Why Lifts Are Replacing Ladders on Today’s Jobsites

When it comes to jobsite safety, the tools we use every day can make the difference between a productive shift and a life-changing accident. At Mazzotta Rentals, one of the most important voices on this topic is Mat Gerber, the company's Safety Manager, who has helped lead training programs and safety initiatives across multiple branches.

We sat down with Mat to discuss one of the most critical — and often overlooked — safety upgrades on today’s construction sites: replacing traditional ladders with aerial work platforms (AWPs), or lifts.

 

Q: Mat, why is it important for contractors and jobsite managers to rethink the use of ladders?

Mat: That’s a great question. Ladders have been around forever — and that’s part of the problem. They’re familiar, but they’re also one of the top sources of fall-related injuries in our industry. Just because something’s common doesn’t mean it’s safe.

When you look at the data from OSHA, the CDC, and industry safety reports, you’ll see that ladders consistently show up as one of the riskiest tools on a jobsite. That’s why we’re constantly educating crews about safer alternatives, like aerial lifts. These machines are designed from the ground up to reduce risk and increase efficiency.

 

Q: What are the biggest safety differences between ladders and lifts?

Mat: The number one difference is stability. With a ladder, you're climbing up something that’s only as secure as the surface it’s resting on. A slight bump, shift, or misstep can send you flying.

Lifts, on the other hand, are built for stability. They have a wide base, hydraulic leveling systems, and built-in fall protection features. When you're working from a lift — especially with guardrails and a harness properly attached — you're in a far more controlled and secure environment.

And beyond that, lifts eliminate a lot of human error. You don’t have to worry about overreaching, misplacing your footing, or carrying materials up and down while maintaining balance. It’s just a smarter, safer way to work at height.

 

Q: Can you talk a bit more about fall protection? Ladders rely heavily on technique — is that different with lifts?

Mat: Absolutely. Ladders require what we call “active fall protection.” You’re relying on the worker to always maintain three points of contact, never overreach, and use proper climbing posture. That’s a lot to ask, especially when you’re fatigued or trying to carry tools.

Lifts provide passive fall protection. You’re enclosed in a platform with guardrails. You’re wearing a harness that’s tethered to an approved anchor point. And your work area is much more stable.

It’s not that we don’t train for safe ladder use — we do. But even the best training in the world can’t eliminate human error. The design of a lift gives you a significant safety buffer. That’s a game changer.

 

Q: What are some real-world examples of how lifts have prevented injuries or made jobs safer?

Mat: We’ve had plenty of cases where contractors told us, "We used to do this job with a ladder, and it was a nightmare." One example that comes to mind is a client doing duct work in a high-ceiling warehouse. They were using ladders and moving them every few feet, which meant constantly climbing up and down. Not only was that exhausting, but they had two near-misses with guys almost falling.

They rented a scissor lift from us, and within a day, their whole workflow changed. They could stay elevated, move laterally, and get more done with less risk. We hear stories like that all the time.

 

Q: Beyond safety, how do lifts improve productivity?

Mat: There’s a huge efficiency boost. With a ladder, you can only carry so much. You’re climbing up and down to grab tools or materials. That eats up time. Lifts are designed to carry both the worker and the gear, so you can bring everything you need with you in one trip.

Also, repositioning a ladder takes time and effort. You have to go down, move it, check the footing, and climb back up. With a lift, you just move the machine. That saves time — and reduces fatigue, too.

 

Q: A lot of small contractors might say, “Lifts are too expensive.” How do you respond to that concern?

Mat: I get it. On the surface, a ladder seems like the cheaper option. But let’s look at the real costs. What happens if someone falls? You could be looking at medical bills, workers’ comp claims, project delays, lost labor — it adds up fast.

And then there’s productivity. Lifts allow your crew to get more done in less time. That means you’re finishing jobs faster and moving on to the next one. Over time, the lift pays for itself in both safety and speed.

Not to mention, you don’t have to buy a lift outright. That’s where we come in. At Mazzotta Rentals, we make it easy to rent the right lift for the right job — without breaking the budget.

 

Q: Are there different types of lifts for different jobs?

Mat: Absolutely. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We rent out boom lifts, scissor lifts, rotating telehandlers, mast lifts, and more. Each has different strengths depending on the jobsite and the work being done.

• Scissor lifts are great for vertical access and indoor work.

• Boom lifts give you reach and articulation for outdoor or high-ceiling tasks.

• Telehandlers are great when you need lifting and material placement versatility.

We always help customers figure out the best fit. The key is using the right lift for the right job — that’s what keeps things both safe and efficient.

 

Q: What role does ergonomics play in this conversation?

Mat: A big one. Repeated climbing, carrying tools, bending in awkward positions — these things lead to musculoskeletal disorders over time. That’s a huge issue in our industry.

Lifts reduce that strain. You’re not hauling yourself and gear up and down a ladder all day. You’re standing on a stable platform, working at the correct height, with everything you need right there. It protects your back, knees, and shoulders — and keeps people working longer and healthier.

 

Q: Are there regulatory or insurance benefits to using lifts over ladders?

Mat: Yes. More and more insurance companies are incentivizing safer jobsite practices, and using lifts instead of ladders is one of those practices. It can reduce your liability and potentially lower your premiums.

From a regulatory standpoint, OSHA is very clear: employers must provide a safe working environment. If a safer tool exists — like a lift — and you choose not to use it, you could be exposing your company to fines or lawsuits in the event of an accident.

Using lifts shows you’re proactive about safety. That goes a long way with inspectors, insurance providers, and your own workforce.

 

Q: What would you say to a team that’s hesitant to make the switch?

Mat: I’d say give it a shot — even on just one job. Rent a lift, see how your crew likes it. What we usually hear is: "Why didn’t we do this sooner?"

It’s not just about avoiding injuries. It’s about empowering your team with the right tools to work smarter, safer, and more efficiently. You’re setting a tone that safety matters — and that’s something your workers will notice.

 

Q: How can Mazzotta Rentals help companies make this transition?

Mat: We’re not just a rental company — we’re a safety partner. We help customers choose the right equipment, deliver it quickly, and train their teams on how to use it properly. We also offer Equipment Operator Training if you need certification for boom lifts, scissor lifts, or telehandlers.

And we service what we rent. So if there’s ever an issue, you’re not stuck waiting days for help. We’ve got your back from start to finish.

 

Q: Where does Mazzotta Rentals operate, and how wide is your reach?

Mat: We cover a large portion of the Northeast. That includes everything from the New York metro area, Eastern Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, all the way up to Southern Maine and Cape Cod.

Our network of branches allows us to provide quick delivery and responsive service across that entire region. Whether you’re doing commercial, municipal, or industrial work — we can get you what you need, when you need it.

 

Q: Final thoughts — what’s the one thing you wish every contractor knew about lifts vs. ladders?

Mat: I’d say: don’t let habit put your team at risk. Just because you’ve “always used ladders” doesn’t mean that’s the best way forward. Technology has moved on — and so should we.

Lifts aren’t just for big jobs or big companies. They’re for anyone who wants to keep their team safe, finish faster, and reduce long-term costs. In the end, it’s not just about equipment — it’s about protecting people. That’s what matters most.