Aerial Lift Safety for Arborists

Aerial lifts (bucket trucks, spider lifts, boom lifts) are essential equipment for tree service companies. They are also one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the industry when safety procedures are not followed.

OSHA Requirements

OSHA standard 1910.67 covers aerial lift safety. Key requirements include:

• Only trained and authorized operators may use aerial lifts
• Body harness with lanyard attached to the boom or basket is required at all times when in the bucket
• The bucket must not be climbed on the outside or used as a stepping point
• Outriggers must be set on firm, level ground (use pads on soft surfaces)
• Travel with the boom elevated is prohibited unless the manufacturer specifically allows it
• The lift must be inspected daily before use

Common Causes of Aerial Lift Accidents

The most frequent causes of serious injuries and fatalities involving aerial lifts in tree work are:

• Electrocution: Contact with overhead power lines. This is the number one killer. Maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance from all power lines (more for lines over 50kV).
• Falls: Not wearing a harness, or harness not properly attached. Crushed by the boom or pinned against a branch.
• Tip-overs: Outriggers not properly set, soft ground giving way, overloading the boom.
• Struck by: Cut branches falling into the bucket, or the boom striking a branch and catapulting the operator.

Pre-Operation Checklist

Before using any aerial lift, perform these checks:

• Walk around inspection: tires, outriggers, hydraulic hoses, structural damage
• Check hydraulic fluid levels
• Test all boom functions from the ground controls
• Test all boom functions from the bucket controls
• Inspect harness and lanyard for wear, cuts, or damage
• Check emergency descent mechanism (every lift has one; know where it is and how it works)
• Survey the work area for power lines, overhead obstructions, and ground conditions

Operating Best Practices

Always approach the tree from the outside in. Do not drive the boom through the canopy. Position the bucket beside or above the work area, not below it where cut branches will fall on you.

Keep the platform clear. Tools should be in a tool tray or bucket organizer, not loose on the floor. A dropped chainsaw or handsaw is a hazard to ground crew.

Never exceed the rated capacity of the bucket. Most single-person buckets are rated for 300 to 400 pounds including the operator, tools, and wood. Do not load cut sections into the bucket.

Have a ground person stationed at the base of the truck at all times who knows how to operate the ground controls in case the bucket operator becomes incapacitated.

Sources and Further Reading

• • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) - Federal regulations for aerial lift safety standards, fall protection requirements, and compliance guidelines for tree care operations
• • International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) - Industry best practices, safety protocols, and professional standards for aerial lift use in arboriculture
• • Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) - Safety training materials, accident prevention guidelines, and industry-specific aerial lift operating procedures
• • ANSI (American National Standards Institute) - Technical standards for aerial lift equipment specifications, maintenance requirements, and safe operating procedures

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