Christchurch, NZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/20/2015 -- With the impending update to the New Zealand Health and Safety legislation, awareness about the importance of using scissor lifts and elevated work platforms over ladders has increased.
The Department of Immigration and Labour reported that over half of fatal workplace accidents are due to people falling from ladders, as the risk of fatality is increased when working at heights of over 3 metres. It was also reported that slips, trips and falls are the cause of one third of serious harm accidents in the construction industry.
Jason McAllister, Managing Director of Christchurch-based scissor lift company LiftX, said "in the past, pricing was high which put purchase of elevated work platforms out of reach, making hiring the most cost-effective solution." With this in mind, LiftX introduced a new range to the New Zealand market. The Chinese Dingli range offers tradies and electricians a range of lower-cost scissor lifts, which are easy to transport on trailers, or towed behind vans and utes.
The industry has seen a wave of growth in sales, due to the improved affordability of access equipment. Businesses are now finding that they can afford the cheaper ranges on the market. Commercial-construction elevated platforms have also seen a growth in sales. MEC and Haulotte are just two brands which supply more high-tech options, ideal for commercial construction.
The MEC brand has work platforms with the ability to operate indoors and outdoors. Their electric/diesel machines are more specialised for aircraft and large scale construction. French brand, Haulotte, is a popular choice for commercial builders and steel fabricators. The self-propelled boom lifts and Rough Terrain Scissor lifts have the fastest lift in their class.
About LiftX Limited
LiftX Limited was formed in 2008 out of a nationwide need for good service in the elevated work platform industry. "It's not all about a quick sale," McAllister elaborates. LiftX has six certified agents service and rebuild all makes and models of scissor lift, cherry pickers and boom lifts including Snorkel New Zealand, JLG lifts and Skyjack lifts. Elevated work platforms need to be well-maintenance and certified six-monthly. LiftX's certified technicians travel almost anywhere in the South Island to conduct repairs, and offer 24/7 call out service across Christchurch. LiftX point of difference is their extensive range of stock parts, for all makes and model of access equipment. Loan machines are also available if a repair job is going to take an extended period of time to complete.
With companies facing increasing pressure to ensure all practicable steps are taken to ensure safety on the workplace, combined with access lift prices being made more affordable, it ought to reduce the number of workplace accidents.