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Are you loading machines safely on site?

The safe loading and unloading of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs, also known as aerial work platforms or AWPs), is an essential part of site operations. At the bauma 2016 construction show in Munich, Germany, the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) demonstrated how to load and unload MEWPs safely, and share good practices and findings from its accident reporting project.

Almost a third of MEWP-related incidents reported by rental companies involve delivery drivers while loading and unloading machines. This is one of the trends identified from IPAF’s accident reporting project, and the Federation is working to make MEWP loading and unloading activities safe and effective.

The campaign highlights the importance of planning and management of the delivery and collection processes. It also clarifies the responsibilities of different parties (including end users, contractors, rental companies, haulage companies and drivers) to communicate and cooperate to ensure the work is done safely and effectively.

“MEWPs are one of the safest tools to carry out temporary work at height, and IPAF wants to keep the industry safe by minimizing the potential dangers associated with loading and unloading,” said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. “The main causes of loading and unloading incidents have been traced to insecure loads and machines falling off between ramps. These risks can be prevented through proper training and management of the work.”

IPAF called on all its members exhibiting at bauma to observe safe loading and unloading practices in conformity with recommended guidelines. IPAF-approved training centers also offer a course on the loading and unloading of MEWPs, soon to be available in several languages.

More information is at www.ipaf.org.
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