The powered access industry has welcomed a significant piece of good news: fatalities linked to mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) fell by 26% in 2024, according to the newly published IPAF Global Safety Report 2025.
By Lee McMahon
While the overall number of reported incidents only decreased slightly, the reduction in lives lost is a promising sign that safety initiatives and industry collaboration are starting to make an impact.
The report, launched during a live webinar on 22 July 2025, analyses a decade of global accident data from 2015–2024, with a focus on the most recent year. Using anonymised submissions from IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal, it provides a detailed snapshot of the risks facing MEWP users worldwide.
Here’s some of the standout statistics:
170 incident reports were filed in 2024, down from 201 the previous year – a 15% reduction in major and fatal incidents.
100 fatalities were recorded, compared to 135 in 2023 – a 26% decrease.
211 people were involved in incidents, a 12% drop year-on-year.
Reports came in from 26 countries, consistent with the previous year.
Construction sites accounted for the majority of incidents (37%), followed by arboriculture (13%) and electrical work (13%).
MEWP types detailed as involved in incidents were vehicle-mounted (1b) platforms most commonly implicated (34%), followed by mobile vertical (3a, 26%) and mobile boom (3b, 26%).
Overturns remained the top cause of fatal or major accidents, followed by entrapment and falls from the platform, but other trends stand out too. Entrapment incidents rose sharply and were up 75% overall, with a 62% increase in related fatalities. Overturn-related fatalities fell by 56%, a sign that awareness and training in this area are making a difference.
Reports of people being struck by falling objects decreased by 50%, but worryingly, fatalities linked to these incidents rose by 75%.
Industry voices include Brian Parker, Head of Safety & Technical at IPAF, who welcomed the progress but urged caution:
“The 26% reduction in fatalities is a positive step forward, but we must remain focused on the bigger picture. Whilst it’s encouraging to see improvements, especially in overturn-related fatalities, the sharp rise in entrapment fatalities is a clear signal that we must continue driving education, vigilance and adherence to safe working practices across all sectors. This report equips us with the critical insights needed to target our safety efforts where they are most needed.”
Alana Paterson, Chair of IPAF’s International Safety Committee and Head of Health, Safety & Environment at Taylor Woodrow, echoed the importance of continued vigilance:
“Powered access continues to be one of the safest and most efficient methods for working at height. However, we still see serious, and at times, tragic incidents around the world. These serve as a stark reminder of why the work of IPAF and its committees is so vital - I encourage everyone working in this sector to report any accidents involving powered access. Accurate reporting helps ensure the data reflects reality and supports better safety for all.”
The IPAF Accident Reporting Portal has become a cornerstone of the industry’s safety culture. Each report submitted helps to shape new guidance, safety standards, and technical innovations that reduce risks for operators and employers alike.
As highlighted, the more accurate the data, the more effective the solutions - whether that’s new toolbox talks, revised hire standards, or equipment design improvements.
The IPAF Global Safety Report 2025 is available to download at www.ipaf.org/accident
You can also watch the launch webinar on IPAF’s YouTube channel (@ipaforg).
Sources: IPAF Global Safety Report 2025; Access Industry Forum; IPAF.org