The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has launched its 2026 Global Safety Campaign, “Check It!,” focusing on the importance of pre-use inspections, maintenance and servicing of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and other powered access equipment.
The campaign encourages operators, rental companies, contractors and equipment managers to prioritize inspection and maintenance practices to help reduce incidents involving mechanical or technical failures while working at height.
According to IPAF, powered access equipment remains one of the safest methods for temporary work at height, but equipment-related failures can still result in serious injuries and fatalities. The organization stated that many of those incidents can be prevented through regular inspections, maintenance procedures and adherence to established safety practices.
The 2026 campaign highlights several areas of focus, including the hazards associated with mechanical and technical failures, the risks tied to inadequate maintenance and inspection procedures, and the importance of identifying who is responsible for equipment checks. IPAF is also encouraging the reporting of incidents and near-misses to improve global safety data across the powered access industry.
Brian Parker said, “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% year-on-year decrease in reports and a 45% year-on-year decrease in fatalities, every incident and life lost is one too many.
“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.”
As part of the campaign, IPAF released several new guidance resources designed to support best practices in MEWP safety and inspection procedures. The materials include guidance on buying pre-owned MEWPs, service and maintenance principles for powered access equipment, a toolbox talk covering pre-delivery inspections for rental fleets and updated Andy Access safety posters focused on inspections and MEWP checks.
The organization said the downloadable resources are intended to support managers, operators, rental companies, contractors and safety professionals involved in work at height operations.
Additional information about the campaign and its safety materials is available through IPAF’s Check It campaign page.
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