Custom Equipment Inc.
Ehstoday 2549 Lift
Ehstoday 2549 Lift
Ehstoday 2549 Lift
Ehstoday 2549 Lift
Ehstoday 2549 Lift

Number of Fatal Injuries for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms Remains Constant

April 8, 2016
Despite increases in the number of elevating work and aerial platforms being utilized, fatal incident rates have not increased.

The fatal injury rate for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), or aerial work platforms (AWPs), has remained constant, even though the total MEWP rental fleet and the number of rental days worldwide have increased. International Powered Access Federation’s release of the 2015 MEWP-related accident data and its preliminary fatal injury rate calculations find that for 2015, the number of days a rented machine was operated per year was 192.2 million and the number of reported MEWP fatalities was 68, to give a fatal injury rate of 0.035. Of the 68 reported MEWP fatalities for 2015, the main causes were overturn, falls from height, electrocution and entrapment.

In 2014, the number of days a rented machine was operated per year was 182.4 million and the number of reported MEWP fatalities was 64, to give a fatal injury rate of 0.035. In 2013, the number of days a rented machine was operated per year was 168.4 million and the number of reported MEWP fatalities was 68, to give a fatal injury rate of 0.040.

The accident data from 2013 to 2015 show that the main causes of MEWP-related fatalities were: fall from height (31 percent), overturn (27 percent), electrocution (15 percent) and entrapment (15 percent).

The MEWP fatal injury rate as calculated by IPAF takes into account the following factors:

Presenting the research at the IPAF Summit in Madrid, Chris Wraith, IPAF technical and safety executive, noted that international accident data is presented in different formats, which sometimes makes it difficult to draw useful comparisons. “MEWPs are part of the solution in preventing falls from height, but we should recognize that MEWPs introduce hazards that need managing,” he noted. “Engineering control is but one option, and the industry is starting to work together on a global scale to ensure continual improvement.”

IPAF’s accident reporting project, launched in 2012, is gradually creating a comprehensive record of known accidents. The accident data gathered enables IPAF to improve the content of training programs, to develop technical guidance, to target specific high-risk professions or activities and to provide research findings used to influence standards.

All manufacturers, rental companies, contractors and users are encouraged to report all known accidents (not just fatal and serious accidents) involving MEWPs and MCWPs (mast climbing work platforms) at www.ipaf.org/accident.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!