IPAF Launches ‘Check It!’ Global Safety Campaign to Promote MEWP Inspection and Maintenance Best Practices
- Meagan Wood
- May 20
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
IPAF’s new ‘Check It!’ safety campaign is calling on the powered access industry to prioritize equipment inspections, maintenance, and reporting procedures to help prevent avoidable accidents involving MEWPs and powered access equipment. The campaign includes practical guidance, toolbox talks, and new safety resources for operators, rental companies, and equipment owners.
IPAF’s ‘Check It!’ Campaign
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has announced its 2026 Global Safety Campaign — ‘Check It!’ — aimed at improving safety standards across the powered access industry through stronger inspection, maintenance, and servicing practices.
The campaign places a major focus on reducing risks associated with mechanical and technical failures involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and other powered access equipment.
According to IPAF, the initiative is designed to raise awareness around:
The hazards associated with technical and mechanical equipment failure
The risks linked to inadequate maintenance, inspections, and equipment checks
Practical steps companies and operators can take to reduce risks
Responsibilities related to equipment inspections and servicing
The importance of incident and near-miss reporting to improve global safety data
Industry Focus on Preventable Incidents
The launch of the campaign follows continued industry concerns surrounding avoidable incidents involving powered access equipment.
Brian Parker, IPAF’s Head of Safety and Technical, emphasized the importance of preventative maintenance and inspections in reducing workplace accidents.
“In 2024, IPAF received eight reports of fatal and major injuries relating to mechanical or technical failures on all types of powered access equipment, with six fatalities reported.”
“Although this data represents a 33 percent year-on-year decrease in reports and a 45 percent year-on-year decrease in fatalities, every incident and life lost is one too many.”
Parker added:
“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.”
New Safety Resources Released by IPAF
As part of the ‘Check It!’ campaign, IPAF has released several new educational and operational resources designed to support operators, rental companies, fleet managers, technicians, and safety professionals.
The materials include:
Guidance on Buying a Pre-Owned Aerial Work Platform
The guidance is intended to help buyers evaluate used powered access equipment and identify potential mechanical, structural, and safety concerns before purchase.
Principles of Service, Maintenance, and Inspections of Powered Access Equipment
This resource outlines best practices for servicing schedules, maintenance requirements, inspection processes, and operational safety standards for MEWPs and powered access machinery.
Toolbox Talk: Pre-Delivery Inspections of MEWPs (Rental)
The toolbox talk focuses on the importance of pre-delivery inspections within rental operations to ensure machines arrive onsite in safe working condition.
Andy Access Posters
IPAF has also released new safety posters including:
‘Pre-Hire Inspections’
‘Check Your MEWP’
These materials are designed to reinforce safety messaging and encourage operators and companies to adopt stronger inspection procedures across jobsites and fleet operations.
The Importance of Reporting and Data Collection
Another major focus of the campaign is improving global incident reporting.
IPAF continues encouraging operators, rental companies, and contractors to report incidents and near misses involving powered access equipment. The organization says this data plays a critical role in identifying trends, improving safety guidance, and shaping future industry initiatives.
By increasing reporting participation globally, IPAF aims to strengthen industry-wide understanding of operational risks and help reduce future accidents.
Powered Access Safety Remains a Global Priority
As powered access equipment continues playing a larger role across construction, infrastructure, industrial maintenance, utilities, and energy projects worldwide, industry organizations continue emphasizing the importance of proper training, inspection routines, and preventative maintenance.
The ‘Check It!’ campaign reinforces the message that equipment safety begins long before a machine arrives onsite — and that inspection, servicing, and operational responsibility remain critical at every stage of a machine’s lifecycle.
About IPAF
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. The organization provides technical guidance, operator training programs, safety campaigns, and industry standards supporting the global powered access sector.
IPAF works with manufacturers, rental companies, contractors, training centers, and industry professionals to improve operational safety and reduce accidents involving powered access equipment.
Website: https://www.ipaf.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IPAF’s ‘Check It!’ campaign?
IPAF’s ‘Check It!’ campaign is a global safety initiative focused on improving inspections, maintenance, servicing, and operational safety practices involving powered access equipment and MEWPs.
What types of equipment does the campaign focus on?
The campaign primarily focuses on powered access equipment, including mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), aerial work platforms, and related lifting equipment.
Why are pre-use inspections important for MEWPs?
Pre-use inspections help identify mechanical issues, safety hazards, and operational concerns before equipment is used onsite, reducing the risk of accidents and equipment failures.
What resources has IPAF released as part of the campaign?
IPAF has released guidance on purchasing pre-owned aerial work platforms, maintenance and inspection best practices, toolbox talks for rental inspections, and new safety posters.
Why does IPAF encourage incident and near-miss reporting?
Incident and near-miss reporting helps IPAF collect global safety data, identify trends, improve industry guidance, and support future safety initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities.
