Overturns, Entrapment and Falls Mark Top Causes of Accidents

Examining accident data from 2015 to 2024 on the powered access industry, the International Powered Access Federation's (IPAF) Global Safety Report 2025 revealed a notable decrease in fatalities involving powered access equipment, despite only a slight reduction in overall reported incidents. The findings are based on comprehensive analysis of incidents submitted through its global Accident Reporting Portal.  

By analyzing anonymized global data, IPAF aims to equip the industry with actionable insights to reduce accidents and improve safety performance across all powered access operations. The results were presented during the organization's July 22, 2025 webinar.

Key Stats

• 75 percent increase in entrapment reports
• 62 percent increase in entrapment fatalities from 2023 to 2024
• 56 percent reduction in fatalities from overturns
• 50 percent decrease in incident reports of people being hit by a falling object but a 75 percent increase in fatalities

This year’s report showed that in 2024, there were 15 percent less fatal and major incidents reported, with 170 incident reports made compared to 201 reports in 2023. There were 100 fatalities reported, down from 135 in 2023 — marking a 26 percent decrease. A total of 211 people were involved in incidents (12 percent less than in 2023), and reports came from 26 countries (the same as in 2024).

In terms of incidents resulting in deaths or major injury, overturns was the top cause of accidents in 2024, followed by entrapment and falls from the platform. Most incidents occurred on construction sites (37 percent), followed by the arboriculture (13 percent) and electrical sectors (13 percent). The top MEWP categories involved were 1b machines (34 percent), followed by 3a (26 percent) and 3b machines (26 percent).

While Brian Parker, head of safety and technical at IPAF, sees the reduction as a positive step forward, he wants to keep everyone's focus on the bigger picture:

Every incident report reminds us that there is still work to do. While it’s encouraging to see improvements, especially in overturn-related fatalities, the sharp rise in entrapment fatalities is a clear signal that we must continue driving education, vigilance and adherence to safe working practices across all sectors. This report equips us with the critical insights needed to target our safety efforts where they are most needed.

“Powered access continues to be one of the safest and most efficient methods for working at height," says Alana Paterson, Chair of the IPAF International Safety Committee and Head of Health, Safety & Environment at Taylor Woodrow. They encourage everyone in the sector to continue to report accidents involving powered access to help ensure data reflects the industry's reality and support better safety for all. 

Paterson continues:

We still see serious, and at times, tragic incidents around the world. These serve as a stark reminder of why the work of IPAF and its committees is so vital. The data collected through the IPAF Accident Reporting Portal not only informs this report but also guides the focus of our collective efforts, whether that’s developing guidance documents, toolbox talks, technical innovations, hire standards, or more.

To view the full Global Safety Report 2025, visit www.ipaf.org/accident. The launch webinar is available to watch via IPAF’s YouTube channel: @ipaforg.