IPAF Launches 2025 Global Safety Campaign to Address Work Platform Overturns

30 Second Takeaway

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has launched its 2025 Global Safety Campaign, titled “Stop Overturns – Safety Starts on the Ground”, in response to a 50 per cent increase in fatal overturn incidents between January 2021 and December 2023. The campaign focuses on improving understanding of ground conditions, equipment selection and operational practices to reduce serious injuries and fatalities linked to mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) overturns.

Overturns Remain a Critical Safety Risk

Overturn incidents continue to represent one of the most severe risks associated with powered access equipment. Data collected through IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal highlights the scale of the issue, with overturn-related incidents accounting for a significant proportion of serious injuries and fatalities worldwide.

Between 2014 and 2023, IPAF recorded:

• 108 fatalities

• 64 major injuries

• 25 minor injuries

linked specifically to overturn incidents.

Regional and Equipment Breakdown

The data shows a strong regional concentration of overturn incidents:

• North America: 64 per cent

• Europe: 18 per cent

• Asia: 22 per cent

Analysis by machine type indicates:

• Mobile scissor lifts: 33 per cent

• Vehicle-mounted platforms: 28 per cent

• Mobile boom lifts: 23 per cent

• Tracked platforms: 12 per cent

Most incidents occurred on construction sites, public areas, roads and rental yards, highlighting the importance of safe operation beyond controlled jobsite environments.

Stop Overturns Safety Starts on the Ground

The 2025 Global Safety Campaign places a strong emphasis on ground conditions and supporting structures, recognising that inadequate ground assessment remains a primary contributing factor in overturn incidents.

The campaign provides new industry guidance, developed specifically for:

• Platform users

• Operators

Key safety recommendations include:

• Thorough ground condition assessment

• Effective route planning

• Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment

• Comprehensive operator training and familiarisation

Industry Call to Action

IPAF’s Head of Safety & Technical, Brian Parker, emphasised the importance of addressing overturn risks:

“Work platform overturns continue to be a major cause of serious injuries and fatalities in our industry. By understanding the risks and implementing proper safety measures, we can prevent overturns, protect lives, and create safer work environments worldwide.”

The campaign was officially launched earlier this year at the IPAF Summit in Ireland and is being promoted globally throughout 2025.

Engagement at Bauma 2025

IPAF is presenting information on the Stop Overturns campaign, along with its other global safety initiatives, at Bauma this week in Hall C, providing an opportunity for industry professionals to engage directly and access campaign resources.

About IPAF

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. IPAF provides training, safety guidance, accident reporting and advocacy for manufacturers, rental companies and end users across the global access industry.

Visit website: https://www.ipaf.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IPAF’s 2025 Global Safety Campaign?

It is titled “Stop Overturns – Safety Starts on the Ground” and focuses on reducing overturn incidents involving MEWPs.

Why was the campaign launched?

Following a 50 per cent increase in fatal overturn incidents between 2021 and 2023.

Which machines are most commonly involved in overturns?

Mobile scissor lifts account for the highest share, followed by vehicle-mounted platforms and mobile boom lifts.

What are the main causes of overturn incidents?

Poor ground conditions, inadequate planning, insufficient training and improper equipment use are key contributing factors.

Where can industry professionals learn more?

At Bauma (Hall C) and via IPAF’s official campaign resources online.