I instruct all sub-contractors on the construction site to wear and attach a restraint lanyard whilst operating a MEWP in order to prevent the operator falling out of the MEWP however I have observed that some MEWPS anchorage points within the MEWP are located at the mid-handrale level which would not prevent a person falling out of a MEWP even when being attached with a restraint 1 metre lanyard. The wearing of an adjustable lanyard has been mentioned however this would be another expense to the sub-contractors on site many who have just purchased a great amount of restraint lanyards. Anyone else come across this issue? if so would like to know of any possible solutions

"Lanyard length (of both fixed length and retractable overturn). systems) should be carefully selected and matched to the carrier of the specific MEWP that is going to be used. They must be set short enough to prevent a system should be used, the following points should be person reaching a position where they could fall.

The use of retractable lanyards for this purpose should only be considered after detailed consultation with the manufacturer as to their suitability and the parameters under which they have been designed and, more importantly, tested. Do not use retractable equipment unless it has been specifically tested in the proposed manner of use".

They need to work under restraint as we are trying to prevent them from falling initially and they are required to attached to the anchor points within the machine, therefore careful consideration is required to the length of lanyard used.

Correct. However, let's assume it is a cherry picker type MEWP, a 1 metre lanyard should prevent an operative falling/thrown out from the basket except at the very lowest level, where the operative could in theory hit the ground. The main risk is falling from a considerable height. Hence a 1 metre lanyard will protect against this even clipped on to the mid rail.

We do need to remember that if any MEWP overturns then it is likely that there is either poor assessment of the ground or improper use by the operatives. My own experience suggests that ground failure in some way is the most likely fault and it is invariably cherry pickers that come to grief. I have not encountered an overturn from a scissor lift.