OPERATOR PROTECTION
to preliminary results from IPAF’s accident
database, (see graph below).
The main causes of these fatalities
were: overturn (16), fall from height (13),
entrapment (10), electrocution (7), impact
with MEWP (4) and falling object (2). In one
case, the cause of the fatality was not known.
Almost half of the number of reported
fatalities (26 or 49%) involved mobile booms.
Fourteen fatalities (26%) involved mobile
verticals and 11 (21%) involved static booms.
In two cases (4%), the type of machine
involved was not known.
Thirty (57%) of the fatalities occurred in
the USA, home of 54% of the world’s rental
fleet.Three fatalities each were reported in
Germany, Spain and the UK, two fatalities
each in Belgium, Canada, France and the
Netherlands, and one each in Armenia,
Australia, Ireland, Malaysia, Norway and in
the Middle East.
IPAF’s accident reporting project was
launched in January 2012 and has filled a
gap where there was previously no single
mechanism for reporting and analysing serious
accidents involving MEWPs/AWPs and
no definitive data on the number and main
causes of fatal accidents. In the first year of
the project, 32 fatalities worldwide involving
MEWPs/AWPs were reported.
IPAF technical officer Chris Wraith
stressed that the accident project is still in
an early stage and cautioned against direct
comparisons in its second year. “It will be at
least 2016-2017 before any realistic year-on-
year comparison on the frequency of accidents
can be of value,” he said. “The comparative
figures presented are for information only
and do not in any way suggest an increase in
the number of MEWP-related fatalities from
2012 to 2013.They are more an indication
that the awareness and success of the project is
growing. Powered access is probably the safest
way of performing temporary work at height.
The industry is becoming more aware and
reporting accidents, rather than having more
accidents.”
“As awareness of this ground-breaking
project grows worldwide, so does the number
of countries, companies and individuals
who contribute to it,” said IPAF CEO Tim
Whiteman. “Over time, this project will
capture more comprehensive data and allow
us to draw more useful comparisons and
conclusions. I would encourage anyone who
is aware of a MEWP-related fatality in their
country to report it to the IPAF website.There
is a mechanism to make anonymous reports
should people wish to do so.”
IPAF rental company members in the UK
have voluntarily committed to report any
known MEWP accidents involving their
staff via the IPAF accident database.
All manufacturers, rental companies,
contractors and users are encouraged to
report any known fatal and serious accidents
involving aerial work platforms and mast
climbing work platforms worldwide at
AI
The Terex AWP Genie Operator Protective
Structure (OPS) is design for optimum
visibility with virtually no obstruction to
the desired work area. Weighing of 17 kg it
minimally reduces platform capacity and can
be bolted directly to the platform.
