man Lift Accidents

Workers Compensation. Man lift accidents - What are man lifts, how common are these injuries and what are the causes.

Man lifts, or aerial lifts, are electronic platforms that are used to elevate workers while on the job. They are mobile which enables them to access various heights in different areas of their project location. They have replaced the use of ladders and scaffoldings in many industries. They are often made of metal, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or other materials. Some are powered and some are manual. Unfortunately, the convenience of these lifts have the dual effect of exposing workers to falls while on the lifts. Injuries range from moderate to severe, including death. An average of 26 workers die every year from using aerial lifts, amounting to 2-3% of all construction deaths. Any jobs that use aerial lifts are at risk of serious injury. Electrical workers, construction laborers, painters, and carpenters are most at risk.

Many workers are killed and injured on aerial lifts on the job. Common causes of injury are:

• A worker falling from the lift or an elevated surface
• An object falling from the lift
• The entire lift falling or tipping
• Electric shocks
• Structural collapses
• Ejections from lift platform
• Contact with ceilings or overhead objects
• Entanglement hazards

Most accidents are a result of improper training, and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has clearly stipulated that only trained workers can operate an aerial lift. Training should include: an explanation of hazards, procedures for dealing with them, recognizing unsafe working conditions, instructions for operating the lift, details on inspections, and manufacturer’s requirements. Additionally, workers must be retrained if the type of lift they are operating is changed or accidents occur. Prior to operating a lift, the authorized worker is required to do a pre-start inspection to verify that everything is in proper working condition. The worker must then ensure that the work zone is free of any hazards. Many accidents are a result of insufficient pre-checks of the worksite.

Workers injured in an accident involving an aerial lift the same legal recourse as workers in other jobs. The primary remedy is a workers compensation claim. The system is set up as a no-fault system, meaning you do not have to prove that any of the regulations were not followed to get compensation. All you have to prove is that during the course of your work you were injured. This means even if you are partially at fault, you can be compensated for your injuries. We highly recommend contacting our experienced team of workers compensation attorneys, as insurance companies make a habit of denying valid claims and withholding money from injured parties. We know your rights, and we are here to get you what you deserve. Workers can be compensated for hospital costs and costs associates with long term damage, loss of productivity, and time way from work.

We can also get a third-party suit going if you believe another party was negligent leading to your injury. For example, if the safety equipment was defective you may have a negligence claim against the manufacturer. Contact us to evaluate whether this is an option for you.

If you are ever injured on the job, after you seek medical attention for your injuries, contact our workers’ compensation team at Altman & Altman LLP. Our experienced work injury lawyers are available around the clock to answer your questions or to provide you a free case consultation. To speak to a local and dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer, give us a call at 617.492.3000. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and reputation. We are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.