IPAF Reports Fewer Fatal Powered Access Incidents in 2025

The number of fatal and major incidents involving powered access equipment decreased in 2025, according to the International Powered Access Federation's (IPAF) Global Safety Report 2026.

IPAF reported 170 fatal and major incidents in 2025, down 15% from 201 reports in 2024. The number of reported fatalities decreased 24%, from 100 to 76. A total of 192 people were involved in reported incidents, a 9% decrease from 2024.

The data was collected through IPAF's global Accident Reporting Portal and covers incidents reported from 2016 through 2025. Reports in 2025 came from 25 countries.

Electrocutions and electric shocks were the leading cause of fatal and major incidents in 2025. IPAF received 28 reports in this category from six countries, resulting in 20 fatalities. The United States accounted for 71% of the reported incidents.

Falls from platforms and overturns were the next most frequently reported causes.

Construction sites represented the largest share of reported incidents at 37%. Other locations accounted for 14%, followed by arboriculture and rental activity at 13% each.

Category 3b MEWPs were involved in 26% of reported incidents, while Category 3a machines accounted for 25%.

Reports of falls from platforms increased 14% from 2024 to 2025, while fatalities associated with those incidents decreased 24%.

IPAF reported a 68% reduction in entrapment reports and a 63% decrease in fatalities from entrapment. Overturn reports decreased 58%, with fatalities declining 53%.

Reports of people or machines being hit by a falling object increased 20%, while fatalities decreased 50%. Fatalities attributed to being hit by a vehicle or machine increased 125%.

Incidents involving Mast Climbing Work Platforms and Construction Hoists increased 200%. Fatalities in those categories increased 700%, with eight fatalities reported.

“A 24% reduction in fatalities is encouraging and demonstrates that sustained industry focus can make a real difference, but we cannot allow this progress to lead to complacency,” said Brian Parker, head of safety & technical at IPAF.

“Every reported incident provides valuable learning, and the data highlights where our attention must remain firmly fixed – particularly around electrocutions, falls from the platform, overturns, and the emerging increase in incidents involving MCWPs and Construction Hoists. The Global Safety Report gives the powered access industry the evidence it needs to act, by strengthening planning and supervision, improving operator and frontline supervisor training, and reinforcing safe behaviours at every stage of powered access operations. By working together and continuing to share accident data, we can target our safety efforts where they are most needed and help reduce serious incidents and fatalities globally.”

IPAF's Global Safety Report 2026 is available through the organization's website.