During a strong gust of wind, a telehandler with a personnel basket and two workers experiences significant sway. The telehandler's load chart indicates a maximum wind speed of 48 km/h for personnel work. What is the MOST appropriate action for the operator, assuming the wind speed is approaching or exceeding this limit?

Question: During a strong gust of wind, a telehandler with a personnel basket and two workers experiences significant sway. The telehandler's load chart indicates a maximum wind speed of 48 km/h for personnel work. What is the MOST appropriate action for the operator, assuming the wind speed is approaching or exceeding this limit?

Answer options:

• Continue working but instruct the workers to hold on tightly.
• Slightly lower the boom to reduce sway, then continue the task. ✅ Immediately lower the personnel basket to the ground and discontinue operations.
• Orient the telehandler so the wind hits the side of the basket, minimizing forward sway.

Correct answer: Immediately lower the personnel basket to the ground and discontinue operations.

Explanation: Exceeding the manufacturer's specified wind speed limit for personnel lifting operations presents a significant risk to stability and worker safety. The only safe and compliant action is to immediately lower the personnel to the ground and cease operations until conditions improve. Attempting to continue, even with adjustments, or reorienting the machine, would be an unacceptable risk and contrary to safety standards.