{"id":32083,"date":"2026-05-06T18:42:05","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T16:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/?p=32083"},"modified":"2026-05-28T15:11:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T13:11:38","slug":"working-at-height-safely-interview-with-eng-pier-paolo-smussi-from-easy-lift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/news-en\/press-media-en\/working-at-height-safely-interview-with-eng-pier-paolo-smussi-from-easy-lift\/","title":{"rendered":"Working at height safely: interview with Eng. Pier Paolo Smussi from Easy Lift"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"safety<\/strong><\/p>\n

Working at height means dealing, every time, with different conditions: the type of surface or ground, the available space, obstacles in the work area, wind, and the machine chosen for the job.<\/p>\n

Every operation requires preparation and attention. The technology of the platform matters, but so do operator training, experience, and the ability to correctly assess the context before starting. Safety when working at height is never a secondary detail<\/strong>, and it does not end with a series of devices and procedures: it is a fundamental part of the job.<\/p>\n

We discussed this with Eng. Pier Paolo Smussi<\/strong>, Mechanical Designer Engineer at Easy Lift, where he is involved in technical support, testing, assistance and training. Together, we explored the most underestimated risks<\/strong>, the most common mistakes<\/strong> and the checks that should never be skipped<\/strong> when using a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Can you tell us about your role at Easy Lift and what you specifically do?<\/h6>\n
\n

At Easy Lift, I mainly deal with technical support and the testing of aerial platforms, as well as some assistance and training activities. My work brings me into daily contact with the machines and with the people who use them; this gives me a very practical view of both the technical side and the real needs in the field.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

2. When it comes to working at height, what are the most underestimated risks in your experience?<\/h6>\n
\n

One of the most underestimated risks is a mistaken perception of operating conditions<\/strong>: people often take for granted that a surface is stable or that there is enough space. Wind or even small obstacles can also become critical. In addition, there is a tendency to \u201cnormalise\u201d risk through habit, and this is always dangerous.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

3. Are accidents more often caused by human error or by technical factors?<\/h6>\n
\n

In most cases, accidents result from a combination of the two, but human error, including the incorrect use of PPE, often has a greater impact. Modern machines are designed with numerous safety systems; therefore, incorrect use<\/strong> or failure to assess the working context<\/strong> is what makes the difference.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

4. What are the most common mistakes you see when MEWPs are used?<\/h6>\n
\n

The most frequent mistakes are: failing to carry out preliminary checks on the machine, improper use on unsuitable surfaces, overloading the basket and underestimating environmental conditions. Sometimes people try to \u201cforce\u201d the use of the machine instead of choosing the most suitable solution.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

5. Before using a platform, which checks should never be skipped?<\/h6>\n
\n

It is essential to check the general condition of the machine<\/strong>, including controls, emergency systems, stabilisers and safety devices, to inspect the ground on which the machine will operate and to make sure there are no obstacles in the work area. Even a quick visual check<\/strong> can prevent many problems.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

6. How important is it to assess the work context, such as ground conditions, spaces or obstacles?<\/h6>\n
\n

It is decisive. The context can completely change the level of safety. Uneven ground, confined spaces or the presence of power lines and\/or other equipment require careful preliminary analysis. No machine<\/strong>, on its own, can compensate for an incorrect assessment of the environment<\/strong> in which it will operate.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

7. What role do training and experience play?<\/h6>\n
\n

Training and experience are fundamental. Training<\/strong> provides the theoretical and operational foundations, while experience<\/strong> makes it possible to recognise critical situations before they become a problem. Together, they drastically reduce the risk of errors.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

8. How do modern MEWPs help operators work safely?<\/h6>\n
\n

Modern platforms integrate advanced control systems, stability sensors, load limiters and other devices that prevent dangerous manoeuvres. This helps a great deal, because it guides the operator towards correct use and reduces the margin for error.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

9. Are there any specific features of Easy Lift machines that help reduce risks?<\/h6>\n
\n

Yes, Easy Lift platforms are designed with particular attention to compactness and stability<\/strong>, even in difficult spaces. In addition, the control systems are intuitive<\/strong> and the machines include safety devices that help prevent incorrect operating conditions<\/strong>, improving control during use.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

10. If you had to give one practical piece of advice to those who work at height every day, what would it be?<\/h6>\n
\n

The most important advice is to never take anything for granted<\/strong>. Every operation should be assessed as if it were the first one: check the machine, analyse the environment and take the time needed to work safely. Haste is often the first risk factor.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

<\/h2>\n

Safety when working at height: technology, training and operational awareness<\/h4>\n

The interview with Eng. Smussi highlights a key point: safety when working at height comes from the balance between machine, training and awareness.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Modern MEWPs offer increasingly advanced control systems and safety devices, but every operation still requires careful analysis<\/strong> of the environment, accurate preliminary checks<\/strong> and correct use<\/strong> of the machine.<\/p>\n

For Easy Lift, designing aerial platforms also means taking into account the real conditions in which they will be used, because safety is an approach that accompanies every stage of the process, from choosing the platform to using it in the field.<\/p>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Working at height means dealing, every time, with different conditions: the type of surface or ground, the available space, obstacles in the work area, wind, and the machine chosen for the job. Every operation requires preparation and attention. The technology of the platform matters, but so do operator training, experience, and the ability to correctly […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":219,"featured_media":32061,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32083","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-press-media-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32083","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/219"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32083"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32083\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32174,"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32083\/revisions\/32174"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32083"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32083"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-lift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}