The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has released a new safety campaign entitled How to Stay Safe on or Near Roadways, aimed at reducing the growing number of vehicle-related incidents involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) in the United States.
While MEWPs remain one of the safest methods for working at height, IPAF’s accident datai shows an increasing number of cases where MEWPs have been struck by passing vehicles.
Between 2020 and 2024, IPAF’s accident reporting data for North America shows a 137% increase in roadway-related incident reports, a 258% rise in persons involved, and a 58% increase in fatalities linked to MEWPs being hit by vehicles or machines.
Almost half (47%) of these incidents occurred in the construction sector, while 15% were reported in facilities management activities such as maintenance, painting, or cleaning. 76.5% of incidents involved the MEWP operators or occupants, whilst 10% involved members of the public.
The new leaflet emphasizes the importance of correct setup and planning when operating near roadways, helping contractors and operators understand their responsibilities and adopt best practices.
“Working close to live traffic presents unique risks that must be carefully planned for,” said Tony Groat, IPAF’s North America Regional Manager. “Even though MEWPs are designed for safety, incorrect setup or inadequate traffic control can lead to serious incidents. This new leaflet gives users a simple, structured way to assess, plan, and protect both workers and the public.
“Although IPAF’s data already highlights a concerning trend, it’s likely that many incidents remain unreported. By promoting consistent planning, proper exclusion zones, and adherence to traffic control standards, we can prevent accidents and save lives.”
The guidance details the roles of key duty holders – employers, supervisors, and MEWP operators – outlining specific actions each must take to manage risk effectively. These include conducting job safety or hazard analyses (JSA/JHA), ensuring compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), selecting suitable MEWPs, and
maintaining clear communication and emergency rescue plans.
(Pic: IPAF)
