IPAF Global Safety Report 2024

Since 2022 IPAF has had a Rental Activity Focus section in each of its Global Safety Reports and 2024 is no exception. This year’s focus is on UK rental companies, providing data on long-, mid- and short-term rental activity. 

The UK has consistently demonstrated a positive attitude to reporting accidents and incidents involving MEWPs. For IPAF rental members in the UK, accident reporting is mandatory, and rental companies recognise the value of this data in enhancing safety practices.

How does IPAF use the data?

IPAF analyses the data to identify trends and patterns in accident reports. This analysis helps determine whether we need to: 

• Update existing training courses 
• Revise guidance documents, Toolbox Talks, and Andy Access posters 
• Develop new resources such as guidance notes, leaflets, projects, and safety campaigns 

Targeted Safety Campaign 2023 

Every year, IPAF releases a targeted safety campaign. The targeted safety campaign for 2023 was ‘High Voltage!’ The campaign identifies the hazards and risks associated with working near power lines and explains how to work safely to avoid the risks of electrocution and electric shocks when operating MEWPs in the vicinity of power lines.

IPAF also renewed its ‘Safe Loading, Unloading and Transportation of MEWPs’ campaign in 2023, reminding everyone of the need for proper planning, training, supervision and execution of delivery tasks, and pointing to the range of free guidance that IPAF offers to help make this activity as safe as possible.

Incidents involving rental company staff include: 

• Service engineers/technicians: The engineer/technician/workshop personnel/apprentice who was conducting a maintenance or repair
• Delivery drivers: The Driver(s) acting in the pickup, load/unload or delivery phase
• Hire company operators: Person who is operating MEWP on behalf of the rental company

What training is available for rental company staff? 

IPAF has an extensive suite of training courses to suit MEWP rental staff, they include: 

• Operator 
• PAL+ Advanced MEWP Operator Training 
• Demonstrator 
• Harness 
• Harness Awareness Course (HA) 
• Harness User Course (HU) 
• Harness Inspector Course (HI) 
• Competent Assessed Person (CAP) Certification 
• Safe Loading and Unloading 
• MEWPs for Managers 
• Site Assessment for MEWP Selection 
• MEWP Instructor 
• MCWP & Hoist 

Visit IPAF Training Courses for more information.

Analysis of UK Rental Activity:

• Accident reporting for MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) rental companies in the UK and Northern Ireland is mandated in accordance with IPAF membership requirements. This region has consistently provided accident data through IPAF’s portal since its inception in 2012.
• IPAF encourages members to report all types of incidents, including near misses, first aid cases, minor and major injuries, and fatalities. Without this valuable data, identifying the most common causes of accidents becomes difficult.
• MEWP rental companies are often busy environments where multiple operations occur simultaneously, such as loading and unloading equipment, workshop and yard activities, and office personnel or visitors moving through operational areas.
• Managing these activities is challenging, particularly in larger companies with more people and equipment on site. There is no room for complacency, and everyone on the premises must remain vigilant to avoid potential dangers.

IPAF Rental Standard 

The IPAF Rental Standard helps to provide rental customers with assurance at every stage of the hire/rental process of powered access machines and equipment. The IPAF Rental Standard is available to members worldwide and enables them to check their procedures against recognised good practice. 

Objectives: 

1. Encourage adherence to recognised safety and operational practices 
2. Establish clear expectations for rental companies, contractors, and end-users 
3. Promote customer confidence by ensuring high service standards 

The IPAF Rental Standard is distinct from the IPAF Rental+ certification scheme, which involves a formal audit process. The Rental Standard provides a foundation for rental companies to operate effectively without requiring formal certification. 

Key benefits of adopting the IPAF Rental Standard 

Adopting the IPAF Rental Standard is a strategic decision for rental companies looking to enhance their credibility and operational performance. The benefits include: 

• Increased Customer Trust: Adhering to the standard assures customers of a rental company’s commitment to safety, equipment reliability, and high service standards, resulting in customer loyalty and repeat business. 
• Operational Efficiency: The standard promotes efficient processes, leading to fewer equipment breakdowns, reduced downtime, and more efficient maintenance and inspection routines. 
• Global Recognition: The standard, built on global expertise, positions companies to compete on an international level by adhering to good practices recognised worldwide. 

What is IPAF Rental+? 

IPAF Rental+ is the powered access industry’s guarantee of a high-quality hire/rental company. It’s proof that a hire/rental company has been independently audited and meets rigorous health and safety, quality, and environmental standards. It’s also a mechanism for continual business improvement. 

 Benefits of choosing an IPAF Rental+ hire/rental company 

• Assurance that the hire/rental company complies with health and safety, quality and environmental standards within the industry. 
• Certified proof that the hire/rental company employees are trained to the required level and that quality powered access equipment will be supplied. 
• Ease of locating IPAF Rental+ depots and verifying IPAF Rental+ certified companies.
• Knowledge that the hire/rental company satisfies most UK tender pre-qualification requirements (SSIP certification) and alignment with the Common Assessment Standard (UK only). 
• Confidence that the hire/rental company has access to relevant technical guidance, industry standards and good practices, and governance within the industry.