The Safe Man System helps minimise risks of crushing.

Manitou has developed a solution for its aerial work platform range to minimise crushing incidents.

The new secondary guarding system, which is available on all of the manufacturer’s aerial work platforms as an option or as a kit, is said to maximise operator safety.

The Safe Man System, which is compliant with the Australian EN 280 standard for mobile elevating work platforms, "helps minimise risks of crushing and gives maximum safety and peace of mind to workers operating every day on platforms".

A sensitive bar is fitted at the front of the control panel without interfering with the operator’s visibility of the control panel. When the platform is active and pressure is applied on the bar for more than three seconds, all of the functions of the aerial platform become inactive. An audible alarm is also activated, a blue beacon flashes and all movements immediately stop. The boom then automatically retracts. The operator can free himself with a bypass button, which allows him to take control and disengage.

Manitou says the system is increasingly in demand by customers, especially those from the mining sector.