Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) Licensing Practice Exam

What is the first action to take if the platform drops or bends slightly?

1. Identify the issue

2. Report to a supervisor

3. Stop work

4. Lower the basket

The correct answer is: Stop work

When a platform drops or bends slightly, the safest and most immediate action is to stop work. This prioritizes the safety of all personnel on the platform and those in the vicinity. Stopping work allows for an assessment of the situation without any further risk of injury or equipment damage. By ceasing operations, workers can take a moment to evaluate the extent of the issue and determine the next steps. Safety protocols typically emphasize the importance of pausing work when abnormalities occur. Following the pause, further investigations or actions can be taken, such as reporting the issue to a supervisor or lowering the basket, but the initial focus should always be on stopping work to ensure a safe environment. Identifying the issue or reporting it to a supervisor can only happen after securing the safety of personnel, underpinning why halting work is the first and most logical response.