Two Workers Rescued from Unstable Boom Lift in Haverhill, Massachusetts
30 Second Takeaway
Two workers were rescued from a Genie ZX-135/70 articulated boom lift at a building in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, October 21. The lift reportedly experienced a mechanical failure while the occupants were using its emergency lowering system, and the platform contacted the building as the machine began to tip backward. Fire crews stabilized the lift with cribbing, wheel chocks and a steel support before using a fire department ladder to bring the workers down. No injuries were reported.
Incident Overview
Haverhill, Massachusetts, United States
Two workers were stranded about 80 feet (24 metres) above the ground in the platform of a United Rentals Genie ZX-135/70 boom lift. The lift was positioned beside a building on Essex Street when a reported mechanical failure prompted an attempt to lower the platform using the emergency system.
The platform contacted the building, and the lift became unstable and began tipping backward. Fire crews evacuated the building, diverted traffic and stabilized the machine before rescuing the workers.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, at a building on Essex Street in Haverhill.
A man and a woman were working from the platform at a reported height of about 80 feet (24 metres).
The Genie ZX-135/70 experienced a reported mechanical failure.
An attempt was made to lower the platform using the emergency lowering system.
The platform contacted the building, and the lift began tipping backward.
Fire crews used cribbing, wheel chocks and a steel support to help stabilize the lift.
The building was evacuated and traffic diverted while the rescue was carried out.
A fire department ladder was used to bring both workers down.
No injuries were reported.
Fire crews lowered the boom lift after rescuing the workers, completing the operation within about three hours of arriving.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Genie ZX-135/70 articulated boom lift from the United Rentals fleet.
Incident type: Boom lift became unstable during an emergency lowering attempt; two workers were rescued.
Location: Essex Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts.
Work height: Approximately 80 feet (24 metres), according to the initial account.
Reported sequence: Mechanical failure, emergency lowering attempt, platform contact with the building and rearward instability.
Injuries: None reported.
Rescue method: Fire department ladder, after crews stabilized the lift.
Investigation status: The precise mechanical failure and cause of the instability have not been confirmed.
The ZX-135/70 has a maximum working height of 141 feet (43.15 metres), a maximum horizontal reach of 69 feet 9 inches (21.26 metres) and a platform capacity of 600 pounds (272 kilograms).
Early Observations
The initial account said the platform contacted the building while the emergency lowering system was being used, after which the lift began to tip backward. The exact failure and the sequence of machine movements have not been independently confirmed.
An early visual assessment raised a question about whether part of the machine’s chassis had been extended. That detail remains uncertain; it is not known whether the machine’s configuration changed during the recovery. No cause has been established.
Why This Incident Was Possible
The mechanical failure and cause of the instability have not been determined. In similar boom lift incidents, investigators may examine:
The failed component or system and its maintenance history
The machine’s position, chassis configuration and operating conditions
The platform’s movement and contact with nearby structures
The emergency lowering method used and the manufacturer’s procedures
The site’s rescue plan and the equipment available to responders
These are general areas that may be reviewed in an equipment incident. They are not confirmed contributing factors in Haverhill.
Industry Reminder
Boom lift emergencies can change quickly when a platform is close to a building or other obstruction. Operators and site teams should understand the machine’s emergency lowering procedures and have a site-specific rescue plan that identifies how workers can be brought down safely.
When a lift becomes unstable, crews should keep people clear of the potential fall area and coordinate rescue actions with trained emergency responders. Machine recovery should follow appropriate procedures and account for the lift’s stability.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane accidents, access equipment incidents and lifting-related events to support industry awareness, learning and prevention.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The exact mechanical failure and cause of the lift’s instability have not been confirmed. The article may be updated if additional details are released.
How Boom Lift Incidents Can Be Prevented
Complete pre-use inspections
Check the lift before each shift and follow the manufacturer’s inspection and maintenance requirements. Report faults and remove equipment from service when its safe operation is in doubt.
Confirm machine configuration before elevationV
erify that the machine is set up in the configuration required for elevated operation and that the work area is suitable.
Plan platform positioning and clearance
Consider nearby structures and potential points of contact when positioning and moving the platform.
Train workers on emergency procedures
Ensure operators and ground personnel know the machine’s emergency lowering procedures and their roles in a rescue.
Prepare a site-specific rescue plan
Identify how workers can be recovered if the lift fails, and confirm that appropriate personnel and equipment are available.
Coordinate with emergency responders
When a lift is unstable, secure the surrounding area and coordinate rescue and recovery with trained responders.
