Niftylift advances MEWP safety with new technologies
Safety innovations address discomfort and risk associated with real-world challenges when working at height

Niftylift continues to stand up for operator safety on mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) through a range of advanced technologies designed to minimize risks and prevent accidents. With a longstanding commitment to innovation, Niftylift's solutions are engineered to provide operators with greater confidence and a safer working environment.
Understanding the inherent challenges of working at height, Niftylift has prioritized the development of features that address critical safety concerns. While industry data shows a positive trend in reducing workplace incidents, Niftylift recognizes the ongoing need for continuous improvement.
Safety improvements to secure operators
One of Niftylift's key recent developments has been the ToughCage platform. Its impact-resistant composite base and larger cross-section steel cage lend extra strength to the design, protecting the operator while reducing damage to the cage. With ToughCage absorbing much of the force of an impact, damage to the boom is minimized as well.
Addressing the risks associated with uneven terrain, Niftylift's Inclination Sensing prevents its equipment from operating on excessively sloping surfaces. When the booms are stowed, the MEWP can navigate gradients that exceed the factory-set operational limits, but as soon as the angle sensor detects an attempt to elevate the booms on a slope outside these limits, the system disables drive functions and activates visual and audible alarms. The booms must then be returned to the stowed position before the machine can be properly repositioned and operations are resumed. Likewise, if an access platform is being driven with the basket elevated and suddenly exceeds the permitted tilt angle, the drive function is halted until the booms return to the stowed position.
Mistakes surrounding the use of personal fall protection equipment (PFPE)—most notably harness and/or lanyard—are also to blame. Featuring red and green LED indicators and an audible alarm, Niftylift's ClipOn system is therefore an effective and intuitive means of ensuring operators correctly attach their harnesses before beginning operations.
Room to breathe
Another key concern when working at height is the risk of trapping an operator between the machine and surrounding objects, potentially forcing their torso onto the control panel and causing the machine to move further into the obstacle and exacerbating the danger.
A standard feature across Niftylift's entire range of self-propelled products, Sustained Involuntary Operation Prevention System (SiOPS) secondary guarding technology was designed to counteract these perilous scenarios. When SiOPS detects additional force applied to the cage control panel, a signal is instantly sent to halt all machine movements, eliminating operator reaction time and significantly reducing the potential for compounding severe injuries. The operator then simply needs to press a flashing green button, allowing for safe navigation away from the hazard.
Smart technologies
Niftylift's Load Sensing system actively monitors a MEWP's platform weight, disabling all work functions until the weight on an overloaded basket (in a static or stowed position) is reduced. If the system is triggered during operation, the safeguard can be overridden using the recovery button before the basket is lowered to a safe position.
As well as providing real-time operating and performance data, the Niftylinktelematics solution also enhances on-site safety. Promoting proactive maintenance and monitoring safe machine operation, its keypad addon provides additional access control, in conjunction with a PIN code or RFID-enabled PAL card that prevents use by untrained or unauthorized personnel.
The fact remains, however, that many accidents are entirely avoidable if proper training has been given. Niftylift also created the NiftyPRO mobile app to deliver accessible training and support for operators, fleet managers, and technicians. With well over 100 video tutorials, covering Quick Start Guides, machine operation, and recovery procedures, the app helps to bridge the gap between theoretical training and practical application. Accessible anywhere, anytime, this immediate access enhances on-site efficiency and safety, making learning and troubleshooting more convenient than ever.
"Niftylift is synonymous with innovations in operator safety, introducing technologies over the years that have redefined safety standards, addressing critical risks in working at height, including entrapment, overloading, harness misuse, and unsafe tilting," concludes Tom Hadden, technical sales manager, Niftylift. "Together, they enhance operational efficiency and provide operators with the confidence they need to work safely at height. We are committed to continuing to lead the industry in promoting safer working practices worldwide."