OccuPros Safety Academy | Online Theory
Aerial & Scissor Lifts (MEWP) Safety
A mobile elevating work platform puts you in the air on a machine that can tip, drop you, electrocute you, or crush you against the structure above. Used right, it is one of the safest ways to work at height.
Boom lifts and scissor lifts are mobile elevating work platforms, or MEWPs. They get workers up to the job quickly and, used correctly, safely. But they are involved in serious incidents every year, and the causes repeat: the machine tips over, a worker falls or is ejected from the platform, the platform or boom contacts an overhead power line, or an operator is crushed between the platform rails and a beam or ceiling above. Almost every one was preventable.
This course builds the awareness behind safe MEWP work: the real difference between a boom lift and a scissor lift, how each one protects you from a fall, what keeps the machine stable, and the overhead and crushing hazards that catch people by surprise. It is for the people who operate these lifts and the leaders who put them to work.
What you will learn
- The difference between a boom lift and a scissor lift, and why each has its own fall-protection rule.
- How MEWPs tip over, and what keeps them stable on real ground.
- What a pre-use inspection and a workplace risk assessment must cover.
- How to stay clear of power lines and avoid being crushed against an overhead structure.
- Why a rescue plan and the emergency lowering controls matter before you go up.
Who this is for
Aligned with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 (aerial lifts), 1910.67, and the ANSI/SAIA A92 family (including A92.22 safe use and A92.24 training). Online theory completion only. OccuPros | (469) 746-4040 | occupros.com | Every Worker Home Safe.
Downloadable Resources
- Two Machines, Two Rules: Boom vs Scissor (PDF)
- MEWP Pre-Use Inspection (PDF)
- Stability and Tip-Over Card (PDF)
- Overhead Hazards and Rescue Card (PDF)
Standards and References
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 (Aerial Lifts) and 1910.67 (Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms)
- ANSI/SAIA A92.20, A92.22 (Safe Use), and A92.24 (Training Requirements)
- Online theory only. Operating a MEWP requires hands-on training, familiarization on the specific machine, a documented evaluation, and employer authorization.
Applicable Industries:
OccuPros Safety Instructor Team
Every OccuPros course is developed and reviewed by our team of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) and Safety Management Specialists (SMS) with 15+ years of field experience across construction, oil & gas, manufacturing, and general industry. Our instructors don't just teach safety - they've managed safety programs on active jobsites, conducted OSHA compliance audits, and published 184 safety course topics nationwide.
Before you buy
The practical questions, answered plainly.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. When you finish the course and pass the assessment, your certificate of completion is available to download immediately from your dashboard. It carries a verification number.
How long do I have access?
Access to this course does not expire. It is self-paced, so you can start, stop and resume whenever you like, and your progress is saved between sessions.
What if I fail the assessment?
You can retake it. Knowledge checks run through the course and the final assessment draws from a larger question bank, so a retake will not simply repeat the same questions.
Does this replace hands-on training?
This course delivers the knowledge portion. Site-specific procedures, equipment-specific practice and any required practical evaluation remain your employer's responsibility, and the course is explicit about where those lines fall.
How often does this training need repeating?
The recommended refresher cadence for this topic is 3 years. Retraining is also triggered by a change in process or equipment, or by an observed gap in an employee's knowledge.
Can I buy this for my whole crew?
Yes. Choose "My team" on this page to buy seats instead of a single enrolment. You become the team administrator, assign seats from your Team Portal as people join, and volume pricing applies automatically at 5 seats and again at 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Aerial and Scissor Lift (MEWP) Safety Awareness course cover?
It covers the theory of safely operating mobile elevating work platforms, including pre-use inspections, stability, load capacity, fall protection, and ground and power-line hazards. It also reviews MEWP classifications. The content aligns with OSHA 29 CFR 1926/1910 and the ANSI A92 standards.
Does this replace hands-on evaluation on the equipment?
No. This is the classroom theory portion; a practical operator evaluation on the specific machine, conducted by your employer, is also required. Use it as the knowledge foundation before hands-on training at your site.
Is the course online and self-paced?
Yes, it is fully online and self-paced, so you can move through it at your own speed. It is mobile-friendly and works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Can I buy seats for my whole crew?
Yes, we offer group seats for companies training multiple workers. It is a convenient way to track completions across your team. Contact us to arrange the group purchase.
