Two Workers Killed in Boom Lift Rollover in Sintra, Portugal
30 Second Takeaway
Two workers died on 19 August after a boom lift overturned while they were repainting the façade of a residential building in Sintra, Portugal. The men were working from the platform at an estimated height of 16 to 18 metres when the lift tipped rearwards, throwing them from the platform. The machine was reported to be a JLG 80HX boom lift, although its model and configuration have not been independently confirmed. Authorities, including Portugal’s Authority for Working Conditions (ACT), are investigating. The lift’s setup and the workers’ use of fall protection have not been confirmed as causes or contributing factors.
Incident Overview
Sintra, Portugal
Two workers died after a boom lift overturned during façade painting work at a multi-storey residential building. The incident was reported to emergency services at around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 19 August.
The men, both Brazilian, were working from the lift’s platform at an estimated height of 16 to 18 metres. The boom came down onto a small building as the machine overturned. Safety authorities and ACT attended the scene and began investigating.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
Two workers were repainting the façade of a residential building in Sintra.
They were working from an elevated boom lift platform, reportedly around 16 to 18 metres above ground.
The boom lift overturned rearwards during the work.
The workers were thrown from the platform and died.
The lift was reported to be an older JLG 80HX model; this identification has not been independently confirmed.
The lift was positioned on a public road, with traffic cones visible around the work area in images described in the initial report.
Safety authorities and ACT attended the scene and are investigating.
The workers’ use of harnesses and lanyards has not been confirmed.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Boom lift, reported as a JLG 80HX
Incident type: Boom lift overturn during façade work
Location: Sintra, Portugal
Work scope: Repainting a residential building façade
Working height: Estimated at 16 to 18 metres
Fatalities: Two workers
Fall-protection equipment: Use of harnesses and lanyards has not been confirmed
Investigation status: Safety authorities and ACT are investigating
Public-space permit: The mayor said the municipality was reviewing the project’s licensing and permit requirements
Early Observations
The initial report raised the possibility that the lift’s telescopic axles were not extended. It also noted that older machines may have boom-function limit switches that differ from those used on newer equipment. These are preliminary observations only; investigators have not confirmed the machine’s configuration or identified the cause of the overturn.
The initial report also assumed the workers were not wearing harnesses and lanyards, but this has not been established. Their fall-protection arrangements should not be treated as a confirmed factor in the incident.
Sintra Mayor Marco Almeida said the municipality was reviewing whether the project had the required permit to occupy public space. That review is separate from the technical investigation into why the lift overturned.
Why This Incident Was Possible
The cause of the rollover has not been determined. Boom lift stability can depend on the machine’s setup, ground conditions, axle or outrigger position, boom angle, platform load and operating configuration. Working beside a public road can add further site-planning and pedestrian-control requirements.
Investigators will need to establish the lift’s configuration and condition, the ground and work-area conditions, and how the machine was being operated at the time.
Industry Reminder
Boom lifts must be set up and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the conditions at the worksite. Before elevating, crews should confirm the machine is on suitable ground, required axles or stabilisers are correctly positioned, and the work area is protected from people and traffic.
Workers should use the fall-protection equipment specified for the machine and task, with harnesses and lanyards connected to approved anchor points where required. Equipment condition, operator training and work planning should also be verified before the platform is raised.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, access-equipment and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The cause of the incident and other details may change as the investigation progresses.
How Boom Lift Overturns Can Be Prevented
Set up the machine in its required configuration
Extend axles or deploy stabilisers as directed by the manufacturer, and confirm all position indicators and interlocks are functioning before elevating.
Assess ground and site conditions
Check the surface for slopes, soft areas, voids, drains and other conditions that could affect stability. Position the lift only where the machine can be safely supported.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating limits
Use the correct operating procedures for the specific machine, including limits for boom position, platform load and movement while elevated.
Plan and control the work zone
Protect workers and the public from vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Obtain required permits for work that occupies public space.
Use suitable fall protection
Follow the machine manufacturer’s requirements and the work plan for harnesses, lanyards and approved anchor points.
Ensure workers are trained and equipment is maintained
Qualified operators should inspect the lift before use, understand its controls and safety systems, and report any defects that could affect safe operation.
