Top Cause of Powered Access Fatal and Major Incidents Revealed

The top cause of fatalities and major incidents involving powered access in 2025 has been revealed by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

Launched during a live webinar on 2 September 2026, the IPAF Global Safety Report 2026 found electrocutions and electric shocks were the leading cause of accidents in 2025. The organisation received 28 reports in this category from six countries, which included 20 fatalities. This was closely followed by falls from a platform, and overturns.

Global Safety Report

The report shows there were 15% less fatal and major incidents reported in 2025, with 170 incident reports made compared to 201 reports in 2024. There were 76 fatalities reported, down from 100 in 2024 – marking a 24% decrease. A total of 192 people were involved in incidents (9% less than in 2024), and reports came from 25 countries (one less than in 2024).

Most incidents occurred on construction sites (37%), followed by other (14%), arboriculture (13%) and rental activity (13%). The top MEWP categories involved were 3b (26%) and 3a machines (25%).

Other key statistics from the report include:

• • A 14% increase in falls from the platform reports but 24% decrease in fatalities from 2024 to 2025.
  • A 68% reduction in reports of entrapment and 63% decrease in fatalities.
  • A 58% decrease in reports of overturns and 53% decrease in fatalities.
  • A 20% increase in incident reports of people or machines being hit by a falling object but a 50% decrease in fatalities.
  • A 125% increase in fatalities attributed to being hit by a vehicle or machine.
  • A 200% increase in incident reports related to Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) and Construction Hoists (CHs), with a 700% increase in fatalities (8 fatalities).

Targeted Safety Efforts

Brian Parker, Head of Safety & Technical at IPAF, commented: “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.

“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.”

Download the full Global Safety Report 2026.

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