Working at Height: How to Stay Safe During Cladding Projects

Cladding installation often puts teams face-to-face with one of the construction industry’s greatest risks: working at height. With tasks regularly carried out several metres above ground and often in confined or awkward spaces, site managers and contractors must make safety a top priority.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) continues to report falls from height as the leading cause of fatal injuries in UK construction. As safety expectations increase and regulations become more stringent, selecting the right equipment is no longer just best practice—it’s a clear duty of care.

So how can Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) reduce those risks?

The Challenges of Cladding Installation

Cladding work presents a complex set of challenges, often under unpredictable conditions. From managing large panels to navigating uneven ground, even experienced professionals encounter hazards such as:

• Limited access or unstable surfaces

• Obstructed visibility from the basket

• Heavy manual handling of panels at height

• Overreaching or incorrect use of harnesses

• Fatigue or complacency during extended shifts

Even minor mistakes can lead to serious consequences. That’s why equipment designed with operator safety in mind is essential for preventing incidents before they occur.

How Niftylift Enhances On-Site Safety

At Niftylift, every machine is designed to prioritise safety without compromising performance. For cladding installation specifically, three safety technologies make a significant impact:

1. ClipOn – Smarter Harness Safety

ClipOn is Niftylift’s intelligent harness detection system. It prevents platform operation unless the operator’s harness is correctly attached. This simple, automatic feature reinforces safe behaviour without disrupting workflow.

Why it matters for cladding:
Operators frequently move in and out of the basket when handling large panels. ClipOn reduces the chance of falls by ensuring harnesses are securely fastened at all times.

2. SiOPS® – Preventing Entrapment

When working close to façades, scaffolding or structural elements, the risk of entrapment increases. SiOPS® (Sustained Involuntary Operation Prevention System) protects the operator by halting machine movement if pressure is detected on the controls—typically caused by an unintentional body contact.

The machine can only be reset from the ground, placing operator safety above all else.

Why it matters for cladding:
In tight spaces with large or awkward materials, SiOPS® offers critical protection against crushing or entrapment injuries.

3. Niftylink – Real-Time Equipment Monitoring

Niftylink is a remote diagnostics and fleet management platform that gives real-time insights into machine condition, performance and usage. It enables teams to monitor maintenance needs, track faults and ensure servicing is up to date.

Why it matters for cladding:
Well-maintained equipment is safer and more reliable. With Niftylink, teams can keep platforms in peak condition, reducing downtime and minimising safety risks caused by mechanical faults.

Designed for Safety. Built by Niftylift.

At Niftylift, safety isn’t an add-on—it’s embedded into every machine we manufacture. From intuitive control layouts to smart safety systems, our platforms are purpose-built for the real-world challenges of working at height.

For those managing cladding projects or overseeing façade installations, Niftylift MEWPs offer the assurance of safety-first performance—helping teams work efficiently, confidently, and in line with all site safety regulations.

Choose Niftylift. Choose safety you can trust.

For more information on Working at Height: How to Stay Safe During Cladding Projects talk to Niftylift Ltd