GUIDELINE UPDATE: Using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms in Public Areas
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are equipment that helps people gain access to high places and they’re commonly used in the construction, electrical engineering and warehousing sectors. There are two basic types: boom or cherry pickers and vertical or scissor lifts.
Companies generally recognise the productivity and safety benefits of MEWPs and their use is increasing in many markets. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to separate tasks requiring MEWPS from people and public places.
The British Safety Council reported that there were 736 Mobile Elevating Work Platform related incidents from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020. These accidents involved 768 people. Of these, 172 cases were fatal.
In 168 of the incidents, machines and property were damaged, while 159 constituted near-misses. 178 accidents caused minor injuries and 72 people sustained serious harm. Note that these analyses apply to 15 countries and not just the UK.
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF)
IPAF runs a database that encourages people to report incidents and they found that more and more MEWPs are used in places where members of the public are present. Naturally, this brings about new risks as an increasing number of people are endangered.
To address this hazard, IPAF developed and published a guide on MEWP usage and safety in public areas and near roads. Called ‘Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas’, the document used 2019 and 2020 stats as a basis.
Data contained in earlier reports supports these statistics, validating the need for guidance on MEWP usage in public places. You can download the guide for free by clicking on the above link. You can also access a print-ready version.
Health and safety must be a top priority for any business. Updated guides such as this one help employers promote sound working environments and practices.