This video shows the reconstruction of a real incident that occurred early in the morning at Horizon Platform's MEWP rental yard in March 2021, in the UK. It demonstrates how easily accidents can happen when loading or unloading Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) onto delivery vehicles.
This Toolbox Talk provides information on the associated hazards and risks involved with mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) working near railways and crossing active and non-active rail crossings.
The mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) may be significantly different than the MEWP the operator was trained on, even if the MEWP is of the same group and manufacturer.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can be used in confined areas, or near overhead structures. When travelling or when elevated there is a risk that the operator or the platform occupant may come in contact with an overhead obstruction. This could result in crushing or entrapment of that person.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are not advertising displays. MEWPs are designed to take persons, tools and equipment within the platform to enable the occupants to work safely at height. Attaching a sign or banner to a MEWP will potentially make the MEWP unstable. This can cause an overturn and result in serious injuries to people and damage to property.
Ground conditions are critical for the stability of the mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Unsuitable ground conditions can result in the MEWP overturning with potential loss of life.
Why is a rescue plan important? Planning is critical to a prompt rescue of someone who has become trapped and timing can make a very significant difference to the injuries sustained – in some cases, the difference between life and death.
A mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) must be inspected daily or at the start of each shift to make sure it is: safe to use and will not cause an injury to the platform occupants or other personnel.
CRUSHING CAN KILL - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are often used to carry out work in areas where there are risks of crushing or entrapment to the platform occupants. Any activity involving MEWPs must be planned and properly managed. Failure to do so can result in injury or death of the platform occupants.
