ALI weighs in on hoist accident that injured two Ontario techs

In light of a recent court ruling against an Ontario dealership whose workers were injured under a faulty hoist, the Automotive Lift Institute is reminding shops to take safety seriously.

ALI president Bob O’Gorman said, lifts should be fully inspected at least once a year, and all technicians should be re-trained on safe operation of automotive hoists.

“Technicians, check your lift every day. If something isn’t right, don’t take a risk,” he said. “Report it immediately to your supervisor. After all, your safety is riding on it.”

Commenting on the case of Lake Shore Motors in Kirkland Lake, Ont., which was fined $56,250 in connection with a workplace injury in February 2017, O’Gorman said safety should be every repair shop employee’s top priority.

“This case is a sad example of the real-world consequences of not properly maintaining and inspecting vehicle lifts and not training lift operators,” he said. “We encourage every lift owner to take this message to heart.”

You can read the full story about the judgment against Lake Shore Motors HERE.

The Automotive Lift Institute recommends the following:

• All vehicle lifts must be inspected by a qualified lift inspector at least annually. (ALI developed North America’s only program to independently test and certify qualified lift inspectors. Inspectors who successfully complete the program become ALI Certified Lift Inspectors.)
• Every lift operator must be instructed in the safe use and operation of the lift using the manufacturer-provided instructions and warning labels and the Automotive Lift Institute publications Quick Reference Guide, Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts, Lifting It Right, Safety Tipsand the ALOIM standard itself. This training should be documented.
• The owner or employer shall establish a periodic planned maintenance procedure in accordance with the lift manufacturer’s recommendations in order to ensure reliability and allow the continued safe operation of the lift.

Technicians also must take responsibility for their own safety when using lifts, including:

• Operating the lift only after being properly trained.
• Using all applicable safety features provided on the lift and operating the lift in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
• Maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the lift and its surroundings.
• Inspecting/taking notice of the following features on a daily basis:
  • Accessibility and readability of the operating procedures, safety tips and general safety material
  • Accessibility and readability of safety warning labels
  • Readability of the rated load capacity of the lift
  • Proper operation of the lift controls
  • Deformation or excessive wear of any of the lift structural components
  • Deformation or excessive wear of other components such as hoses, electrical wires, drive chains, wire rope or screws
  • Damage or excessive wear on any of the lift contact points which engage the vehicle during lifting, whether they engage the tires, frame, body or axles
  • Evidence of hydraulic or pneumatic leaks
  • Unusual noises, sudden movements, erratic operation or evidence of chips or filings during use
  • Cracks or loose concrete around floor anchor bolts, if employed
• If any of the conditions described above are observed before, during or after the operation of the lift, the operator should stop using the lift and report the condition to the supervisor, employer or owner. Additionally, the lift should not be used until the cause of the problem has been determined and the appropriate repairs have been made by qualified automotive service personnel.