Vehicle Hoist Safety: Best Practices & OSHA Compliance

Hoisting vehicles in the air is a good way to raise and move them around, but it's also a very dangerous function. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, hoisting materials poses safety risks to people operating the hoisting machinery as well as nearby workers.

Size

• Routine safety checks must be performed prior to using vehicle hoisting equipment. Specifically, make sure the weight capacity of the hoist is compatible with the weight of the vehicle being hoisted. If the vehicle is heavier than the maximum weight capacity of the hoist, don't proceed.

Features

• Damaged, frayed or worn features can cause the hoisting mechanism to malfunction, which might lead to accidents. Workers struck by hoisted, heavy loads, such as vehicles, can suffer serious injuries or fatalities.

Visibility

• The hoisting machine's operator must keep the vehicle in view at all times while it's being hoisted. Losing visibility can cause the vehicle to crash into people, other objects, structures or buildings.

Prevention/Solution

• Workers in construction zones must guard themselves with personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, when working near hoisted vehicles. Once the vehicle is suspended in air, don't let workers stand beneath the vehicle. Rather, maintain a safe distance from the hoisting zone.