Working at height remains one of the most dangerous aspects of industrial and construction work. Despite advances in equipment and awareness, the statistics remain sobering: the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 23% of worker fatalities in 2021/22 were due to falls from height.
But here’s the thing—many of these incidents are not due to equipment failure. They’re due to a failure in understanding, planning, or using that equipment safely. This is where IPAF Training becomes not just a qualification, but a potential lifesaver.
The Invisible Risk: Misuse and Misjudgment
Modern Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs)—including scissor lifts, cherry pickers, and boom lifts—are engineered for efficiency and reach. However, their safety depends heavily on user judgment and preparation.
A common example? Overreaching from the platform, failing to assess ground conditions, or using a MEWP without a harness or edge protection. These aren’t mechanical flaws; they’re lapses in operational awareness. And they’re preventable.
What IPAF Training Really Teaches
IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) training goes beyond just operating a machine. It covers a spectrum of real-world scenarios that operators, supervisors, and managers may encounter. Topics include:
- Risk assessment and planning
- Machine selection for specific tasks
- Pre-use inspection and maintenance
- Emergency rescue planning
- Safe maneuvering in confined or high-traffic areas
It’s about equipping professionals with a decision-making framework—not just technical know-how.
Case in Point: The Human Factor
Consider a recent example where a contractor fell from a MEWP due to uneven ground. The platform tilted, and the harness wasn’t attached to a secure point. In the inquest, the root cause wasn’t equipment malfunction but insufficient training on terrain evaluation and fall prevention systems.
Had proper IPAF-certified training been in place, that scenario would likely have played out very differently.
Who Needs This Training?
It’s not just machine operators. Anyone involved in planning, supervising, or managing work at height should be IPAF-trained. This includes:
- Site managers
- Health and safety officers
- Facilities maintenance teams
- Construction supervisors
In fact, IPAF’s “Supervisor” and “Manager” courses are specifically designed to support organizational compliance with regulations like the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Beyond Compliance: Building a Culture of Responsibility
Too often, training is seen as a checkbox—something to satisfy insurers or regulators. But the deeper value of IPAF training lies in building a culture where safety becomes proactive, not reactive.
When teams are trained to anticipate hazards, collaborate during emergency planning, and make informed decisions under pressure, safety stops being an afterthought. It becomes the default setting.
Final Thoughts
Preventing workplace falls isn’t just about better gear—it’s about better awareness and smarter choices. IPAF training empowers teams to make those choices confidently and consistently.
If your work involves elevated platforms or supervising those who use them, investing in comprehensive, standards-aligned instruction is one of the most impactful steps you can take.
👉 Learn more about IPAF Training and how it supports safe, compliant operations in your industry.
