Reducing the Risk of Entrapment when using Mobile Elevating Work Equipment MEWPS.
MEWPS are widely acknowledged to be one of the safest and most effective means of enabling temporary working at height however between 2016 and 2020 IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) reported there were a total of 73 fatalities (globally) caused by entrapment.
The Construction Industry Plant Safety Group (CIPSG) have recently updated their safety publication ‘Good Practice Guidance for Reducing Trapping/Crushing Injuries to People in MEWPs’. This is available free via the CIPSG or IPAF website.
The guidance has been produced to raise awareness amongst MEWP operators, supervisors and rescuers. It sets out to inform about measures that can be used to reduce the risk and number of entrapment incidents by providing guidance on planning, risk assessment, MEWP selection, operator training , familiarisation and rescue.
If you would like further information on this matter, or require any other health and safety support please contact the Health and Safety Team on 01274 864999.
