27.06.2014

The old forklift and pallet stunt at Apex

Spotted this morning by a reader at the Rai in Amsterdam working on the tear down of Apex – a man using a forklift and stillage for access.

The access/work at height show ended yesterday, with the larger stands being torn down today. These men were removing the ‘Welcome to Apex’ arch this morning, with two men on the ground and another standing on the stillage in the wet with no form of fall protection.
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Using a forklift and stillage to work at the major powered access show

Hopefully the photographer went over and tried to stop this craziness after taking the shot. Especially given the fact that there were dozens of the most modern aerial work platforms on site.

These photos sum up the challenges we still face to get people to understand the benefits of powered access, but also illustrate the fact that the market is still far from mature and offers plenty of further underlying growth.
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A closer look show that there were several people on the ground

In reality in this example is that once he is up between the scaffolding he is unlikely to fall - until its half torn down of course, however Apex is an event promoting access equipment and safe work at height. But we know what a challenge it can be to ensure that sub-contractors do not take short cuts like this.

Big tent erectors can be some of the worst offenders for example. In spite of this it is definitely one for the Death Wish series.