06.04.2016
Flat fatality rate
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has published its preliminary accident data information for 2015.
Please register to see all images
Chris Wraith
The number of reported fatalities while using aerial work platforms in 2015 was 68, up from 64 in 2014. The main causes remain overturning, falls from height, electrocution and entrapment. In spite of the higher statistic the federation calculates that its fatal injury rate remained stable at 0.035 fatalities per 100,000 machine rental days, due to a larger active machine population and improved utilisation etc…
Chris Wraith, IPAF technical & safety executive, said: “Aerial work platforms are part of the solution in preventing falls from height, but we should recognise that they introduce hazards that need managing. Engineering control is but one option, and the industry is starting to work together on a global scale to ensure continual improvement.”
Please register to see all images
A breakdown of IPAF's 2015 statistics
Vertikal Comment
While some may dismiss the fatality rate as being highly theoretical, it is a genuine attempt to show just how safe aerial lifts are for working at height compared to ladders, scaffolding or other methods.
The higher number of fatalities reported may also be a by-product of the organisation’s efforts to have more companies report accidents and fatalities, as well as the higher market penetration and usage. It should also be pointed out that the numbers given are global.
Congratulations to Pete Douglas, Chris, and the whole team. Small steps in both reporting and accident prevention. I do feel that we, all in the industry, have a responsibility to keep pushing the message; no matter what the response from some of the users!