Horizon Platforms Blog

When deciding what equipment to use in your work-at-height project, you’ve likely heard the term ‘cherry picker’ thrown about. But what is a cherry picker machine (also known as a boom lift), how does a cherry picker work, and is it the right choice for your needs? In this guide, the experts at Horizon Platforms explain what a cherry picker is, so you can decide if it’s the MEWP for you. 

For projects that require you to work at height, it’s important to acquire the correct equipment, so tasks can be completed as safely and efficiently as possible. With this in mind, whether you work in fit out, mechanical and electrical, maintenance, or another industry, it’s likely that the question ‘what is a scissor lift?’ may have arisen.

Scissor lifts are common work-from-height equipment used in various installation, repair and maintenance projects, ranging from HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and shop fitting to mechanical and electrical work, and more. 

Health and safety are important in any workplace, and working at height is far from an exception. The HSE defines working at height as ‘work in any place where, without precautions, a person might fall a distance liable to cause personal injury’. Therefore, work at height is undeniably risky. However, with our essential steps, you can ensure your work at height task is as safe and compliant as possible.

For employers, workplace sickness and absence play a huge role in team productivity, worker safety and cost to business. A 2023 study from HSE (Health and Safety Executive) took a deeper look into the financial impact sickness and injury had on businesses, individuals and government benefits from a monetary standpoint. We have taken a look at the findings to highlight the importance of worker health and safety and training for trying to avoid injury and reduce sickness, adding advice for employers on what they need to consider to avoid the impact of this for their businesses.