Updated for accuracy: June 2025

OSHA Aerial Lift Training Requirements: What Employers and Operators Need to Know

Aerial lifts can either make or break a day on the site. Whether it’s a boom lift reaching over obstacles or a scissor lift pushing upward in a tight space, these machines are critical to keeping projects on track. But they also pose real risks—and that’s exactly why OSHA mandates thorough training before anyone steps foot on one.

Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant, protect your crew, and keep your site running safely and efficiently.

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Why Aerial Lift Safety Matters

Falls, tip-overs, electrocutions, and falling tools aren’t just statistics—they’re the kinds of incidents that shut down worksites and send people to the hospital. OSHA has identified these as leading causes of aerial lift-related injuries and fatalities (OSHA).

Proper training drastically reduces these risks by teaching operators how to:

• Identify hazards in real-world conditions
  
  
• Operate the right lift for the job safely
  
  
• Respond calmly during emergencies
  
  

Investing in quality training protects both your workforce and your bottom line.

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OSHA Standards You Need to Follow

Depending on the jobsite and equipment, here are the main regulations that apply:

• 29 CFR 1926.453: Construction standard for vehicle-mounted aerial devices (boom lifts, bucket trucks)
  
  
• 29 CFR 1910.67: General industry requirements
  
  
• 1910 Subpart D & 1910.23: Scissor lifts, walking-working surfaces, and platforms
  
  

Always cross-check the lift type and environment to make sure you're aligned with the correct standard.

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What Employers Are Responsible For

Your responsibility starts before the lift even turns on. OSHA requires you to:

• Provide training before anyone operates an aerial lift
  
  
• Make sure the training is specific to the equipment and jobsite conditions
  
  
• Keep detailed training records (employee name, trainer qualifications, date)
  
  

Your training program should include:

• Safe operation and inspection procedures
  
  
• PPE requirements (harnesses, lanyards)
  
  
• Hazard awareness (electrical lines, unstable surfaces, overhead obstructions)
  
  
• Emergency protocols and rescue plans
  
  

You should also issue refresher training:

• When an operator is seen using the lift unsafely
  
  
• After an incident or near miss
  
  
• When work conditions or equipment change
  
  
• As a best practice, at least every three years

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What Operators Need to Do

Operators have to prove they’re competent through both classroom learning and hands-on evaluations. Their responsibilities include:

• Performing pre-use inspections
  
  
• Following manufacturer guidelines and site-specific rules
  
  
• Wearing required PPE every time
  
  
• Reporting unsafe conditions immediately
  
  

No one should be on a lift without documented training and authorization.

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Lift Types Covered by Training

Every lift brings different hazards. Your training should be tailored accordingly:

• Scissor Lifts – Straight up-and-down access; stable ground needed
  
  
• Boom Lifts – Extend outward and upward; used for obstacle navigation
  
  
• Bucket Trucks – Vehicle-mounted; often used in utility work
  
  
• Trailer-Mounted Lifts – Portable options for temporary jobs
  
  

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Get specific to stay safe.

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Why Compliance Pays Off

If safety alone isn’t enough, the business case is strong:

• Fewer injuries and OSHA citations
  
  
• Reduced downtime from accidents
  
  
• Lower insurance premiums and comp claims
  
  
• More confident, capable crews
  
  
• A safety-first reputation with clients and inspectors

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How to Stay on Track

Use this checklist to maintain compliance:

• Identify all aerial lift operators on your team
  
  
• Deliver site- and lift-specific training
  
  
• Evaluate each operator’s performance
  
  
• Document training records thoroughly
  
  
• Provide timely refresher training
  
  
• Assign a safety lead to oversee ongoing training
  
  
• Keep up with OSHA updates

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Go-To Resources

Here are some tools to help you build or improve your program:

• OSHA eTool for Aerial Lifts
  
  
• Scissor Lift Fact Sheet (OSHA)
  
  
• Equipment manufacturer manuals
  
  
• ANSI-compliant third-party training courses
  
  
• OSHA-authorized outreach trainers
  
  
• State-run OSHA consultation services

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Final Word

It’s your responsibility to make sure your team gets home safe. Aerial lifts are incredibly useful—but only when used by well-trained, competent operators. The training might take a few hours, but the payoff is years of reduced risk and higher productivity.

Stay proactive. Stay compliant. And always elevate safety first.

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