According to the International Powered Access Federation's (IPAF) global Accident Reporting Portal, fatal overturns on MEWPs increased by 50% from January 2021 to December 2023. Instability leading to overturn is one of the top four industry causes of lost time incidents (LTIs) annually. These incidents can result in operators and occupants being ejected from the platform and create complex rescue scenarios for those trapped at height during a partial overturn.
To address this safety concern and putting focus on the serious and often fatal consequences of mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) overturns, IPAF has launched it's 2025 Global Safety Campaign: "Stop Overturns - Safety Starts on the Ground." Previous year's campaigns were focused on crushing, loading and unloading, electricity, fall prevention, road safety, planning, and inspections.
The latest statistics informing this year’s campaign revealed 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.
- The occupation most affected was MEWP operators, with a small number from delivery drivers, technicians/engineers, company staff and the public.
- Of these 108 recorded fatalities, 52 were recorded in 2021-2023, and 33% of overturns happened on a 3A mobile scissor, followed by 1B static boom (28%), 3B mobile boom (23%) and 1B static boom (12%).
- Instability leading to overturn is commonly among the top four industry causes of lost time incidents (LTIs) annually.
- MEWP overturns typically occur during setup, travel, or operation on inadequate or unsuitable ground or floor conditions. They can also occur while moving category 3A and 3B MEWPs across unsuitable terrain in either the elevated or stowed positions.
- The most common places for incidents to occur are construction premises, public areas, roads and highways, and rental yards.
- Non-fatal injury types result in fracture, concussion, bruising, impact pains, and cuts and lacerations.
Brian Parker, Head of Safety & Technical at IPAF (right) and Alana Paterson, Head of Health, Safety & Environment at Taylor Woodrow & Chair of the IPAF International Safety Committee (left) launched the campaign at the IPAF Summit early March 2025.International Powered Access Federation
Ground conditions matter, reminds IPAF’s Head of Safety & Technical, Brian Parker: "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."
Led by Parker and Alana Paterson, Head of Health, Safety & Environment at Taylor Woodrow & Chair of the IPAF International Safety Committee, the campaign emphasises when overturns occur, the hazards and risks – from injuries and fatalities to disruption of worksite and psychological impact – along with ways to manage and minimise the risks.
Recognizing the global reach of the campaign, 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.
Advice for MEWP Overturn Safety
- Conduct a risk assessment 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.
- Have the operator carry-out a MEWP pre-use inspection before each use.
- Have the operator make a ground assessment before each use.
- Walk the route first. If a MEWP is to travel from one area to another, the operator should identify potential hazards by walking the route prior to operation.
- MEWP maintenance. Owners should keep MEWPs in a safe-to-use condition in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and industry standards.
- Quality operator training. Employers should ensure all their operators are adequately trained and familiarized.
As the campaign launches, IPAF urges industry participation, implementation of recommended safety measures, and the reporting of incidents to facilitate ongoing safety improvements. Together, the industry can prevent and reduce overturns incidents and safeguard the well-being of operators and platform occupants in MEWPs.
For more information about "Stop Overturns – Safety Starts on the Ground!" and other IPAF safety campaigns, visit IPAF.org/en-gb/campaigns.
