IPAF Launches New ‘Share Your Story’ Safety Video and Calls for Industry Contributions
IPAF has released the third video in its ‘Share Your Story’ safety series, developed using real-life incident experiences shared by its members.
Through reconstructing actual events, the initiative aims to drive industry-wide learning and cultural change, encouraging greater transparency, reflection and collaboration to improve safety across the powered access sector.
The latest video, titled “Pedestrian Control Incident,” tells the story of a delivery driver who sustained a fractured ankle while delivering two mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) to a manufacturing facility in England.
While maneuvering a scissor lift in pedestrian control mode, the operator was injured after not maintaining a safe distance from the machine and becoming distracted by nearby activity. The reconstruction highlights how the task could have been carried out more safely through improved planning and correct operation.
Brian Parker, head of safety and technical at IPAF, said: “Pedestrian control mode is typically used where there are specific risks, such as a risk of crushing from overhead obstructions or uneven ground causing a risk of overturning, but in this case, the machine should have been operated from the platform. The operator also did not maintain a safe distance and was distracted by other activity on site.
“This video demonstrates how the task could have been completed differently – and the incident prevented – with more careful planning and operation.”
IPAF’s #ShareYourStory campaign is designed to encourage individuals and organizations to share their experiences – including near-misses, incidents and lessons learned – to help prevent future accidents.
Inspired by reporting systems used in industries such as aviation, the initiative promotes a culture where safety insights can be shared openly and without fear, helping to drive continuous improvement across the sector.
IPAF is calling on operators, supervisors, managers and companies across construction, manufacturing and powered access to contribute their experiences. Whether it’s:
· a near-miss or close call
· a serious incident or lesson learned
· a practical safety improvement
· or a moment where training made a difference.
Every story has the potential to save lives.
By sharing real experiences, contributors help shape future training, guidance and safety campaigns, strengthening a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.
Have a story to share? Contribute to IPAF’s #ShareYourStory initiative here (anonymously if preferred!)