Updated MEWP Safety Guidance

Falls from height are one of the most common types of fatal accidents at work. A key factor in reducing the number of these accidents has been the use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). While these can be safer than other means of accessing work at height, there have been serious and fatal accidents where operators became trapped between the platforms guardrails and adjacent obstructions. The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) report that between 2016 and 2020 there were a total of 73 reported deaths of individuals involved in entrapment incidents across 15 countries.

The Construction Industry Plant Safety Group (CIPSG) recently published an updated edition of their ‘Good Practice Guidance for Reducing Trapping / Crushing Injuries to People in MEWPs’.

This guide intends to help individuals reduce the risks of trapping and crushing hazards when using and operating MEWPS and is, split into two main sections. The first section provides guidance for planners, employers, managers, and training bodies while the second section provides guidance for employers, supervisors, operators, rescuers, and training bodies.

The guidance covers basic information such as health and safety and legal obligations, definitions of concepts related to MEWPS and more detailed information on subjects such as:

• Planning considerations
• Risk assessment
• Creating a safe system of work
• MEWP training and competence
• Selecting the correct MEWP for the job
• Emergency rescue plans
• Use of secondary guarding on MEWPS
• Guidance for operators using MEWPS including dos and don’ts

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.