Aerial Lift Safety Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way aerial lift operators work. But, for those who know the ins and outs of aerial lift safety during the pandemic, they can remain productive at jobsites and do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

How Has COVID-19 Affected Aerial Lift Safety?

COVID-19 has forced businesses to implement new aerial lift safety policies to ensure that their workers can safely perform everyday tasks. One such aerial lift safety policy that businesses have prioritized during the pandemic: frequent cleaning and disinfecting of work areas.

For businesses that have aerial lift operators on staff, they should encourage these workers to:

Use Soap, Water, and Disinfectant on Work Surfaces: Apply soap and water to reduce germs, dirt, and other impurities on work surfaces. Then, use a disinfectant to kill germs on these surfaces.

Use Gloves: Wear disposable or reusable gloves during routine cleaning and disinfection of work surfaces.

Perform Ongoing Cleaning and Disinfection: Clean and disinfect work surfaces as frequently as possible.

EPA-registered disinfectants should be used to destroy germs on aerial lifts. Follow a disinfectant’s instructions to ensure proper use.

Along with cleaning and disinfecting work areas, businesses must promote social distancing at worksites. To do so, companies can place traffic cones or other markers to indicate when workers have at least 6 ft. of physical distance from their peers. They can also stagger work shifts and breaks to limit the number of workers on site.

Businesses must require workers to wear a face mask that covers the mouth and nose as well. A face mask helps minimize the risk that a worker will inadvertently spread or get infected by COVID-19.

Companies should encourage workers to seek immediate treatment if they show any signs of a COVID-19 infection, too. If a worker displays COVID-19 symptoms, he or she should get tested for the coronavirus. In this instance, the worker should quarantine and not return to a jobsite until he or she has tested negative for COVID-19 or has fully recovered from the virus.

How to Keep Employees Up to Date During the Pandemic

Communication is key, particularly for businesses that want to keep their workers safe throughout the pandemic. By hosting regular COVID-19 safety meetings, businesses can ensure that their employees are well-equipped to protect themselves and others against COVID-19.

Safety meetings give employees opportunities to share their COVID-19 concerns and questions. These meetings can be hosted via phone or video conference and allow workers to stay up to date on the pandemic.

In addition to safety meetings, businesses should encourage managers to remain accessible to workers throughout the pandemic. Remember, the pandemic has put a major strain on the mental wellbeing of workers around the world. If managers engage with their employees, they can provide their workers with additional mental health support.

If a worker’s mental wellbeing is deteriorating due to the pandemic, encourage him or her to seek medical assistance. Doctors are increasingly offering telehealth appointments that let individuals get medical health treatment remotely. These appointments can be exceedingly valuable, as they enable individuals to receive mental health support from virtually any location, at any time.

Keep Pace with OSHA Aerial Lift Safety Requirements

Today’s aerial lift operators must follow OSHA aerial lift safety guidelines and account for COVID-19 safety protocols. Fortunately, with proper training, aerial lift operators can work safely and productively throughout the pandemic and after it ends.

At CertifyMeOnline.net, we are proud to offer an aerial lift safety training program that can be completed online. Our program provides extensive aerial lift safety tips, so aerial lift operators can earn certification that verifies they can safely operate and maintain scissor lifts, boom lifts, and forklifts. To learn more about our program, please contact us online or call us today at (602) 277-0615.