5 dangers of operating a boom lift

You climb into a boom lift expecting a routine workday. The platform rises 30, 40 or even 100 feet into the air. One wrong move, one mechanical failure or one safety oversight can change your life forever.

Construction workers, maintenance crews and warehouse employees face these risks daily. Understanding these dangers can help protect you and strengthen any future legal claim.

Common boom lift hazards

The most frequent boom lift accidents include:

1. Tip-overs and collapses: Unstable ground or improper setup can cause the entire lift to tip over or collapse.

2. Electrocution: Contact with power lines can deliver fatal electrical shocks.

3. Crushing injuries: Workers can get trapped between the platform and overhead structures.

4. Falls from height: Equipment failure or improper harness use can lead to devastating drops.

5. Mechanical failures: Broken hydraulics or faulty controls can cause sudden equipment breakdown.

Thousands of workers suffer boom lift injuries each year. Accidents often result in severe trauma, such as broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries and burns.

Recovery can take months or even years, depending on the severity of the injuries. Some workers never return to their previous level of functioning.

California law requirements for employers

California law requires employers to follow strict Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for boom lift operations. This includes daily equipment inspections, proper worker training and ensuring all safety systems function correctly. Violations leading to injuries will hold employers responsible.

Seeking compensation through various sources

If you were hurt while using a boom lift in California, you can likely get help through workers’ compensation. This program pays for your medical expenses, replaces lost income and provides job retraining if needed, no matter who caused the accident.

However, in some cases, workers’ compensation may not be enough to cover all your losses after a serious accident. This is where third-party liability claims come into play.

Third-party claims are typically brought against parties other than your employer, such as the company that manufactured the boom lift, the company responsible for its maintenance or the property owner where the accident occurred. These cases often arise when there is a defect in the equipment, a failure to properly maintain it or unsafe work conditions that contributed to your injury. By pursuing these claims, you may be able to obtain additional compensation.

It is important to know that California law sets a time limit for filing these types of claims. Acting quickly is crucial to protect your legal rights.

Moving forward

Beyond caution, boom lift work requires accountability from employers, contractors and manufacturers. If that accountability was lacking and you were injured, consider your legal options. Getting advice early can preserve evidence, strengthen your claim and ease the stress of dealing with insurers.