'Trapping' accidents in MEWP baskets on the rise

Associations from across the spectrum are teaming up in a major campaign to counter the problem of access platform operators becoming trapped against overhead obstructions. There has been a recent increase in such incidents, which happen when a MEWP operator is manoeuvring the basket and hits an overhead object which pushes them down onto the controls, meaning they cannot lower the basket to free themselves.

The Health and Safety Executive warned about such incidents back in 2005, but the recent incidents have shown that the problem still exists. Now, the Powered Access Interest Group, formed by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), is producing a best-practice guide on the use of MEWPs in confined overhead areas. The guide is being drafted in conjunction with the likes of the British Constructional Steelwork Association.

IPAF technical officer Gil Mail said the federation is also revising parts of its operator training courses, as well as those for managers, to highlight the problem. "It is important to identify when operators are at risk and for site management to take particular care when work is planned in confined overhead areas," he said.

The CPA's senior technical manager Kevin Minton said the accidents appear to have happened in a variety of ways which dictated a multi-facetted approach to prevention and will be examined through the Strategic Forum. "We want to draw together representatives of all interested parties to examine the problem from all sides," he said.

IPAF has also, through its Manufacturers' Technical Committee, asked MEWP producers to assess the possibility of operators becoming trapped against the controls. Design changes may be considered to help protect against sustained involuntary operation.