By Seth Skydel

• A 137 % increase in roadwayrelated incident reports

• A 258 % rise in persons involved

• A 58 % increase in fatalities linked to MEWPs being hit by vehicles or machines

Nearly half( 47 %) of these incidents occurred in the construction sector while 15 % were linked to facilities management activities. Equally concerning, 76.5 % of incidents involved MEWP operators or occupants, and 10 % involved members of the public, underscoring that roadway-related MEWP risks extend beyond jobsites.

“ Working close to live traffic presents unique risks that must be carefully planned for,” said Tony Groat, IPAF’ s North America Regional Manager.“ Even though MEWPs are designed for safety, incorrect setup or inadequate traffic control can lead to serious incidents. And although the data already highlights a concerning trend, it’ s likely that many incidents remain unreported.”

What the numbers reflect, according to Groat, is an urgent need for better planning, risk management and communication when operating MEWPS on jobsites and in proximity to moving traffic.

Designed as a practical guide for contractors, employers and operators, IPAF has launched a new safety campaign— How to Stay Safe on or Near Roadways.“ This program gives users a simple, structured way to assess, plan and protect both workers and the public,” Groat said.

The new IPAF MEWP campaign emphasizes that the foundation of safety begins long before the machine’ s platform is raised. Planning, site assessment and adherence to established traffic control standards are central themes. Contractors are reminded that improper setup or incomplete planning can drastically increase the risk of collisions and serious injury.

Shared Responsibility To ensure a coordinated approach to MEWP safety, the campaign

While MEWPs remain among the safest tools for working at height, data from IPAF reveals an alarming trend: more machines are being struck by passing vehicles.

lays out the specific responsibilities of employers( or contractors), supervisors and operators. This clear division of responsibilities ensures that no element of safety is overlooked, from planning and setup to daily operation and emergency preparedness:

• Employers are responsible for the initial site visit, identifying hazards and selecting the appropriate MEWP for the task. They must also ensure operators are trained, job safety or hazard analyses are completed and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices( MUTCD) standards are followed.

• Supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring that control measures are implemented and maintained. They must conduct pre-start briefings, verify that MEWPs have valid inspections and confirm exclusion zones are effective.

• Operators must inspect the machine, remain within defined exclusion zones and always stay alert to surrounding hazards. They are also expected to verify that ground and auxiliary controls are accessible

20 l November-December 2025