Powered access survey: identifying construction’s priorities

For construction leaders, decisions around powered access equipment increasingly sit at the intersection of safety performance, project efficiency and technological change.

The findings from CM’s 2026 Powered Access in Construction survey reveal a sector that broadly recognises the operational value of powered access, but continues to prioritise safety management, practical project constraints and reliability over emerging digital or environmental trends.

The respondents to the survey represent a relatively senior and influential segment of the construction workforce. More than 40% of participants are directors or senior managers, while more than a third (35%) are project management-level professionals.

The survey captures the views of individuals closely involved in decision-making about equipment procurement and operational planning. In fact, almost three-quarters (74%) of respondents say they have influence over the purchase or hire of construction equipment and associated services.

In terms of organisational type, half (50%) of respondents work for main or principal contractors, while a fifth (21%) work for consulting or multidisciplinary firms. 

Clients, specialist contractors and other supply chain participants also appear in the sample. This mix indicates that decisions around powered access equipment are increasingly influenced by multiple stakeholders across project delivery teams.

The survey highlights a strong awareness of the safety risks associated with powered access equipment. Respondents were asked to identify the most common hazards they encounter, and two factors stand out clearly: ground conditions and training.

Poor ground conditions were cited by 65% of respondents as a key risk, making it the single most frequently identified hazard. This reflects the practical realities of construction sites, where unstable surfaces, inadequate ground preparation or unexpected changes in site conditions can compromise equipment stability.

Concern over ground conditions is closely followed by inadequate supervision or training, selected by just over 60% of respondents. The prominence of this issue suggests that risk management in powered access remains strongly linked to workforce competence and site oversight rather than purely to equipment design.

Other commonly identified risks include falls from platforms (34%), equipment overturning (26%) and entrapment or crushing incidents (22%). Electrical hazards (13%) were identified less frequently but still remain relevant considerations when assessing safety risks on site.

Taken together, these findings suggest that industry concern is focused less on isolated mechanical failures and more on how powered access equipment interacts with complex site environments and human behaviour.

The survey also explored how environmental considerations influence powered access equipment choices. The findings suggest that sustainability is beginning to shape decisions, but has not yet become a central factor.

Almost half (49%) of respondents say environmental sustainability is not currently a significant influence on their equipment choices. A third (33%) say it is one of several factors considered, while fewer than one in five (18%) describe it as a major priority.

This indicates that while low-emission or electric machines are gaining visibility, they are not yet consistently driving procurement decisions across the industry.

However, the survey results also suggest that sustainability-related technologies are starting to have an operational impact. Lithium battery or fully electric machines are identified by 31% of respondents as one of the innovations that has had a positive effect on their projects. Noise-reduced or low-emission machines are also cited by almost 30%.

These findings suggest a gradual shift towards sustainability. While environmental concerns are not yet the primary decision factor, technologies that advance carbon reduction targets are beginning to demonstrate practical benefits.

When asked which innovations have had the most positive impact on their projects, safety-related advancements stand out clearly for respondents.

Automated stability or self-levelling features are identified by nearly 48% of construction professionals, making them the most widely recognised innovation. These systems help directly address one of the key risks identified earlier in the survey: unstable ground conditions.

Anti-entrapment and advanced safety enhancements are also highly valued, selected by 42% of respondents. This reflects ongoing industry concern about crush injuries and operator safety when working in confined spaces.

Another widely recognised innovation is the development of lightweight or narrow machines designed for restricted or fragile floors, also cited by 42% of respondents. This highlights the importance of equipment that can adapt to the physical constraints of modern construction sites.

By contrast, more digitally focused innovations such as BIM integration or integrated digital safety systems are cited far less frequently. This again suggests that practical safety and usability improvements currently deliver more immediate value to construction teams compared with advanced digital integration.

The survey also explored perceptions of training provision for powered access equipment. Most respondents believe that current training is adequate but not outstanding.

In total, 60% describe training as generally meeting their needs, while a quarter (26%) consider it comprehensive and accessible. However, around 14% say current training provision lacks depth or consistency.

These findings align with earlier responses identifying inadequate supervision or training as a major safety risk. While training provision appears broadly acceptable, the findings reflect concerns that there may still be gaps in quality, consistency or accessibility that affect site safety.

The survey also sheds light on how construction professionals choose equipment suppliers and manufacturers.

Reliability is the single most important factor, cited by 42% of respondents. Cost follows closely at just under 40%, while local supply and ease of use are also influential.

Interestingly, longstanding relationships with particular manufacturers appear less important when selecting a machine. Only a small proportion (6%) of respondents say they have consistently used the same manufacturer.

Instead, procurement decisions appear to be shaped by operational practicality and project constraints rather than brand loyalty.

When considering the factors that might lead them to change suppliers, respondents again highlight reliability, price and availability as the most influential drivers. Safety improvements also rank highly as a potential reason for switching suppliers.

This reinforces the view that construction buyers remain pragmatic, prioritising performance, value and operational support over marketing or brand perception.

Finally, the survey highlights several areas where construction professionals believe manufacturers, suppliers or training providers could better support project delivery.

The most frequently cited need is clearer information on site suitability and equipment limitations, which is a top concern for 58% of respondents.

Custom solutions for challenging projects also rank highly, with more than half (55%) of respondents identifying this as a priority. This reflects the growing complexity of construction sites, particularly in dense urban environments or specialist sectors.

Demand for improved operator training is also evident, with more than a third (36%) of respondents calling for more tailored or advanced operator training programmes.

Together, these findings suggest that construction professionals are looking for more collaborative relationships with equipment suppliers – partnerships that extend beyond simple equipment hire toward deeper technical and operational support.

Overall, the survey paints a picture of an industry that values powered access equipment but remains firmly focused on safety, reliability and practical performance.

The manufacturers and service providers that align innovation with these practical priorities are most likely to see their solutions adopted across the construction sector.

Construction Management surveyed 115 built environment professionals with experience in the powered access sector between September and November 2025.

The breakdown of the respondents was as follows: