In Agriculture and Farming, Scissor Lifts are a common way to work at height - and a common source of falls when they are misused. This guide explains how Agriculture and Farming teams in Ireland use Scissor Lifts safely, and why a Working at Heights Course ties it all together.
Scissor Lifts in Agriculture and Farming: where the risk lies
A farmer replacing storm-damaged roof sheeting on an exposed shed, often alone, with no one to raise the alarm after a fall. Scissor Lifts are suited to vertical access for indoor and firm-ground tasks such as installation, maintenance and high-bay work, but in a Agriculture and Farming setting the margin for error is small.
Pre-use checks for Scissor Lifts
Before any Agriculture and Farming worker uses Scissor Lifts, confirm that:
- Travel routes are clear of overheads and obstructions
- The platform extension is locked when used
- Controls and emergency lowering function correctly
- The floor is firm, level and rated for the load
The relevant standard here is EN 280, operated by IPAF 3a card holders, thoroughly examined every 6 months.
Common Scissor Lifts faults to never ignore
- No inspection record
- Overloading the platform
- Overreaching or climbing the guardrails
- Driving elevated over uneven floors
Agriculture has one of Ireland's worst fatal-fall records. Fragile-roof awareness and never working alone at height are the key messages.
The Working at Heights Course makes compliance simple
The practical fix is straightforward. Our Working at Heights Course is delivered fully online, takes about 45 minutes, and issues a downloadable certificate the same day. It is CPD certified, RoSPA approved and QQI aligned, and it is written specifically for Agriculture and Farming teams using Scissor Lifts.
The Working at Heights Training covers the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy, ladder and stepladder safety, MEWPs and scaffolds, harnesses and anchor points, and how to carry out a proper risk assessment. Every learner finishes with a recognised Working at Heights Certificate that stands up to HSA inspection and supports your insurance position.
Training that goes beyond the tick-box
The most expensive mistake employers make with Scissor Lifts in Agriculture and Farming is treating training as a box-ticking exercise. The Health and Safety Authority does not just want a certificate on file; it wants evidence that the worker understood the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy and applied it on the day. A genuine Working at Heights Course builds that understanding, which is exactly why our online programme uses real scenarios rather than slides.
Competence is not the same as experience. A worker who has used ladders for twenty years can still carry twenty years of bad habits. Refresher training matters for Scissor Lifts in Agriculture and Farming precisely because confidence drifts away from the rules over time, and a quick refresher resets it.
Frequently asked questions
Do Agriculture and Farming workers need training to use Scissor Lifts?
Yes. Safe use of Scissor Lifts is part of working at height. A Working at Heights Course covers selection, inspection and safe use for Agriculture and Farming tasks.
How often should Scissor Lifts be inspected?
Before every use by the operator, plus formal recorded inspections to the relevant standard. Keep the logs for HSA inspection.
Is online training enough for Agriculture and Farming height work?
Our online Working at Heights Training covers the legal and safe-system knowledge; equipment-specific practical tickets (such as IPAF or PASMA) are added where the task requires them.
Get certified today
Do not wait for an HSA inspection or a near miss to act. Agriculture and Farming teams can complete the Working at Heights Course online in 45 minutes and download a certificate the same day. For 10 or more learners, see our team training rates, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
Start the online Working at Heights Training now and put a recognised certificate in every worker's file before the next job at height begins.
