WorkSafe urges workplaces to make safety a top priority when operating scissor lifts

WorkSafe Urges Workplaces to Make Safety a Top Priority When Operating Scissor Lifts

WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on businesses that use scissor lifts to reassess their safety protocols following a tragic incident in which a worker fell from a height and lost their life during the holiday season.

On December 28, 2024, a 37-year-old man fell from a scissor lift in Auckland and succumbed to his injuries in hospital a few days later. WorkSafe is now conducting an investigation to ascertain details surrounding the event, with a focus on operator safety, equipment condition, and workplace compliance.

Why Scissor Lift Safety Deserves a Fresh Look

Scissor lifts and other elevating work platforms remain essential equipment across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. However, incidents involving this equipment highlight why businesses that use scissor lifts should take a fresh look at existing procedures, especially when tasks involve hazardous conditions or heights.

“If you have a scissor lift on your worksite, now is a good time to review what it's used for and capable of. Re-familiarise yourself with the manufacturer's instructions, check tasks are appropriate for the platform, ensure risk assessments and standard operating procedures are relevant, and ensure staff are trained and competent to use the equipment,” WorkSafe's area investigation manager, Danielle Henry said.

Key Steps for Businesses Operating Elevating Equipment

Employers responsible for scissor lifts and similar equipment should treat operator safety as a first priority. WorkSafe recommends the following actions:

• Review manufacturer instructions and equipment specifications regularly
• Confirm tasks match the platform's intended purpose and load capacity
• Update risk assessments to reflect current worksite conditions
• Ensure standard operating procedures remain relevant and accessible
• Verify staff hold appropriate qualifications before operating equipment
• Inspect electrical components and hydraulic systems as part of routine maintenance

These measures apply equally to industries using EWPs for maintenance, warehousing, or construction tasks. A Safety Step Safe Operating Procedure can help formalise these checks into daily workplace routines.

Addressing Hazardous Conditions and Electrical Risks

Scissor lift operations often intersect with hazardous overhead environments, including power lines and confined workspaces. Businesses should assess electrical hazards before deploying equipment near live wiring or exposed conduits.

An Electrical Safety Checklist supports teams in identifying electrical risks before elevating equipment enters service. Pairing this with a documented Electrical Safety Policy strengthens overall industry compliance and reduces the likelihood of preventable incidents.

Managing Equipment for Long-Term Health and Wellbeing

Prioritising safety extends beyond compliance checklists — it protects the long-term health of everyone on site. Businesses managing elevating work platforms should integrate regular training refreshers, equipment audits, and clear reporting channels into daily operations.

Similar guidance has emerged across other sectors. WorkSafe has previously urged workplaces to implement proper safety measures when conducting work in remote areas, reinforcing a consistent message: equipment safety and operator wellbeing go hand in hand, regardless of the setting.

Comparing Equipment Safety Across Industries

Scissor lifts aren't the only equipment category under scrutiny. Forklifts, cranes, and other mechanical equipment carry comparable risks when maintenance or training lapses occur. NSW authorities have similarly encouraged workplaces to make forklift safety a top priority, demonstrating that equipment-specific vigilance benefits every industry relying on heavy machinery.

NT WorkSafe has also urged workplaces to participate in safety month activities, offering another avenue for businesses to reinforce safe equipment use across their teams.

Practical Support for Safety Documentation

Maintaining compliant, up-to-date documentation remains one of the most effective ways to prioritise safety across scissor lift operations. SafetyDocs offers safety software solutions designed to streamline risk assessments, procedure updates, and staff training records.

For businesses seeking tailored guidance on documentation or compliance services, SafetyDocs' support services team can assist in aligning workplace practices with current regulatory expectations.

Final Takeaway

This tragic loss serves as a sobering reminder that scissor lift safety must remain a first priority for every worksite. Reviewing equipment, training, and procedures today can prevent similar incidents tomorrow — protecting both health and wellbeing across the workplace.

Learn more here.