05.02.2013

First full year results from IPAF accident report

IPAF has issued its first full year report for its accident reporting database, with 31 fatal accidents involving work platforms recorded during 2012.

The fatalities involved falls from platforms (9) followed by electrocution (8), overturning (6), mechanically related (4) and entrapment (4).

16 of the incidents involved self-propelled boom lifts, 11 involved vehicle mounted lifts, with four for scissor lifts. Two thirds of the fatalities occurred in the USA, three in the Netherlands, two in the UK and one each in Australia, Austria, Canada, Singapore, Spain and Switzerland.

IPAF chief executive Tim Whiteman said: “The first year of the accident reporting project is producing significant results and is allowing us to both improve our training programmes and focus our safety campaigns to make this safe industry even safer. There are over 1.5 million aerial work platforms in use around the world, and while every death is a tragedy, powered access is still a very safe way to work at height.”

IPAF technical officer Chris Wraith added: “The accident database has been enhanced with new functions. A dashboard facility has been added which allows companies who report monthly to track and monitor accidents related to their staff. From 2013 accident data will also be collected on mast climbing work platforms.”

IPAF launched its accident reporting project in January 2012 with the aim of building up a comprehensive record of known accidents, in one location and in a common format. Data gathered enables IPAF and the industry as a whole to analyse, look for common trends and propose possible actions to further improve and promote the safe use of powered access worldwide.