IPAF launches global safety campaign

IPAF’s ANNUAL safety campaign is informed by data from its global Accident Reporting Portal, which reveals that fatal overturns increased by 50% from January 2021 to December 2023.

In the last decade, 108 fatalities, 64 major injuries, and 25 minor injuries, were reported and attributed to overturns incidents involving MEWPs. 64% of overturns were reported from North America, 18% from Europe, and 22% from Asia.​

IPAF’s head of safety & technical, Brian Parker, commented: “MEWP overturns continue to be a major cause of serious injuries and fatalities in our industry. With the launch of IPAF’s 2025 Global Safety Campaign – Stop Overturns: Safety Starts on the Ground! – we are reinforcing a crucial message: ground conditions matter. By understanding the risks and implementing proper safety measures, we can prevent overturns, protect lives, and create safer work environments worldwide. Let’s work together to make a significant impact and aim for a measurable decrease in MEWP overturns globally.”

IPAF has developed new industry guidance: The Assessment of Ground Conditions and Supporting Structures for The Safe Use of MEWPs. It is split into two parts: guidance for MEWP users, with sections on dewatering, suspended floors, and temporary works, and guidance for MEWP operators, focusing on the MEWP travelling on uneven ground, elevated, stowed position, slopes and positioning.

Other guidance in the overturns global safety campaign includes:

• A risk assessment should be conducted during the planning phase. This must include evaluation of the ground/support structures that MEWPs are to be positioned or travelled on to ensure they are safe.
• A MEWP pre-use inspection should be carried out by the operator prior to each use.
• A ground assessment should be made by the operator prior to each use of the MEWP.
• Walk the route: if a MEWP is to travel from one area to another, the operator should identify potential hazards by walking the route prior to MEWP operation.
• MEWP maintenance: owners should keep MEWPs in a safe-to-use condition in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and industry standards.
• Quality operator training: employers should ensure all their operators are adequately trained, familiarised.

Stop Overturns – Safety Starts on the Ground!