The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA work platform) sets standards to protect construction workplaces. This includes standards to help keep employees safe from falls.

When a worker is in a bucket truck or other vehicle-mounted work platform, the agency requires he wear a safety belt or full-body harness equipped with a fall arrest system or body restraint. These systems are designed to prevent the person from falling or being ejected from the basket, and they must be rated to withstand 4x their maximum load rating before failing.

Workers who use a ladder with an attached work platform are also protected by OSHA standards that require the platforms to be able to support 4x their maximum load rating before failing. These systems are tested through engineering analyses or physical load testing during the design and manufacturing processes.

Safety First: Navigating OSHA Standards with Your Work Platform

Whether mobile, fixed or permanently installed, a work platform is used in industrial settings to access elevated spots where repair and maintenance are needed. This type of equipment comes in a wide range of sizes, shapes and configurations. From scaffolding that resembles a third-story window to rolling ladders that you can see in every aisle of Home Depot, the options are nearly endless.

In this article, we will discuss some of the OSHA standards that apply to these equipment types, but it is important to note that this information should not be interpreted as legal advice. Always consult with a qualified safety professional to address specific safety concerns and before making any changes to your operation’s established work practices.