05.01.2012

IPAF to collect accident data

IPAF – the International Powered Access Federation says that it will begin systematically recording worldwide data on accidents/incidents involving aerial work platforms from mid month, with the aim of improving the safe use of equipment.

The association is encouraging all members- manufacturers, rental companies, contractors and users to report any known MEWP accidents or incidents using a standard form that will be available on its web site from 15th January.
In the initial phase, IPAF is calling for reports of any known serious accidents and fatalities involving MEWPs in the UK, and any known fatalities involving MEWPs/AWPs worldwide.

The project is intended to enable IPAF to build a comprehensive record of known incidents and store them in one location in a common format, something which does not currently exist. Based on the data gathered, IPAF will then be able to analyse and look for common trends, and propose possible actions to further improve and promote the safe use of powered access equipment.

Aerial lifts actually account for a very small percentage of all accidents related to work at height, and this project is aimed at uncovering hard data to inform further safety initiatives.

The incident database is supported by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Principal inspector Joy Jones wrote in an open letter to IPAF members: “I applaud and encourage the efforts your industry is making to collect and analyse your own data. Obtaining accident/incident data to identify trends and prioritise remedial action is a perennial problem. Companies sometimes have reservations about sharing their accident/incident data but in my opinion, the reputation of industry representative organisations is enhanced when they base and prioritise their activities on evidence and evaluation.”
As soon as the IPAF reporting form is available on site Vertikal.Net will provide a direct link to it in order to help encourage its use.

Vertikal Comment

This is a very positive move by IPAF and something that we have called for some time, in the lifting industry. Until now the only organisations making any real effort in this direction have been those in Australia such as CICA – the Crane Industry Council of Australia.

IPAF is now truly a worldwide organisation and if its members embrace this initiative full heartedly it could make a real impact. The the next step will be near misses.
We would strongly encourage all users, wherever they are – members or not - to fully join in with spirit of this reporting scheme as soon as it goes live.

In the meantime we applaud IPAF for making this happen.