Published on: June 8, 2026

Rotating telehandlers are used across many industries to move materials on worksites. These machines have a telescoping boom that extends upward and forward. Both the boom and the cab are mounted on a rotating turntable. More than 100 attachments can be added to the boom, allowing the machine to perform different tasks.

Theresa O’Hara
Occupational safety officer, Provincial Crane Inspection Team

Years on the job: 17
Region: Port Moody

By Michael Laycock

Because of their versatility, rotating telehandlers are sometimes called the “Swiss Army knife” of mobile equipment. Their use in B.C. has grown quickly since being introduced from Europe a few years ago. But that versatility also brings risks.

We spoke with occupational safety officer Theresa O’Hara about how employers, operators, and other groups can reduce these emerging risks.

What are the hazards of rotating telehandlers?

These machines can put workers at risk of injury due to load failures, rollovers, contact with workers on foot, contact with power lines, or other incidents.

When fitted with a hoisting attachment, a rotating telehandler can act much like a mobile crane. We often see these machines used this way on worksites. But unlike mobile cranes, rotating telehandlers aren’t currently covered by Canadian standards for design, training, certification, safe use, inspection, and maintenance. Standards and rules for this equipment are still being developed.

Mobile crane-style work, such as handling suspended loads, is complex and high risk. Operators of rotating telehandlers may not have had adequate training to do that work. Forklift (lift truck) training based on CSA Standard B335-15 does not adequately prepare operators to use rotating telehandlers.

How do I reduce the risks?

If you’re an employer looking to buy or rent a rotating telehandler, make sure it meets the requirements of ISO standard 10896. This standard is published by the International Organization for Standardization. WorkSafeBC accepts this standard for these machines.

Carry out a site-specific risk assessment based on how you plan to use the machine. Then identify control measures to reduce the risks, such as separating telehandler activity from workers on foot.

Provide operators with the information, instruction, training, and supervision needed to ensure they use the machine and each attachment safely. Manufacturers or suppliers are often the best source of information. You should also refer to ISO standard 11525. Part 2 of this standard covers safe use, training, inspection, and maintenance. Part 4 covers handling freely suspended loads.

Before operators use rotating telehandlers with hoisting attachments, you need to make sure they have demonstrated competency. This means showing you they can safely use the equipment at the worksite. Operators must be familiar with the operating instructions and understand the limitations of the equipment (such as slopes, terrain, loads, and ground-bearing capacity). They must also be able to use load charts correctly and carry out safe rigging and lifting procedures.

If an operator shows gaps in their competency, provide additional training. Training providers need to develop training based on ISO standards 10896 and 11525, as well as the competencies set out in guideline G14.34.

Manufacturers and suppliers need to provide renters and buyers with clear, accurate information on the safe use of rotating telehandlers and attachments. They need to make sure the equipment meets recognized standards, such as ISO 10896.

Where can I get more information?

See our bulletin Managing the risks of rotating telehandlers. These machines evolved from telehandlers that do not rotate. For more on non-rotating telehandlers, see our related bulletin Managing the risks of telehandlers.

WorkSafeBC prevention and investigating officers cannot and do not provide advice on specific cases or issues referenced in this article. WorkSafeBC and WorkSafe Magazine disclaim responsibility for any reliance on this information, which is provided for readers’ general education only. For more specific information on prevention matters, contact the WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line at 604.276.3100 or toll-free at 1.888.621.7233.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of WorkSafe Magazine.

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