The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has launched its 2026 Global Safety Campaign, “Check It!” aimed at reinforcing the importance of pre-use inspections, routine maintenance and regular servicing of powered access equipment.
The campaign targets operators, managers, rental companies and contractors, urging all stakeholders in the powered access industry to share responsibility for improving safety when working at height.
Powered access equipment remains one of the safest methods for temporary elevated work, but incidents tied to mechanical or technical failures still result in serious injuries and fatalities, according to IPAF. The organization says many of these incidents could be prevented through consistent inspections, proper maintenance practices and adherence to established safety procedures.
The 2026 campaign focuses on several key areas, including the hazards associated with equipment failure, risks linked to inadequate inspections and maintenance, practical steps to reduce those risks and clarifying who is responsible for different types of safety checks. IPAF is also encouraging the reporting of incidents and near-misses to help improve global safety data collection.
As part of the initiative, IPAF released several new guidance resources, including documents covering the purchase of pre-owned mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), service and maintenance principles, pre-delivery inspections and pre-hire inspection practices. The materials are intended to help managers, operators, contractors and safety professionals strengthen work-at-height safety programs and reduce preventable incidents.
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.
