We deal with all types of work accidents, including accidents due to machinery such as a cherry picker. A cherry picker is an elevated work platform. It is also often referred to as a boom lift, man lift or basket crane. To put it simply it is a vehicle with a rising platform, to allow work from height. A small or mini cherry picker may be used in a warehouse, for example to get to stock from a top shelf. A larger cherry picker could be the type we see on the road (a truck like vehicle with a rising platform like a crane). The larger cherry pickers could be used to get on top of buildings for example.
It is said that cherry pickers were originally designed for use in orchards such as to assist in picking cherries or other fruits from trees. This is where the name “cherry picker” comes from. Nowadays a form of cherry picker is used to help engineers service telephone lines; you also often see them on fire engines. Other workers such as window cleaners often use a cherry picker when cleaning windows on a large multi-storey building.
There are obvious dangers associated with working at height. This in itself imposes stipulations on the employer. Work at height must be planned and must be properly supervised. The work must be carried out in a way which is reasonably and practically safe. The usual stipulations of working at height apply. Safety measures should be in place just in case something goes wrong. Harnesses should be used for example.
Suspension trauma is a specific injury which can occur when the human body is held upright without any movement for a period of time. If the person is strapped into a harness or tied to an upright object, they will eventually feint. This may seem a minor injury but it can be far more serious. It is said that if you feint but remain vertical, you are actually at risk of death due to the brain not receiving the oxygen it requires. Therefore this is very serious indeed. This type of injury could occur if someone fell from a cherry picker and was left hanging for too long. It could also occur to anyone who used a rope as a climbing tool as part of their work. With this type of work, supervision (and acting quickly if something does go wrong) is essential.
If you have sustained injury and you would like free no obligation advice, contact The Injury Lawyers today.
