one benefit for instance is the fact that you don't rely in someone else to control the equipment for you therefore eliminates communications issues.

Mick, a simple cage that slides on to a fork lift truck for lifting people to height, with no integrated controls for movement or communication with the FLT driver. At its simplest I suppose a pallet could be called one if it's used for standing on whilst at height, although of course that would never happen in real-life! Katie, in addition to the comms issues already stated above, an attachment to a FLT can be readily detached if not adequately secured. Chains, bolts, hooks etc should be used for making sure the cage stays in place but very easy to forget or overlook or ignore these.

Thanks for your replies. This has been a big help. Katie