The timing of this Genie Safety Notice came at an
interesting time for us. On the day that
our Genie Trailer-Mounted TZ-50 came into the Port of Guam after a long journey direct from the
factory in North Carolina, the Guam Contractors Association (GCA) sent this message out
to all of its members regarding the Genie Z-80 Articulating Boom Lift.
We applaud the
GCA for being an advocate for safety in the construction industry. It was the first Safety Notice we had
received since becoming an Associate Member.
For small businesses, it is commendable that such guidance is given from
responsible trade associations like the GCA. Our hats off to James Martinez and the team at the GCA.
Not soon after the notice was issued, our friends from
Terex/Genie were on island to commission our trailer mounted boom lift. We
discussed in detail the Safety Notice and the policies from Terex/Genie that guide such actions.
For the manufacturer, they believe that such
notices not only bring attention to operational issues with their machines, but also to
reassure the end users that safety notices are as important a part of the
services Terex/Genie provides like their extensive equipment training and worldwide parts support.
This brings up a great point about the use of articulating
boom lifts like the one in the safety notice and the one GET, LLC recently
purchased: they can be of great benefit on the job site. They can help a contractor reach places the
traditional ladder cant or transport project materials. Also the lift helps electrical and utility
workers gain access to places they need to when scaffolding is cost and time prohibitive. 
But articulating lifts can be dangerous. All operators need to take proper precautions
when using them.
There is nothing more important that ensuring that these types
of lifts are operated safely.