
When it comes to powered access equipment, safety stands as an uncompromising factor, essential to operational success. This commitment to safety is reflected in all that the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) does. IPAF is an organization dedicated to promoting and enabling the safe and effective use of powered access equipment while developing a safety-centric culture through its dedicated Accident Reporting Portal: ipafaccidentreporting.org.
However, the necessity to prioritize the prevention of severe injuries and fatalities has become increasingly apparent. While non-fatal injury rates show a downward trend, the incidence of work-related fatalities has plateaued over the past decade, with a concerning rise in recent years. Currently, the fatality rate stands at 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, translating to an alarming 12-14 fatal occupational injuries each day.
International Powered Access Federation
According to OSHA's most recent data from 2022:
- 1,069 construction workers were fatally injured in 2022 in the U.S.
- Falls accounted for 38% of incidents
- Struck by accounted for 8% of incidents
- Electrical accounted for 6% of incidents
- Caught in-between accounted for 6% of incidents
At the heart of IPAF's mission lies a belief in the transformative power of data-driven decision-making. Through its user-friendly platform, stakeholders worldwide are encouraged to contribute to a collective source of incident data. What sets this initiative apart is its inclusivity—reporting isn't confined to IPAF members but extends an open invitation to individuals and organizations globally, with the option to also submit reports anonymously. This approach not only widens the scope of data collection but also helps provide a more comprehensive understanding of safety challenges across diverse industries and regions.
The significance of this collaborative effort cannot be overstated. By collecting incident data, IPAF and its stakeholders gain invaluable insights into emerging trends and common risk factors. This wealth of information serves as a guide for developing targeted safety guidance, training programs, and impactful global and regionalized safety campaigns. Through this process of data collection, analysis, and action, IPAF seeks to continuously elevate safety standards and practices within the powered access industry.
The Global Safety Report
IPAF has embraced digitization as a means for enhancing accessibility and sustainability. The transition to digital platforms not only streamlines the reporting process but also ensures that safety information is always readily accessible to stakeholders. Central to IPAF's safety initiatives is the annual release of the Global Safety Report—a comprehensive compilation of accident data from across the globe. This report serves as a testament to IPAF's dedication to transparency and accountability, offering stakeholders a nuanced understanding of safety challenges within the powered access industry.
The 2024 edition of the Global Safety Report reflects both progress and challenges within the industry. Offering an overview of our latest findings, the report seeks to provide a clearer picture of the powered access industry. While there was a commendable 12.3% decrease in Fatal and Major incident reports compared to the previous year, this decline contrasts with a concerning rise in fatalities by the same margin, highlighting the persistent safety challenges we must collectively overcome. Delving deeper into the data, it becomes evident that the construction sector remains particularly prone to accidents, with nearly half of all incident reports concerning powered access equipment originating from this industry.
International Powered Access Federation
Despite this progress, IPAF remains mindful of the potential for underreporting and acknowledges the need for continuous improvement in reporting practices. As the organization looks towards the future, it is committed to further expanding its global reach and enhancing safety coverage in collaboration with its network of valued members and the wider industry.
In conclusion, IPAF's dedication to global Accident Reporting and safety is stronger than ever. By harnessing the power of data, embracing digital innovation, and encouraging collaboration, IPAF continues to lead the charge toward a safer, more secure working environment for all involved in the powered access sector. With each report submitted, IPAF takes another step closer to its goal of saving lives and helping families return home to their loved ones, one accident report at a time.