When you are working above ground level how are you completing
these tasks? Are you using a ground ladder, bucket truck, contractors, or something unsafe? Hopefully it’s not the last one. What about vehicle traffic control and/or pedestrian traffic?
The City of Victoria has changed their approach to these
tasks in the last few years moving from ground ladders, a borrowed/rented bucket truck, to aerial lifts.
Victoria evaluated their operations in their thriving
downtown and other locations that require scheduled elevated work. The City was
able to use ladders for most of their downtown area as they installed Holiday
decorations, flags multiple times a year, and replaced pole banners multiple
times are year. Utilizing the ladder was a good practice but added an ergonomic
risk. When the ladder wasn’t an option, they were able to rent a bucket truck
from other municipalities, but that depended on scheduling, availability, and
where it would work. The bucket truck didn’t always fit into tight areas and
added a traffic control consideration.
Victoria looked at many options but decided to look at
Skid-Lift as their option. The City of Victoria also utilized the Minnesota OSHASafety Grant Program to help with this purchase. Minimizing the use of traffic
lanes and improving employee safety are all considerations when evaluating
their needs.
Attached are a few photos of Victoria’s old ladder
operation, and after Victoria was awarded the Safety Grant to purchase the
Skid-Lift for Holiday Decorations:
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| City of Victoria |
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| City of Victoria |
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| City of Victoria |
Submitted by: Troy T. Walsh, Loss Control Consultant
