The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) released its 2024 Global Safety Report. Further strengthening the organization's focus on digitization and sustainability, the report is only available in digital form
As described in their announcement, the report examines the primary causes of major injuries and fatalities during the operation of powered access machinery, such as mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), mast climbing working platforms (MCWPs), and construction hoists (CH). They state that though using lifting equipment is one of the safest methods for working at height, maintaining high safety standards while doing so requires the combination of 1) effective management, 2) supervision, and 3) operator involvement.
- 216 people were involved in incidents, a 2% decrease
- 44% of the reported incidents were in the U.S.
- Falls ranked highest of the top six fatal incidents
According to the release:
The transition to a digital-only report lays the groundwork for future editions, reflecting IPAF’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. IPAF collaborates closely with its network of members, manufacturers, rental companies, distributors, contractors, and users to identify emerging safety trends and challenges, driving targeted guidance and training initiatives.
To view the IPAF Global Safety Report 2024, visit: ipaf.org/gsr2024.
The production of the Global Safety Report follows a strict protocol to ensure quality. Each phase, from inception within the Safety & Technical Department to rigorous evaluations by the International Safety Committee (ISC), aims to produce an informed, reliable, and comprehensive report. The report details data on industry sectors, incident locations, countries where incidents occurred, and incidents by machine categories, with a focus on Fatal and Major incidents.
Since IPAF began collecting accident data in 2012, there has been a significant increase in reported incidents, signalling heightened awareness and reporting around the world. Despite notable advancements in 2023, there is still much work to be done to maintain momentum and continually improve safety standards.
Reflecting on the release, Alana Paterson, Chair of the IPAF International Safety Committee and Head of Health, Safety & Environment at Taylor Woodrow, commented, "As a safety professional with over 20 years of experience in powered access equipment, I affirm that using powered access remains one of the safest methods for working at height, despite the incidents we experience. The global volume of machine movements far exceeds the number of incidents, yet serious injuries involving Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, Construction Hoists, and Mast Climbing Work Platforms still occur.
The work of IPAF and the IPAF International Safety Committee (ISC) is crucial in preventing incidents involving Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, Construction Hoists, and Mast Climbing Work Platforms. This report is the result of extensive data collection, trend analysis, and the hard work of the IPAF team and industry contributors. I extend my gratitude to the IPAF team and ISC members for their dedication to improving safety in the powered access industry. Please use this report to educate and promote safety in the powered access industry, demonstrating our commitment to making operations safer worldwide."
Brian Parker, IPAF Head of Safety and Technical who oversaw the development of the report, stated: "The digital transformation of the IPAF Global Safety Report represents a significant step forward for our organisation. By embracing a digital-only format, we are making our valuable safety insights more accessible and aligning with our sustainability goals. I want to thank our members and the users of powered access equipment globally for their contributions. Your continued commitment to reporting incidents through the IPAF Accident Reporting Portal is crucial in our efforts to enhance safety standards.”
