Page 976 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 359

30 May 2013

HSE Review of MEWP Incidents

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a research report following an international review of
incidents involving MEWP’s (Scissor Lifts and Cherry Pickers).

The key messages to come out of the findings are as follows:-

• The research provides evidence that there are significant numbers of accidents where operators
of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) are trapped or crushed between parts of the
machine and nearby obstructions particularly when working in confined areas.

• Some accidents have resulted from operators reaching a position where they have been unable
to operate/cease operating controls (sustained involuntary operation of controls).

• Some accidents have been the result of incorrect operation of controls. This can arise from
different types of human error (slips, lapses and mistakes). To avoid such accidents there is a
heavy reliance on operators not making foreseeable mistakes.

• Many MEWP users are likely to have low levels of experience of operating a MEWP, because it
is a secondary and infrequent activity generated in connection with their main jobs (as
electricians/painters, etc…) and this can adversely affect competence.

• Poor lone working and rescue procedures have exacerbated the level of injury sustained.

• Many incidents can only be effectively addressed through better design.

• Researchers stress the importance of effective training to address, for example, incorrect
operation of controls, not just on a class of machines but on specific models given the variation
in designs.

The full report can be found by following the link:- http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr961.pdf

Whilst all Xmo Strata site operatives receive both IPAF MEWP training as appropriate for scissor lifts,
cherry pickers and IPAF harness training, we must ensure that we remain vigilant, carry out continual
and ongoing Last Minute Risk Assessments and use a banksman at all times when moving a MEWP.

I will ask all site operatives to refresh themselves on the toolbox talk support DVD that we produced
and have shared on the Xmo Strata website video vault and on the Xmo Strata You Tube channel or by
following the following link :- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWVndfe-5AM