Common Scissor Lift Mistakes and How to Prevent Them

You see scissor lifts on just about every jobsite. Construction, warehouses, factories. You name it!

These machines capably perform the work ladders and scaffolding used to struggle with. They offer stable, vertical access for workers. Used properly, they’re efficient and reliable. Otherwise, they become a serious hazard fast.

Despite improved safety features, scissor lift accidents still happen.

According to the 2025 IPAF Global Safety Report, scissor lifts were involved in 19% of MEWP fall incidents. Meanwhile, CDC estimates 300 to 400 scissor lift accidents with 20 to 25 fatalities each year in the U.S.

The sobering part? Investigations consistently show that most of these incidents were actually preventable with proper awareness and training.

In this article, we’ll wade through the most frequent scissor lift operator and maintenance errors. More importantly, we show you practical ways to avoid them.

Conclusion: Safe Practices Lead to Productive Projects

If you want a project to hit its milestones without drama, the path is simple: follow safety precautions at all times. 

Every mistake covered here, from skipped inspections to poor communication, has caused real accidents on real jobsites. The good news is that each one is preventable with proper training and awareness.

As you prevent these mistakes, the risk of accidents drops and efficiency improves. You also boost jobsite morale. Your scissor lift becomes a dependable partner, not a hazard waiting to happen. Most importantly, everyone goes home in one piece.