The Decline of Man-Cages

Man-cages were once a standard method for lifting personnel into elevated work areas, especially on construction and maintenance sites. They were seen as a simple solution that could be paired with existing cranes or lifting machines.

However, updated regulations, modern engineering standards, and incident statistics all point in the same direction: man-cages are no longer the preferred, safest, or most efficient way to move people at height. With clearer legal frameworks and accessible alternatives, the industry is steadily moving away from this outdated practice.

This article explains why man-cages are being phased out, what the South African regulations require, and which safer alternatives your project should adopt today.

 

The Regulatory Foundation: Understanding the Legal Requirements

The use of man-cages is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 (1993) and the Driven Machinery Regulations (DMR). These laws set strict requirements for any equipment used to lift personnel.

Approval and Compliance Requirements

Before a man-cage can be used, several conditions must be met:

• A full risk assessment must be conducted.
• A Department of Labour inspector must approve and authorise its use.
• The man-cage must be designed and manufactured according to SANS standards.
• The Department of Labour must be notified for each site where a man-cage is used.

 

These compliance steps are intensive, time-consuming, and often impractical for everyday operations. This is one of the significant reasons the industry is transitioning away from man-cages.

 

Why Man-Cages Are Falling Out of Favour

The Safety Concerns

Under SANS 583:2015, man-cages are discouraged for routine work. This is due to the inherent risks associated with suspending a cage from a lifting machine that was not originally designed to transport people. Several major concerns include:

• Limited operator control: The worker inside the cage cannot control their own movement or emergency descent.
• Sudden, uncontrolled swings: Wind, crane movement, or uneven ground can cause erratic movements.
• Lack of built-in safety features: Unlike purpose-built access platforms, man-cages have minimal integrated protection systems.
• Increased severity of mechanical failure: A minor chain, hook, or hydraulic issue becomes catastrophic when a person is inside the cage.

 

These issues create a heightened risk environment, especially in congested construction spaces where the consequences of failure can be severe.

 

Industry Shift: Purpose-Built MEWPs as the Preferred Solution

What Are MEWPs?

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), such as scissor lifts and boom lifts, are engineered specifically for lifting people, not materials. They are purpose-built to provide safe, stable, and controllable elevation.

Built-in Safety Advantages

MEWPs offer numerous advantages over man-cages, including:

• Operator controls inside the platform
• Guardrails and fall protection systems
• Controlled, smooth vertical and horizontal movement
• Emergency stop and emergency lowering systems
• Smoother handling and reduced sway
• Designed load limits for both workers and tools

These features make MEWPs the safer, more compliant choice for the modern construction environment.

 

Are Man-Cages Entirely Banned?

Man-cages may still be used, but only under very strict, exceptional circumstances, such as:

• Non-routine or once-off high-risk tasks
• When no MEWP or safer method is feasible
• Emergency or rescue scenarios where alternatives are impractical

 

Even in these cases, the following conditions apply:

• The cage must meet SANS requirements
• A DoL inspector must approve its use
• All lifting equipment must be load tested and compliant
• Only essential personnel are allowed in the cage
• A competent operator must be at the controls

 

This makes man-cages the exception rather than the standard.

 

Modern Construction Demands Safer Practices

With increased client oversight, improved regulatory enforcement, and accessible rental options for MEWPs, the industry is expected to increasingly use purpose-built equipment for personnel lifting. Continuing to rely on man-cages exposes contractors to unnecessary risks, avoidable incidents, and potential legal consequences.

By adopting safer alternatives, companies:

• Reduce the likelihood of severe incidents
• Improve operational efficiency
• Demonstrate compliance with South African OHS legislation
• Build trust with clients and project partners

It’s not just about compliance; it’s about responsible, forward-thinking safety leadership.

 

Man-cages have played a role in the industry for decades, but today they are recognised as a higher-risk, less controlled, and more regulated method of lifting personnel. With the availability of MEWPs and other purpose-built equipment, the move away from man-cages is not only a regulatory expectation but a wise operational decision.

By embracing safer alternatives, contractors protect their workforce and reputation, ensuring work at height is carried out with the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and modern compliance.