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IPAF announces 2026 global safety campaign
Mark Glover Managing Editor
Image: Thomas Lukassek | Dreamstime.com
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has launched its 2026 global safety campaign.
Check It!promotes the critical importance of pre-use inspections, proper maintenance and regular servicing of powered access equipment.
This year’s campaign calls on everyone involved in the powered access industry – from operators and managers to rental companies and contractors – to take shared responsibility for safety when working at height.
While powered access remains one of the safest methods for performing temporary work at height, incidents involving mechanical or technical failures can still lead to serious injuries and fatalities. IPAF emphasises that many of these incidents are preventable through consistent inspection routines, proper maintenance and adherence to safety procedures.
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The Check It!campaign highlights key safety priorities, including:
the hazards associated with technical and mechanical equipment failure;
the risks of inadequate maintenance, inspection and equipment checks;
practical steps to reduce these risks;
who is responsible for different types of checks;
the importance of reporting incidents and near-misses to IPAF to improve global safety data.
Commenting on the campaign, Brian Parker, head of safety and technical at IPAF, said: “In 2024, IPAF received eight reports of fatal and major injuries relating to mechanical or technical failures on all types of powered access equipment, with six fatalities reported. Although this data represents a 33% year-on-year decrease in reports and a 45% year-on-year decrease in fatalities, every incident and life lost is one too many.
“Many incidents involving powered access equipment are avoidable. By ensuring that machines are properly maintained, inspected and checked before use, we can significantly reduce risks and protect lives.”
The campaign aims to raise awareness while providing practical, actionable guidance for industry professionals to help reduce risks and prevent incidents across the industry.
Campaign guidance
As part of this campaign, IPAF has released the following:
Guidance on buying a pre-owned MEWP;
The principles of service, maintenance and inspections of powered access equipment;
Toolbox Talk: Pre-delivery inspections of MEWPs (Rental);
Andy Access poster: Pre-hire inspections;
Andy Access poster: Check your MEWP (existing poster).
These downloadable resources are designed to help managers, operators, rental companies, contractors and safety professionals seeking to enhance best practices in work-at-height safety.
IPAF’s annual Global Safety Campaigns continue to highlight critical industry risks and promote best practices worldwide, supporting safer working environments for all those involved in powered access.
For more information and to access campaign materials, visit www.ipaf.org/safe
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