"Check It!": IPAF launches campaign to slash work-at-height fatalities

“Check It!” campaign is aimed at getting everyone who uses powered access equipment – often known as Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) – to inspect their equipment before use, ensure it is properly maintained and serviced regularly. 

By targeting everyone from the ground-level operator to the rental desk manager, IPAF aims to eliminate preventable mechanical failures that continue to claim lives globally.

According to IPAF, there were six fatalities relating to mechanical or technical failures on all types of powered access equipment in one year in 2024.

Brian Parker, IPAF's head of safety & technical, said: “Many incidents involving powered access equipment are avoidable. By ensuring that machines are properly maintained, inspected, and checked before use, we can significantly reduce risks and protect lives.”

What are MEWPs and why so dangerous?

MEWPs – also called a cherry picker, scissor lift, or aerial work platform – are mechanical devices used to provide temporary, safe access for people and equipment to high or hard-to-reach areas. 

They are used in industries requiring work at height, such as construction, industrial and retail, offering a more efficient alternative to scaffolding.

HSE says most fatal and serious injuries involving MEWPs arise from risks of overturning, entrapment, falls from height, and collisions.

Incidents are usually caused by operator use and site conditions, though mechanical failure, or lack of maintenance is a major contributing factor.

Last year, a worker suffered life-altering back injuries after falling from a MEWP basket. HSE’s report says that the machine “stopped working while elevated”, forcing the employee to abseil from the basket, resulting in a fall to the ground.

According to IPAF, there were six fatalities relating to mechanical or technical failures on all types of powered access equipment in one year in 2024. Photograph: iStock

Campaign focus areas

The 2026 “Check It!” campaign highlights key safety priorities, including:

• Maintenance, inspection and equipment checks – practical steps
• Who is responsible for different types of checks
• Why you should report incidents and near-misses to IPAF to improve global safety data

As part of this campaign, IPAF has released the following new guidance:

• Guidance On Buying a Pre-Owned MEWP
• The Principles of Service, Maintenance & Inspections of Powered Access Equipment
• Toolbox Talk: Pre-Delivery Inspections of MEWPs (Rental)
• Andy Access poster: Pre-Hire Inspections
• Andy Access poster: Check Your MEWP (existing poster)

Campaign resources are available to download here