There are occasions where positioning or use of the MEWP renders the machine, or parts of it to impact from falling material. Proper planning and correct positioning of the MEWP for carrying out work at height is essential.

Entrapments are situations in which the operator or occupant of a MEWP becomes trapped between the MEWP controls or platform guardrails and an immovable object or external structure. If an operator becomes trapped, it often prevents them lowering or moving the MEWP safely away, leading to crushing injuries to all persons trapped. Operators will often be unable to rectify the situation and might find operating the controls makes the situation worse.

MEWPs rely on the strength of the ground and the structure directly beneath them to support the weight, movement and changes to the load in the platform. Where the MEWP touches the ground is often referred to as the ‘point of contact’ – this could be wheels, tracks, stabilisers or outriggers, and this may differ again if the MEWP is mounted to another vehicle or trailer.

The location of where a MEWP is to be set up is paramount, and away from controlled work sites risk can be heightened. A higher-than-average proportion of fatal and serious incidents occur alongside roads and/or in public areas. Planning is essential in minimising the risk that the MEWP is struck by another vehicle or plant machine.

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can be used in confined areas, or near overhead structures. When travelling or when elevated there is a risk that the operator or the platform occupant may come in contact with an overhead obstruction. This could result in crushing or entrapment of that person.

When working from a boom- type Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), it is strongly recommended that a lanyard short enough for the wearer to be restrained within the platform be used. The lanyard may contain an energy-absorbing device, provided it is short enough to restrain the wearer within the platform. This includes Static Booms (1b) and Mobile Booms (3b).

Accidents can occur from operating a MEWP that you are not familiar with and have not been trained to use. The controls of one MEWP might for example by moving the platform in the opposite direction than on another machine you have used, or feature very different ways to correctly set up outriggers or operate auxiliary controls.

A regular question IPAF is asked is “do I need training on a small static vertical machine without drive, also known as a Push Around Vertical (PAV)?”

If a boom-type MEWP becomes snagged or caught on another object, you might not realise this has happened, and might experience a catapult effect if you do not follow correct procedures with caution.

Who is to blame if something goes wrong or there is an accident when using powered access equipment? According to IPAF’s research, the fault can often be traced back to the planning stage.