Toolbox Talk - Elevated Work Platforms

Scaffolds, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts are all types of elevated work platforms that help workers safely perform tasks at height when ladders aren’t practical. But without proper inspections, training, and controls, they can become serious hazards on the jobsite.

In this virtual toolbox talk, the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM) reviews best practices for working with elevated work platforms, including:
✔️ Scaffold types, stability, and guardrail requirements
✔️ Scissor lift inspections, entry/exit, and emergency lowering
✔️ Aerial lift hazards, anchor points, and training requirements
✔️ Pre-use checklists and inspection steps for EWP equipment
✔️ How to identify, communicate, and control hazards at height

This video is designed to support employers, supervisors, and workers in understanding how to safely use elevated work platforms on construction sites.

⚠️ Note: This toolbox talk is for informational purposes only. Employers must refer to Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Regulation for compliance, specifically Part 22 - Powered Mobile Equipment and Part 28 - Scaffolds and Other Elevated Work Platforms.

0:00 - Introduction to elevated work platforms
0:17 - Why pre-use inspections are required (did you know?)
0:46 - Scaffolding overview and requirements
1:18 - Scaffold inspection tags explained
2:01 - Mud sills and scaffold stability
2:22 - Screw jacks and safe adjustments
2:33 - Securing scaffolds (3:1 ratio rule)
2:55 - Scaffold planking requirements
3:18 - Single pole scaffolds
3:36 - Frame scaffolds
4:31 - Cross-bracing for scaffold safety
5:01 - Scaffold guardrails and fall prevention
5:21 - Mobile or baker’s scaffolds
6:04 - Caster wheels on mobile scaffolds
6:31 - Scissor lifts: safe use and inspection
6:52 - Anchor points for scissor lifts
7:18 - WSH Regulation Part 28.39 requirements
7:40 - Safe entry and exit from scissor lift decks
8:04 - Lift labels and placards explained
8:28 - Deck extension awareness
8:45 - Control panel differences on scissor lifts
9:01 - Emergency lowering procedures
9:44 - Aerial lifts: safe operation and awareness
10:14 - Checking for surrounding hazards
10:29 - Anchor points for aerial lifts
11:01 - Labels and placards on aerial lifts
11:15 - Training requirements for aerial lift operators
11:41 - Emergency process to lower aerial lifts
12:17 - Pre-use checklist for elevated work platforms
13:04 - What to inspect on EWP equipment
13:39 - Summary and review of key points
13:46 - Step 1: Identify hazards and defects
13:54 - Step 2: Communicate the hazards
14:02 - Step 3: Establish a controlled work area