Best Practice Guidance for MEWPs - Avoiding trapping / crushing injuries to people in the platform
NEWS RELEASE
16 July 2010
TRAPPING & CRUSHING IN MEWPS: GUIDANCE FROM STRATEGIC FORUM PLANT SAFETY GROUP
The Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group has published new guidance intended to help industry reduce the risk of trapping and crushing injuries to people working in mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
The new document -
The use of MEWPs is increasing as the benefits for productivity and safety are recognised. They are acknowledged by many to be the safest and most efficient means of providing temporary access to height for many work activities.
Unfortunately, the increased use of MEWPs in construction, maintenance and other applications where trapping risks are present has led to accidents in which people on the platform have been trapped between the platform (often referred to as a cage or basket) and objects in the work area. In some cases these accidents involved fatality. These accidents can be avoided if good practice is encouraged and followed.
In the Foreword to the Best Practice Guidance, Phillip White, Chief Inspector of Construction at HSE, said "In addition to the terrible cost in human suffering, accidents have a financial cost. There is a very strong business case for improving safety performance. This new guidance is straightforward, comprehensive and easy to adopt. It represents best practice. I commend the guidance to anyone who owns, supplies or controls the operation of MEWPs. Please read the publication and turn the advice into action."
The new guidance has been produced in two parts. Part 1 is aimed at planners, managers, and trainers. It provides information on hazards, risk assessment, controls and responsibilities. The annexes to Part 1 provide detailed information which can assist in the identification of trapping risks and in the planning and managing of work activities to protect against entrapment accidents.
Part 2 is aimed at those using and supervising MEWPs and responsible for rescuing anyone trapped on a MEWP platform. Part 2 has been designed to be used in briefings or toolbox talks for supervisors and MEWP operators.
The new guidance was written by a Working Group which was formed in September 2009. Over 40 people contributed to the work, representing over 30 companies and trade bodies. HSE are members of the Working Group, and the Best Practice Guidance was prepared in conjunction with them.