03.04.2008

Scissor-lift fall at airport

Two construction workers at Indianapolis International Airport were seriously injured on Tuesday morning when the scissor lift they were using tipped over.

The two were working in a multi storey car park on the new Midfield terminal and were around 15 to 20ft (4-6m) up installing electrical conduit. They were driving the lift at this height when it went over as the drove onto a ramp.

The two men were taken to the local hospital, one was reported to be in critical condition, while the other was serious but stable. Deputy project manager on the site, Jay McQueen said, the men were conscious when they were taken to a hospital.

Vertikal Comment

We do not know whether this was a narrow aisle, wider or rough terrain lift, however all three types are clearly rated for firm level ground.

In fact it is surprising that they were able to drive on the ramp while elevated, most slab scissor lifts cut out when on slopes of over two or three degrees, so one assumes that it was a Rough Terrain model.

How people who are likely to be regular users of scissor lifts make such a basic mistake boggles the mind. It will be interesting to lean what level of training they had received and why they felt able to drive elavated on a parking ramp?