Low Level Access - Why

Low Level Access is commonly defined as working heights approximately 20 foot and below for indoor applications such as light facility maintenance, demo/remodel to existing buildings, and new construction. A variety of machines are utilized to allow workers to safely and efficiently accomplish their work requirements. In this series of articles we examine why workers should utilize these modern machines, where they can work, and who manufactures these safe and productive solutions to working at height.

Why?

Why is a common question asked by many dealers, contractors, and end users. While there are a variety of reasons, the three leading answers are workers safety, increased productivity, and higher employee retention.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites the LEADING cause of fatalities across the United States as workers falling from height. While working at height will never fully be eliminated from job sites, employers are placing a strong emphasis to mitigate the risks associated. A strong culture of using Ladders Last is developing by large general contractors, architectural firms, and project management companies alike. No longer is it acceptable to ask employees to accomplish risky jobs utilizing outdated construction practices and methods.

With growing labor and material costs companies are focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing productivity in all possible avenues. Tasks can be accomplished much quicker by utilizing Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP). Utilizing traditional 19ft machines not only equates to high floor stresses, but are also cumbersome in most modern construction applications. More productive sites equate to lower labor costs, and consequently more jobs won for companies that opt to utilize efficient solutions for working at height.

Employee retention remains to be a hot topic as the construction sector is at an 11 year employment high with an extremely tight labor pool. With an aging labor force, companies need to utilize our of the box thinking for benefits, and provide their employees with the latest technologies to ensure they are accomplishing their tasks with as little fatigue as possible. Let's face it, if "ABC Construction" equips their employees with the latest technologies and "XYZ Construction" forces their talent to utilize outdated and labor intensive processes their employees will leave for the company investing in the workers future.

About The Author

This article is part of a series where Nik Fleischfresser, a National Account Manager with Hy-brid Lifts answers the questions of Why, Where, and Who in regards to Low Level Access.

Who is Hy-brid Lifts?

Hy-brid Lifts by Custom Equipment, LLC is the premier provider of lightweight low level access scissor lifts worldwide. Custom Equipment pioneered the first lightweight, Low Level Access machine. The HB-1030, released in 2004 revolutionized the industry and provided safe access solutions for customers where traditional 19 foot scissor lifts were too heavy and cumbersome to access. There quickly became a global demand for a product line that enabled greater Low Level Access. Hy-brid Lifts has answered the call.

Revolutionizing the industry yet again, Hy-brid Lifts announced a new generation of machines. The new generation of machines spans across three product families. Their Pro Series utilizes proprietary technologies enabling working heights of up to 20 feet at half the weight of their competitors 19 foot machines. The Zero Turn Series is reforming the mast lift market, where small work platforms, and jerky hydraulic operations have become the norm. The third family of machines is the Push Around Series, a modern replacement for ladders allows workers to accomplish tasks in a safe and efficient manner.

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