Worker Rescued from Bil-Jax Trailer Lift in Ann Arbor

30 Second Takeaway

A man was rescued from the platform of a Bil-Jax 5533A trailer-mounted boom lift in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Wednesday, July 1. Ann Arbor firefighters said the platform became unstable and the lift’s controls locked out, leaving the occupant unable to lower it. Firefighters used ground ladders to bring him down, and he was not injured. Photos appear to show the lift’s outriggers positioned close to the edge of a paved area, but the setup has not been identified as the cause of the incident.

Incident Overview

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Firefighters were called to rescue a man stranded in the platform of a Bil-Jax 5533A trailer-mounted articulating boom lift. According to the fire service, the platform became unstable and the controls locked out.

The 5533A is a towable lift with a rated working height of approximately 61 feet and a platform capacity of up to 500 pounds. Firefighters assessed the situation and used ground ladders to safely remove the occupant.

What Happened

Based on information available at the time of publication:

• A man was working from the platform of a Bil-Jax 5533A trailer lift.

• The platform reportedly became unstable.

• The lift’s controls locked out, preventing the occupant from lowering the platform.

• Ann Arbor firefighters assessed the situation and deployed ground ladders.

• The occupant was rescued without injury.

• The incident was resolved without further complications.

What Is Known

• Equipment involved: Bil-Jax 5533A trailer-mounted articulating boom lift

• Equipment capacity: Approximately 61-foot working height and up to 500-pound platform capacity

• Incident type: Occupant stranded after platform instability and control lockout

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

• Rescue method: Ground ladders

• Injuries: None reported

• Investigation status: No cause has been confirmed in the available information

Early Observations

Photos from the scene appear to show the lift’s outrigger feet positioned close to the edge of a paved area, with no outrigger mats visible. This is a visual observation only; the photos do not establish the full ground conditions, the lift’s setup procedure or the reason the platform became unstable.

The fire service said the machine’s controls locked out after the platform became unstable. The available information does not confirm whether the control lockout was triggered by the lift’s leveling system or another safety function.

Why This Incident Was Possible

Trailer-mounted boom lifts rely on properly deployed and supported outriggers to create a stable base. Uneven or insufficiently firm ground, positioning too close to an edge, or changes in the machine’s level can affect stability and may prevent normal operation.

The available information does not establish which condition caused the platform instability or control lockout in this incident.

Industry Reminder

Trailer-mounted lifts should be positioned on ground that can support the machine and its outrigger loads. Before raising the boom, operators should deploy and level the outriggers according to the manufacturer’s instructions, keeping the feet clear of edges and using suitable support where required.

If a lift becomes unstable or its controls lock out, the occupant should follow the machine’s emergency procedures and contact trained ground personnel. A rescue plan should be in place before work begins.

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 platform instability and control lockout has not been confirmed.

How Trailer Lift Lockouts Can Be Prevented

Choose a suitable setup area

Assess ground strength, level and proximity to edges before positioning the lift.

Deploy and support all outriggers correctly

Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions, confirm the machine is level and use suitable support beneath outrigger feet where needed.

Check the lift before raising the platform

Confirm that the leveling and outrigger systems are operating correctly and that the machine is ready for use.

Follow the emergency lowering procedure

Operators and ground personnel should know how to use the manufacturer-approved emergency controls and recovery steps.

Plan for rescue before work starts

Establish how an occupant can be brought down safely if the platform controls stop responding.