Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) should not be used if there is a risk of lightning. If lightning strikes a MEWP it will look for the path of least resistance to earth. This means it can travel from the platform, through the superstructure and tyres to earth. Rubber tyres do not insulate MEWPs.

Don’t operate a MEWP when there is a risk of lightning. Seek proper shelter and wait until the storm passes.

CHANTALLE SULLIVAN
OFFICE AND SUPPLY CHAIN CO-ORDINATOR, INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION (SUSSEX), UK

IPAF’s Women in Powered Access initiative are launching a mentoring scheme for Women in the Powered Access Industry who are looking for extra support and guidance to sustain and promote their career within the Powered Access Industry.

CLAUDIA ALBERTS
FORMER OWNER, ALSA BORN VERHUUR, NETHERLANDS

This webinar examines the latest IPAF Global Safety Report which is informed by data submitted to IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal from 2012 to 2023. The webinar examines trends and touches on the culture and approach of capturing and reporting data. IPAF webinar sponsored by Skyjack, Hinowa, Palazzani, inspHire and GemOne.

The IPAF Global Safety Report 2025, covering 2015 - 2024 data, analyses the main causes of serious injuries and fatalities occurring when using powered access machines to conduct temporary work at height, highlighting the need to gather more near-miss data from across the industry worldwide to help avoid the most common types of serious accident in future.

There is a requirement for all lifting equipment, including Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), to specify maximum capacity limits. For MEWPs, this is the safe working load (SWL) which is expressed in kilograms or pounds and includes the maximum number of people allowed in the platform. An overload is the intentional, or accidental, exceeding of these limits.

Don’t Overload the Platform. Overloaded platforms can become unstable, always understand the machine limits before operating. Distribute the load evenly to prevent overturns.

The webinar explores the findings of the latest IPAF Rental Market Report 2023. The annual report studies a selection of countries/regions on the powered access market size, market dynamics, investments, market trends and drivers, and operational aspects.

Position your MEWP correctly and always stay inside the platform guardrails with both feet on the platform floor

Understand the ground conditions before operating

Always be aware and avoid crush hazards when moving the platform.

When working in a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) at height, you must be aware of the risk of tools, materials and equipment falling from the platform with the potential to injure people working at ground level. It is essential that any items likely to fall are properly secured within the envelope of the platform’s guardrails.

Prevent objects falling from the platform. Be aware that unsecured tools and materials can fall from platforms.

The IPAF Annual Report gives an overview of the year's activities and achievements.

INGEBORG GABRIELS
SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY MANAGER AT RIWAL, NETHERLANDS

International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) collates incident reports received from around the world, from companies, individuals and IPAF members who share their experiences to allow others to work safer. By analyzing the data, it is evident incidents involving electrocutions and electric shocks have notably increased since 2015, the standout statistic is that reported incidents of electrocution are nearly always fatal.

If a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) or platform occupant contacts energized power lines it can cause, electrocution, electric shock, fire, or an explosion. The same effects can occur without contacting a power line by arcing or flashover of electrical energy to a conductor.

The purpose of this document is to provide information, and good-practice guidance on means of reducing exposure to trapping
and crushing hazards while using a MEWP.

RF is short for radio frequency. RF is any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that is able to travel, or spread through space.

Stay safe when working around antennas. You are at risk from non-ionising radiation (RF) from transmitting antennas. Always make sure they are isolated and you have a permit to work.