In every modern construction site, safety, productivity, and worker well-being are essential elements. However, traditional solutions for working at heights below 5 m (16 ft), such as ladders, step ladders, and push-around platforms, have clear limitations: high risk of injury, frequent operational interruptions, physical fatigue, and logistical complexity. They require constant climbing up and down, provide limited stability, and fail to offer protection in the event of a misstep or loss of balance.

In the current context, characterized by:

An aging workforce, (Fillea‑Cgil)

Increasingly tight project timelines,

Growing attention to ergonomics and health.

it is crucial to rethink the daily tools used for working at heights. Prevention is no longer just a regulatory requirement; it is a strategic lever to increase efficiency, quality, and competitiveness.

Leonardo HD was created to address this need: a compact, motorized vertical mast lift that is intuitive and designed to intelligently replace ladders, step ladders, and push-around for cyclical work at heights. It allows a single operator to work independently, safely, and continuously, reducing risks and enhancing comfort. Compared to traditional solutions, it offers tangible advantages:

Reduction of injuries by up to 75% compared to ladders and step ladders. (EU-OSHA – Working at      Height – INAIL – Cadute dall’alto)

Increase in productivity by up to 30%.

Reduction of musculoskeletal disorders by up to 50% thanks to the elimination of repetitive strain. (EU‑OSHA)

Greater operator satisfaction, particularly among those over 45 y.o., due to reduced fatigue and ease of use. 

Safety: leap in quality

Falls from height are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in the construction sector in Europe. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), over 25% of workplace fall accidents are due to the use of ladders, while about 10% are related to step ladders and scaffolding.

In Italy, INAIL* reports that, in the five-year period from 2008 to 2012, around 24% of fatal fall accidents involved the use of portable ladders, step ladders, and scaffolding 

(*National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work)

Lightweight platforms like Leonardo HD offer significant safety advantages:

Integrated Guardrails: Provide continuous protection for the operator while working at height, reducing the risk of falls.

Base Stability: Minimize the risk of tipping over compared to ladders and step ladders, ensuring a safer working environment.

Intuitive Controls: Make operation easier and reduce the possibility of operational errors, enhancing overall safety and efficiency.

Elimination of Risks Related to Incorrect Assembly: Unlike step ladders, these platforms don’t require complex assembly, reducing the risk of errors during installation.

These features collectively lead to a significant reduction in injuries, improving overall safety when working at height.

The use of a ladder involves between 5 and 10 climbs and descents to complete a work cycle, with frequent manual relocations, and an estimated total time of around 25 minutes.

Push-arounds slightly improve efficiency by reducing the climbs to 3–5, but still require manual relocations and an overall time between 18 and 20 minutes.

Leonardo HD, thanks to its driveability and the ability to work without leaving the platform, reduces the number of climbs to just one per operational cycle. Additionally, the greater load capacity allows the operator to transport tools and materials in a single trip, eliminating the need for multiple climbs. This facilitates continuous workflow management and quick movement between stations, reducing the average time to complete the task to only 12–14 minutes.

A EU‑OSHA study shows that 54% of construction workers suffer from musculoskeletal pain related to the use of ladders and scaffolding. The use of Leonardo HD eliminates repetitive climbs and unnecessary physical effort, drastically reducing physical fatigue.

In an industry where the average age exceeds 47 y.o., reducing physical stress is crucial for extending careers and reducing absenteeism. By minimizing strain, Leonardo HD supports a healthier workforce and helps ensure long-term productivity.

Ergonomic Benefits of Leonardo HD:

No repeated climbing

Less strain on knees/back

Always stable posture

Fewer breaks for fatigue

Economic Benefits

Reduced Injury Costs

Less Wasted Time = More Operations Completed Daily

In the construction industry, which is among the most affected by serious injuries, the estimated average cost for an injury resulting in approximately 15 days of absence is around €7,500 (source: ANMIL).

Typical Breakdown of Costs:

Direct Costs (8%): compensations, medical treatment, equipment damage..

Indirect Costs (56%): Lost productivity, hiring/training of replacements, delays on construction sites

Intangible Costs (36%): Image damage, team stress, decreased morale.

Strategic and Business Benefits

Operational Speed: IPAF studies show that self-propelled platforms can increase productivity by up to 6 times compared to scaffolding. A real-world case demonstrated that the same wall maintenance task was completed in 1 hour 43 minutes with a platform, compared to 3 hours 6 minutes with scaffolding.

Versatility: Leonardo HD is suitable for a wide range of sectors, including construction, industrial, logistics, retail, museums, hospitals, and airports. Thanks to its electric operation, it is silent and emission-free, making it ideal for sensitive indoor environments.

Corporate Image: Investing in modern tools enhances the perception of safety and innovation. According to EU-OSHA, prevention plays a significant role in improving the company’s reputation and internal satisfaction.

Simplified Logistics: Leonardo HD can be transported in a van and stored in compact spaces. Unlike scaffolding, it doesn’t require disassembly and storage of separate parts, reducing both space and logistical time.

Leonardo HD is not just a work platform: it is an investment in safety, well-being, and productivity. Easy to use, versatile, and suitable for any environment, it helps modernize working at height, delivering immediate and tangible benefits.