There's a debate on whether using a forklift safety cage is indeed safe or not. Here are the things that you need to know about forklift safety cages.

1. Using forklift safety cages is a relatively controversial topic.
Those who like them believe that they help people to stay safe
while they are working at a height on a forklift truck.
Those who are against them believe that they are traps - cages
that could actually put the user in a more dangerous position,
preventing them from getting out of the way if something goes
wrong.
Staying Safe Using a
Forklift Safety Cage
(Image Credit to MHA Products)

2. There are some strict regulations governing the use of
forklift safety cages and working platforms, follow
those regulations to the letter, and use only a cage
that is appropriate for your forklift.
The restrictions on how and where non-integrated
working platforms may be used are strict, but one
thing that many people do not realise is that these
platforms don't fall under the standard Machinery
Directive and therefore they do not use the CE
marking system for safety.
Safety Cage Regulations
Forklift safety cages must be installed securely, and
must be accessed using a suitable method such as
rolling stairs or a safe portable ladder. The access
method that is suitable for the platform will depend
on what the platform is being used for, how often the
user will be accessing the platform, and how long they
will be on the platform each time.
Forklift working platforms are intended to offer safe
and secure access to high areas such as roofs and
ceilings, but the cages themselves can pose a danger if
they are not securely attached to the truck.

3. The platforms are raised and lowered by the forklift
truck, and they are designed to be used by one or two
workers at a time. The person who is operating the
truck must be fully qualified in the safe operation of the
truck and must understand how to handle the truck
while there are people on the platform.
There are some platforms that have integrated control
systems, which means that the workers on the platform
can raise and lower then platform by themselves. This
can be a safer option than requiring the forklift truck
operator to move the platform while other people are
on it.
Safer Alternatives
HSE Guidance Note PM28 notes that non-integrated
working platforms should be used on an occasional
basis only, and that they should not be used if there is a
practical, possible, and safe alternative. This is
especially important to remember for regular duties
such as ongoing maintenance and stocktaking duties.

4. It is better to look for a safer alternative, and use forklift
safety cages only for ad-hoc maintenance work or
occasional jobs where it would not be practical to use a
more permanent access method.
If operated cautiously, by a qualified professional,
forklift safety cages can be safe. The risks become more
apparent if the cage used is the wrong size or weight for
the forklift truck, or if the cage is not secured to the
truck appropriately. Fortunately, these two problems
are both things that can be avoided relatively easily.
MHA Products
Address: PO Box 2157, North Parramatta,
Sydney, NSW 1750
Phone: 02 8865 1800
Http://www.mhaproducts.com.au/p/Access-
Equipment/Forklift-Platform-Goods-
Cages/Forklift-Safety-Cage/FC2901