Bucket trucks, often called cherry pickers, are essential equipment across many industries. When used correctly and according to manufacturer instructions, they provide a safe, stable platform for elevated work. However, when hazards are not recognized or safe practices are not followed, bucket truck operations can quickly become deadly.
OSHA Standard 1926.21(b)(2) says that the employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.
It is critical to remember that every bucket truck model comes with a specific manufacturer operator manual. If the manual is missing or unavailable, the equipment must not be used.
Fatal Fall from a Bucket Truck
A 39-year-old highway traffic technician suffered fatal head injuries after falling from the bucket of an aerial boom truck. He was working alone, replacing a traffic signal bulb suspended over two lanes of active traffic.
As he worked above the roadway, a cargo truck drove underneath the bucket, striking it and causing him to fall to the pavement below. He did not survive his injuries.
NIOSH Kentucky Case Report 03KY028
The traffic technician had 11 years of experience with this employer and had worked on the signal crew for over 5 years at the time of his death. During this time, the technician had completed 55 safety courses including courses on PPE, aerial lift safety, fall protection and highway work zone safety. Personal protective equipment was provided to employees and the technician had been trained by the manufacturer of the aerial lift boom truck on the operation and safety features of the bucket truck he was operating. The manufacturer supplied two safety harnesses with the truck.
None of the witnesses remembered the technician wearing a safety harness at the time of the incident. No cones had been placed around the truck to warn motorists of a highway work zone and no signs had been set along the highway to warn motorists they should proceed with caution.
Corrective Actions After the Incident
Since this incident, standard operation procedures for working on traffic signals have been modified by the employer. When feasible, workers now work in pairs and traffic is diverted to another lane so the worker can work over an empty lane; not over moving traffic.
Recommendations provided after this incident investigation include:
- Employees should use personal fall protection equipment in an aerial lift bucket at all times.
- A competent person should conduct a hazard assessment of the highway work zone and implement a safety plan.
Strengthening Safety Programs
In addition to a written safety program, employers must ensure:
- Fall protection procedures are enforced
- Highway and work zone safety protocols are followed
- Workers receive effective training, not just once, but regularly
- Safety meetings reinforce expectations and highlight lessons learned
Consistent communication and training can prevent tragedies like this one. Workers must be reminded that fall protection, hazard assessment, and proper work zone control are not optional, they are lifesaving requirements.
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