Study Says Aerial Lifts are Leading Cause of Rental Fatalities

August 18, 2004 - In a study examining more than 3,500 rental equipment accidents that occurred between 1996 and 2002, St. Paul Travelers, St. Paul, Minn., found that aerial lifts, forklifts, and trailers were associated with the highest numbers of fatalities, injuries, and damages in the rental equipment industry. Lift and Access's Katie Parrish asked several training professionals how they think this study will impact the equipment rental industry.

Among the most significant findings in the study, "Renting Dangerously: Injuries, fatalities, and losses in the equipment rental industry," five of 18 rental equipment-related fatalities were attributed to aerial lifts, and four of the five fatalities involved power line contact. Forklifts were responsible for four fatalities, and operator error factored into each incident. Trailers ranked No. 1 in the total number of rental equipment claims, with the most often error made by not properly securing the trailer to the vehicles, and the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle and causes damage to other vehicles and injuring bystanders.

"Most people are unaware of the risks involved in renting equipment," said Bob Brody, senior vice president of risk control for St. Paul Travelers. "Anyone can go into a rental dealer and rent equipment that can be dangerous if misused. Most of the injuries and fatalities we've seen have been the result of consumer and operator error. Without proper information and training provided by the rental dealer, equipment rental can lead to serious and deadly consequences."

While the results of the study is surprising to some and frustrating to others, what kind of impact will it have on the rental industry?

"The impact of the survey will be determined by the priorities established by the rental companies," said Bob Harrell, president of Safety Management Services. "If safety is not a priority, then the statistical data will reflect an upward spiral of costs and claims."

Statistics found in the study also can be used to improve training procedures that the rental industry uses to reduce the number of accidents. "If people read it and take action, [this study] will help tremendously," said Jeff Stachowiak, director of access safety and training for Sunbelt Rentals. "This survey narrows down what a rental store needs to concentrate on. I would love to see the insurance industry work with rental stores to implement some action items to reduce these claims."

However, the statistical data also can be a hindrance if it is ignored and safety training is not improved. "The survey can be used in litigation to support the injured party's contention that there was insufficient safety training or training materials," Harrell said.

With the results of the study in mind, what can the rental industry do to reduce the amount of accidents, injuries, and fatalities?

"Training is obviously a key element to reducing these claims and incidents," Stachowiak said. "We have found that the injured workers have not attended any training on the equipment and never had the opportunity to get trained." Stachowiak said after training seminars, attendees will sometimes approach him afterward and say they were not aware that you could get hurt or killed on this equipment. "This tells me that if an operator is not trained and gets on a lift or forklift, he or she may think that it is safe all the time . because there is a safety factor built into it," he said.

Another way to reduce accidents is by making sure the trainer is trained. "There are too many safety people who think they are trainers because they took an OSHA course or have read the OSHA regulations," Harrell said. "The individuals do not know the equipment manufacturer's requirements, the ANSI/AMSE or other applicable safety standards that apply to the equipment. The result is improperly trained workers. Properly qualified and trained instructors are key to helping reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities."

Effective safety training takes time to complete, but in the long run, it will reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Below are tips rental companies can use to ensure they are limiting the risk of an accident.

 

• Give consumers well-documented operating instructions and large cautionary labels on each piece of rental equipment.
• Inspect and service all rental equipment prior to each rental to ensure the equipment is in proper working condition.
• Replace old and outdated equipment with new equipment that includes the latest industry safeguards.
• Include the operator's manual in each piece of equipment along with safety instructions and manuals provided by the manufacturer.
• Instruct proper installation and use of equipment in an easy to understand format, which can require co-operation from the equipment manufacturer.
• Maintain records of maintenance and repairs.

 

To read the full survey, go to http://www.stpaultravelers.com/renting_dangerously/study.pdf .