Check stability, ground conditions, functionality, and overhead hazards before operating an Elevated Work Platform

Outline:

• Opening hook: safety begins before you move

• The four critical checks every EWP operator should perform: stability, functionality, ground conditions, overhead hazards

• Deep dives:

• Stability: level ground, proper setup, weight/load considerations

• Functionality: controls, safety features, emergency systems

• Ground conditions: soil, slopes, obstructions, weather impacts

• Overhead hazards: power lines, structures, other overhead risks

• Quick, practical pre-operation checklist

• Real-world cautionary tales and tips

• Concluding call to safety as a habit

Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) safety starts long before you touch the controls. Think of the moment as the quiet, often overlooked hinge between planning and precision. You’re about to lift people, tools, or materials, so the first steps aren’t about reach or height—they’re about making sure the platform won’t tip, collapse, or surprise you with an avoidable fault. The simplest way to put it: check the four big areas, then work with confidence.

What to check before you operate: the four big pillars

Stability

Let me explain this one in plain terms: stability is all about the ground underneath and the way you set up the machine. If the surface isn’t firm or level, even a small tilt can turn a routine job into a risky situation. Start by inspecting the surface where the EWP will stand. Is it firm enough to bear the machine’s weight and the load you plan to lift? If you’re using outriggers, ensure they’re fully deployed, on solid footing, and that the machine is level. If the ground is soft, consider spreading pads or mats, or choosing a different location. Don’t forget to account for the weight of the load itself—the platform isn’t just your weight; it’s a whole system that can shift suddenly if the load isn’t balanced.

Functionality

Think of this as the machine’s “check engine” light moment, but for safety. All mechanical components, safety features, and controls should respond predictably. Check that the emergency lowering system works, alarms are loud enough for the environment, and the guardrails, non-slip surfaces, and harness anchors are in good shape. Test the platform controls at a calm, neutral speed to confirm they respond smoothly in both directions, with no sticking or lag. Look over hydraulic hoses and pins for wear, and ensure there’s no sign of leaks. If your EWP has tilt or climb sensors, confirm they trigger the proper warnings. In short: you want a machine that is ready to behave, not surprise you with an unanticipated hiccup mid-raise.

Ground conditions

Ground conditions aren’t glamorous, but they’re the stage on which everything else happens. Soft soil, mud, gravel, uneven slabs, or nearby trenches can unsettle an otherwise solid setup. Scan the area for holes, loose debris, and anything that could shift under load. If you’re on a slope, you’ll need a plan for stability—often this means additional measures or choosing a different spot. Consider weather implications too: recent rain can soften ground, and wind gusts can affect balance when you’re elevated. Remember, you’re not just testing the machine—you’re testing the whole worksite’s compatibility with the lift.

Overhead hazards

This is the big one that trips people up when they get busy. Overhead hazards include power lines, ceiling or beam structures, lighting rigs, and any obstacles that could intrude into the work envelope. Before you rise, identify every overhead risk within your potential arc of movement. If you’re near power lines, you’ll typically need to stay well clear or coordinate with the utility company for temporary shutdowns or mitigation. Look up and around as you position the platform: a stray branch, a hanging sign, or a swung tool can become a hazard once you’re aloft. The goal is to prevent contact, snagging, or entanglement that could lead to serious injuries.

A practical pre-operation checklist you can actually use

• Stability: Confirm level ground and proper outriggers. Place mats if needed. Check load distribution and ballast.

• Functionality: Test all controls at low speed; verify emergency lowering, alarms, and safety devices work; inspect guards and harness anchors.

• Ground conditions: Inspect soil firmness, slope, debris, and weather effects. Choose a safe, solid spot.

• Overhead hazards: Survey for power lines, structures, and other overhead risks. Plan a safe operating envelope that avoids contact.

• Environmental checks: Wind restrictions, lighting for visibility, and nearby foot traffic or equipment.

• Documentation: Confirm operator qualifications and the machine’s maintenance log is current.

Why these checks matter in real life

You don’t have to be a seasoned pro to see the logic here. A tiny misstep in stability can lead to a sudden tilt, especially when you’re carrying a toolbag or a heavy load. If the platform’s controls are finicky or the emergency system is out of date, a quick elevation could turn into a difficult descent. Ground conditions are easy to underestimate—after a rain, a previously solid patch can become a slippery, shifting base. And overhead hazards aren’t just about wires; a loose scaffold piece, a swinging boom, or a crane’s travel path can intersect your work area in a heartbeat.

A few concrete examples help keep this in perspective. I once saw a crew set up a near-horizontal lift on a sloped concrete slab because no one bothered to check for a slight grade. The moment the platform began to rise, the machine began to drift. Fortunately, quick thinking and a calm response prevented a fall, but the incident was a stark reminder that slopes and soft patches aren’t forgiving. In another instance, a gust of wind nudged a mobile elevating work platform away from a building edge, bringing risk of contact with a power line that wasn’t obvious until too late. These aren’t hypothetical dangers; they happen when we overlook the basics.

A few tips that make the checks second nature

• Treat the pre-operation check as a conversation with the machine. If something feels off, pause and reassess.

• Use a lightweight, portable level to verify ground evenness in tricky spots.

• Keep a simple, visible checklist on the cage or near the operator station. It should be easy to scan in seconds.

• Stand firm on weather limits. If winds pick up, or rain creates slick ground, postpone the lift.

• Communicate with ground crew. A quick hand signal or radio check can stop a potential misstep before it starts.

• Review the machine’s manual for any model-specific quirks. Different brands—Genie, JLG, Terramite, and others—have their own little idiosyncrasies.

Why this routine feels almost intuitive after a while

Once you get into the rhythm, these checks become part of the job’s heartbeat. You start spotting hazards in the early stage of planning, not during the lift. The goal isn’t to slow things down; it’s to keep the whole operation flowing safely. The moment you skip a step, you open the door to bigger problems—attrition, delays, injuries, or worse. And yes, it can feel repetitive, but that repetition is your safety net.

A few more things to keep in mind

• Training matters. Regular refreshers on machine-specific features help you stay sharp.

• Documentation is not a bore. It’s proof that you’re prepared to work safely, every time.

• Culture matters. Teams that talk about safety openly tend to avoid the dramatic mishaps that come from silence.

Bringing it all together: safety as a shared habit

Ultimately, the four checks—stability, functionality, ground conditions, and overhead hazards—are your shield and your compass. They keep you, your colleagues, and anyone nearby out of harm’s way. It’s not about checking a box; it’s about choosing the path that makes a job doable without regret.

If you’re new to EWPs or you’re stepping into different job sites, treat each setup as its own little puzzle. The pieces aren’t the same every time: ground shape, nearby structures, and even the weather can shift from site to site. The right approach is adaptable, calm, and deliberate. When in doubt, pause, re-evaluate, and then proceed with confidence.

In the end, the habit of checking stability, functionality, ground conditions, and overhead hazards isn’t just a safety ritual. It’s a practical mindset that turns a potentially risky moment into a controlled, efficient operation. You’re not just lifting equipment—you’re lifting responsibility. And that responsibility, taken seriously from the first moment, pays off every time you step back down to ground level, thoroughly intact and ready for the next job.