The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has released its annual Global Safety Report, revealing a significant 26% reduction in fatalities involving powered access equipment in 2024 compared to the previous year.

While the overall number of reported incidents saw only a slight decline, major and fatal accidents dropped by 15%, with 170 incidents reported—down from 201 in 2023. Fatalities decreased from 135 to 100, and the total number of people involved in incidents fell by 12% to 211. Reports were submitted from 26 countries.

The leading causes of fatal and major accidents were overturns, followed by entrapment and falls from the platform. Construction sites accounted for the majority of incidents (37%), followed by arboriculture (13%) and the electrical sector (13%). The most common types of MEWPs involved were Category 1b (34%), 3a (26%), and 3b (26%).

• Other key findings from the report include:

• A 75% increase in entrapment incidents and a 62% rise in entrapment-related fatalities.

• A 56% reduction in fatalities caused by overturns.

• A 50% decrease in incidents involving falling objects, but a 75% increase in fatalities from such events.

Brian Parker, Head of Safety & Technical at IPAF, commented:''The reduction in fatalities is a positive step, but we must stay focused. The rise in entrapment fatalities highlights the need for continued education and strict adherence to safe practices.”

Alana Paterson, Chair of the IPAF International Safety Committee, added:''Powered access remains one of the safest ways to work at height. Accurate reporting helps us improve safety for everyone.”

The full report is available at http://www.ipaf.org/accident.

The launch webinar can be viewed on IPAF's YouTube channel.