IPAF Calls for Reporting of All MEWP Accidents and Incidents
IPAF is urging everyone in the powered access industry to report all accidents, incidents, and near-misses involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs), and construction hoists.
Every report, no matter how minor it may seem, provides critical data that helps IPAF and the wider industry prevent future incidents and save lives.
Reporting helps to:
- Identify recurring trends and how to avoid them in the future
- Develop good practice guidance for the industry
- Create targeted global safety campaigns
- Enhance the content of IPAF training courses
- Provide information for the annual Global Safety Report
Industry experts stress the importance of reporting:
Accident reporting is vital! It helps if one person from the organisation completes this as they get to see everything. This is how we noticed a trend forming with FIVE deck incidents in one month across several projects. This prompted us to reach out to IPAF to see if there was a Toolbox Talk for safe extending deck use. Within 24 hours, a draft Toolbox Talk was in my inbox and now I signpost our teams to the final version.
- Steve O’Brien, MEWP Compliance Team Supervisor, Select Plant Hire
Reporting accidents on MCWPs and Construction Hoists isn't just a safety protocol, it's a responsibility that protects lives, prevents future incidents, and strengthens a culture of accountability on every job site.
- Steve McEwan, SHEQ & Training Director, BFT Mastclimbing
You can submit a confidential (and if you wish, anonymous) report via IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal: ipafaccidentreporting.org.