Updated for Accuracy: June 2025

Aerial Lift Certification: What Supervisors and Managers Need to Know

As a supervisor or manager, your responsibility doesn’t end at assigning tasks. When aerial lifts are involved, ensuring your crew is certified and compliant is critical to both jobsite safety and your legal obligations. This guide breaks down what you need to know about aerial lift certification, why it matters, and how to manage it effectively across your team.

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Why Certification Should Be a Priority

Scissor lifts, boom lifts, bucket trucks—these are powerful tools, but without proper training, they become high-risk liabilities. Certification ensures your workers:

• Understand how to operate each type of lift safely
  
  
• Can identify and avoid hazards
  
  
• Comply with OSHA and ANSI standards
  
  

When your crew is certified, you're reducing incident rates, avoiding costly OSHA violations, and improving productivity.

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Know the Equipment

Different lifts come with different risks and uses. Make sure your team is certified for the equipment they actually use:

• Scissor Lifts: Vertical-only access; ideal for flat, stable surfaces.
  
  
• Boom Lifts: Telescoping or articulating; for higher or obstructed access points.
  
  
• Articulating Boom Lifts: Great for maneuvering in tight spaces.
  
  
• Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs): Compact, mobile, commonly used indoors.
  
  

The right certification matches the lift type and the jobsite conditions.

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OSHA Certification Requirements

OSHA requires formal training for all aerial lift operators, as detailed in Subpart F of its training standards.

Training must include:

• Classroom or online theory
  
  
• Practical, hands-on instruction
  
  
• Skills evaluation by a qualified trainer
  
  

Operators must also be retrained when:

• They operate a different type of lift
  
  
• They’re involved in an incident or near miss
  
  
• Unsafe operation is observed
  
  

You must document all training and keep those records up to date.

Note: ANSI A92 standards offer industry best practices. If you're operating in California, check for differences in Cal/OSHA requirements.

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How to Manage Certification for Your Team

As a manager, you're responsible for making sure certification happens and stays current.

Steps to take:

1. Choose a reputable training provider that meets OSHA and ANSI standards.
   
   
2. Schedule certification courses that include both theory and practical components.
   
   
3. Track certification dates using spreadsheets or training software.
   
   
4. Schedule refresher training at least every three years—or sooner if needed.
   
   
5. Keep clear documentation: who was trained, when, and by whom.
   
   

You can bring in outside trainers, use manufacturer programs, or train an in-house trainer through a train-the-trainer program.

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Key Safety Hazards to Emphasize During Training

Make sure your operators are trained to handle real-world jobsite risks:

• Falls: Always use personal fall protection and check guardrails.
  
  
• Electrocution: Keep safe distances from power lines.
  
  
• Tip-overs: Set up lifts on level surfaces and stay within load limits.
  
  
• Crushing hazards: Be aware of surroundings and other workers.
  
  

These are preventable when your team knows what to look for.

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Inspection and Maintenance Oversight

Training is only part of the safety picture. Ensure your team is:

• Conducting daily pre-use inspections (controls, hydraulics, brakes, etc.)
  
  
• Following the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance procedures
  
  
• Logging all inspections and repairs
  
  

As a manager, create systems for accountability and follow-up.

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The Business Case for Certification

For Employers:

• Reduce OSHA fines and insurance premiums
  
  
• Fewer delays due to accidents or investigations
  
  
• Improve team confidence and morale
  
  

For Supervisors:

• Stronger leadership and safety credibility
  
  
• Fewer worker injuries and disruptions
  
  
• More control over compliance efforts

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Final Thoughts

Aerial lift certification isn't just another requirement—it's your front line against accidents, downtime, and liability. As a manager or supervisor, it’s on you to make sure everyone operating lift equipment is trained, certified, and consistently following safety protocols. With the right systems and training in place, you're protecting lives and strengthening your team.

Prioritize training. Reinforce it daily. Lead by example.

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