Working at heights using scissor lifts introduces significant safety risks, especially in construction, maintenance, and industrial settings. That’s why developing a comprehensive Scissor Lift Safety Plan isn’t just a best practice—it’s a legal and moral responsibility. This guide offers a practical, step-by-step approach to creating and implementing a robust safety plan for scissor lift operations. Whether you’re a safety manager, contractor, or operator, this plan helps reduce incidents and promotes a culture of proactive hazard control.
Scissor Lift Safety Plan
Here are the steps you may follow to design a Scissor lift safety plan:
Step 1: Conduct a Site-Specific Risk Assessment
A strong Scissor Lift Safety Plan begins with a site-specific risk assessment. This isn’t just a formality—it’s your frontline defense in identifying potential hazards before work even begins. The key is to analyze both the environmental and operational risks associated with the specific job site.
Start by evaluating the ground conditions. Scissor lifts must operate on firm, level surfaces. Uneven or soft ground can cause tip-overs, one of the most common types of scissor lift accidents [OSHA, 2023]. If the job is to be performed outdoors, assess weather conditions—high winds and lightning can significantly increase the risk. Indoors, be mindful of ceiling clearance, obstructions, or tight workspaces that can compromise safe maneuverability.
Next, examine human factors. Are operators trained and competent? Are there nearby workers who may be exposed to lift operations? Will the lift interfere with other equipment or workflows?
Document all findings and control measures. Risk assessments should not be generic—they must be tailored to each job site. If hazards are identified, implement elimination, substitution, engineering controls, or administrative controls before work begins. This systematic evaluation aligns with the hierarchy of controls and follows OSHA’s General Duty Clause for maintaining a hazard-free workplace [29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1)].
A proper risk assessment forms the backbone of the entire plan. Without it, even the best equipment or training won’t be enough to prevent injury. Reassess conditions daily or whenever there is a change in environment, equipment, or task.
Step 2: Select the Right Equipment for the Job
Selecting the correct type and model of scissor lift is vital. A Scissor Lift Safety Plan must outline clear procedures for choosing equipment that suits both the work environment and the task at hand. Using the wrong lift can lead to serious accidents, including falls, tip-overs, and equipment failure.
Start by understanding the working height requirements. Each lift has a maximum platform height and weight capacity. Don’t make the mistake of using a lift that barely reaches the required height; operators may be tempted to stand on guardrails or use unsafe methods to gain extra reach, which violates OSHA regulations [OSHA Standard 1926.451].
Next, consider indoor vs. outdoor models. Electric scissor lifts are better suited for indoor use due to their clean and quiet operation. Diesel-powered models are more suitable for outdoor use, where their stronger engines can better handle rough terrain.
Terrain type is also critical. Some scissor lifts are designed for level, paved surfaces, while others (like rough-terrain lifts) are built with four-wheel drive and stabilizing features. Using an indoor model on uneven outdoor surfaces increases the risk of tip-overs.
Review the lift’s weight rating as well. Factor in the operator’s weight, tools, and materials. Never exceed the load limit, and always account for dynamic loading when the lift is in motion or raised. Also, ensure the lift is fitted with safety features like guardrails, toe boards, and emergency stop buttons.
By detailing the equipment selection process in your Scissor Lift Safety Plan, you eliminate guesswork and promote decision-making based on hazard analysis. This also aligns with ANSI A92.20 standards for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), which emphasize proper equipment selection based on task-specific risks [ANSI/SAIA A92.20-2020].
Step 3: Ensure Proper Operator Training and Certification
Even the best equipment is only as safe as the person using it. A central component of any Scissor Lift Safety Plan is ensuring that all operators are properly trained and certified before they operate a scissor lift. This isn’t just best practice—it’s a regulatory requirement.
According to OSHA [29 CFR 1926.453], employers are responsible for providing training to anyone operating a scissor lift. Operators must understand how to control the equipment, perform pre-use inspections, recognize and avoid hazards, and respond to emergencies.
Effective training should cover:
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Equipment operation and controls
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Site-specific hazards
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Fall protection requirements
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Emergency procedures
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Load capacity and stability principles
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Safe travel and positioning
Training must be hands-on and not limited to classroom instruction. Online-only training is insufficient for compliance unless it’s followed by practical demonstrations. Employers should also keep documentation of all training sessions, including the names of trainees, the topics covered, and the dates of completion.
Moreover, retraining is necessary when:
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An operator is observed using the equipment unsafely
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There’s a change in equipment or job site conditions
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The operator has not used the lift for an extended period
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An accident or near miss has occurred
You should only allow competent and authorized operators to use scissor lifts. Competency is proven not just through certification, but also through behavior, awareness, and adherence to procedures. Incorporate a training evaluation checklist in your safety plan to assess operator readiness regularly.
By investing in thorough and ongoing operator training, your Scissor Lift Safety Plan directly addresses the leading causes of lift-related injuries, which stem from user error and inadequate hazard awareness [NIOSH, 2021].
Step 4: Perform Daily Equipment Inspections
Before each use, scissor lifts must be inspected thoroughly to identify mechanical, hydraulic, or structural issues. This daily pre-use inspection is not optional—it’s a key step in preventing mechanical failure and ensuring compliance with manufacturer guidelines and OSHA standards.
Inspections should be conducted by a qualified person and should follow a documented checklist. Your Scissor Lift Safety Plan should include this checklist as a required protocol before every use.
Typical components to inspect include:
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Hydraulic lines for leaks or damage
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Guardrails and toe boards for integrity
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Tires and wheels for wear or punctures
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Platform controls and emergency stop functions
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Electrical connections and batteries
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Lifting mechanisms and scissor arms for cracks or deformities
If any component is found defective, tag the equipment as out of service immediately and report it for maintenance. Never allow a lift to be operated if any part is malfunctioning or questionable.
Also, don’t overlook post-use inspections. These help catch issues that may have developed during operation and prepare the equipment for the next use.
OSHA and ANSI both emphasize the importance of regular inspections. ANSI A92.22 outlines responsibilities for users and maintenance personnel, requiring frequent and annual inspections, in addition to daily checks. All inspection results should be documented and retained for auditing or investigation purposes.
By building routine inspections into your Scissor Lift Safety Plan, you foster a culture of preventive maintenance, reduce downtime, and drastically lower the likelihood of catastrophic failure [ANSI A92.22-2020].
Step 5: Implement Fall Protection and Safe Work Practices
While scissor lifts are designed with built-in guardrails to prevent falls, that doesn’t mean fall protection can be overlooked. A well-developed Scissor Lift Safety Plan must outline specific fall protection protocols and safe work practices to reduce the risk of injury when working at height.
First, clarify when personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) is required. OSHA does not always mandate the use of a harness in a scissor lift if the guardrails are properly used and intact. However, some employers and jurisdictions (like Cal/OSHA) go further, requiring body harnesses and lanyards even in scissor lifts. Check applicable local laws and adopt the higher standard for maximum safety.
When PFPE is used, ensure the anchor point is manufacturer-approved. Never tie off to the guardrail or an external structure unless it’s been certified for fall arrest or fall restraint. The lanyard should not allow enough movement for the worker to climb or fall over the guardrails.
Safe work practices must include:
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Always stand firmly on the platform floor. Never climb on rails or use ladders inside the lift.
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Keep both feet inside the guardrails.
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Don’t move the lift with the platform elevated, unless the manufacturer permits it.
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Maintain a minimum safe distance from electrical hazards.
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Avoid leaning over guardrails or placing materials outside the platform.
Clear signage, visual reminders, and toolbox talks should reinforce these behaviors daily. Supervisors must also conduct behavioral observations to ensure these safe practices are followed consistently.
Your Scissor Lift Safety Plan should state that workers who violate these safety rules may be retrained, reassigned, or removed from scissor lift operations. Accountability ensures your safety protocols aren’t just written—they’re practiced.
Step 6: Establish Emergency Response Procedures
Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen. That’s why every Scissor Lift Safety Plan must include clear, actionable emergency response procedures to minimize harm in the event of a malfunction, fall, entrapment, or environmental hazard.
First, develop a rescue plan. If a worker becomes trapped or incapacitated at height, other team members must know how to safely bring them down without improvisation. This plan may involve:
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Emergency lowering controls
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Aerial rescue equipment (like ladders or mobile platforms)
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Contact information for rescue teams or emergency services
Next, train workers on how to respond to mechanical or electrical failure. What should an operator do if the lift suddenly stops responding? What if there’s a hydraulic leak? Who should be notified and how?
Include procedures for:
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Using ground-level emergency stop controls
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Calling the site emergency numbers or safety officers
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Reporting injuries or incidents via your company’s incident reporting system
Conduct emergency drills quarterly to test your procedures. Document lessons learned and improve your plan over time.
Additionally, maintain an easily accessible first-aid kit and ensure that at least one person on-site is trained in basic first aid and CPR. If the job site is remote, consider a satellite phone or emergency communication device.
By establishing robust emergency procedures, you fulfill your duty of care under OSHA 1910.38 (Emergency Action Plans) and demonstrate a commitment to proactive safety management.
Step 7: Monitor, Review, and Continuously Improve the Plan
No safety plan is ever truly complete. Continuous improvement is a core principle of any effective Scissor Lift Safety Plan. Conditions change, technology evolves, and new risks emerge. Therefore, your plan must include a process for regular monitoring, auditing, and updating.
Appoint safety officers or competent persons to perform:
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Weekly audits of lift operations
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Monthly reviews of incident reports and near misses
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Quarterly evaluations of training effectiveness
Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track safety performance. Examples include:
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Number of scissor lift incidents or near misses
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Percentage of operators trained and certified
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Compliance rate with daily inspections
Gather feedback from operators and supervisors to identify gaps. Was the procedure unclear? Did a piece of equipment malfunction frequently? Was communication effective during an emergency drill?
Use these insights to revise your procedures. Update the Scissor Lift Safety Plan annually or whenever there is:
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A change in OSHA or ANSI standards
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New equipment introduced
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An incident that warrants a review
Document every revision and distribute the updated plan to all stakeholders. Make safety a living document, not a binder collecting dust.
This continuous improvement cycle aligns with ISO 45001:2018 standards on occupational health and safety management systems and supports your organization’s overall compliance and safety culture [ISO, 2018].
Conclusion: Making Safety Non-Negotiable
Creating and implementing a comprehensive Scissor Lift Safety Plan is not just about compliance—it’s about saving lives. Every step, from risk assessment to training, inspection, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement, plays a vital role in preventing accidents and protecting your workforce.
Scissor lift safety isn’t a checkbox—it’s a mindset. Organizations that commit to this structured approach significantly reduce the risk of injury and increase operational efficiency. If you haven’t already developed your plan, use this step-by-step guide as your roadmap.
Remember: Every lift, every worker, every time—safety comes first.
Read Also: 6 Elements for good Safety Management (HSE-MS)
Below is a typical lift safety plan.
This will educate you on how a typical safety plan looks like. It will also guide you in writing a safety plan for your scissor lift operations.