The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) released its annual Elevating Safety 2018 publication covering critical topics for the powered access industry. The centerpiece debates whether ladders should be banned on US jobsites, while additional content explores the future of powered access, updates to ANSI standards, and changes in tilt and load sensor design. Understanding these discussions is essential for reducing fall-related injuries and fatalities. As with other areas of Highway Safety Road Safety Audits Crash Analysis Countermeasure work, a systematic approach to hazard identification and risk assessment forms the foundation of any effective safety program. This article summarizes the key takeaways from Elevating Safety 2018 and provides practical guidance for contractors and rental professionals.
The Ladder Debate: Should Ladders Be Banned on US Jobsites?
Industry experts increasingly question whether ladders remain the best tool for working at height. According to the CDC, 81% of fall injuries treated in US emergency rooms among construction workers involve ladders. Despite these statistics, ladders remain ubiquitous due to their low cost, portability, and long-standing tradition as a standard tool of the trade.
Arguments for Phasing Out Ladders
Industry panelists in the Elevating Safety 2018 publication made several compelling arguments for treating ladders as a last resort:
- Fatigue-related incidents: Standing and balancing on a ladder step causes fatigue, especially by mid-afternoon. Missing the bottom step is one of the most common causes of ladder injuries.
- Inefficiency: Studies in Europe show that working from a platform is up to three times faster than working from a ladder because workers can use both hands freely and do not need to constantly reposition the ladder.
- OSHA violations: Ladder violations consistently rank in the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards.
- Electrocution risk: Moving ladders near overhead power lines presents a serious hazard eliminated by properly insulated powered access equipment.
The Ladders Last Approach
TJ Lyons, Eastern Region EHS director at Total Facility Solutions, developed the Ladders Last program at Turner Construction Company. The program treats ladders as a last resort and emphasizes efficiency and profitability gains rather than safety alone. Lyons argues that working from a platform reduces fatigue, eliminates repeated climbing for tools and materials, and allows workers to keep both hands on the task.
Regulatory Perspectives
Tony Groat of IPAF North America noted that proper site risk assessment must identify hazards, evaluate risk, and develop control measures before selecting equipment. Phil Holwell of JLG Industries pointed to the UK Shattered Lives program, which increased penalties for safety violations to include imprisonment for individuals, not just companies. This model has driven significant reductions in fall fatalities and may foreshadow similar changes in US legislation.
The Future of Powered Access Equipment
The Elevating Safety 2018 publication examines the growing role of powered access in construction. The vast majority of ladder applications occur at working heights between 4 and 20 feet, representing a significant opportunity for powered access alternatives.
Innovations in Low-Level Access Equipment
Several manufacturers have introduced equipment designed specifically to replace ladders in this height range. These machines share common characteristics:
- Portability: Units that fit through standard doorways and can be transported in standard vehicles
- Light weight: Some models break down into 50-pound components for easy transport
- Simple operation: Hand-crank or drill-powered mechanisms requiring no specialized training
- Safety features: Guardrails, platform-level controls, and stable bases preventing tipping
- Tool capacity: Tool trays and platform capacities up to 330 pounds
Holwell noted that replacing ladders with personnel lifts significantly increases productivity by reducing fatigue, enabling correct positioning at height, and allowing free use of both hands. These trends reflect the broader evolution in Construction Safety Principles of Hazard Identification Risk Assessment that has transformed how the industry approaches fall protection.
ANSI Standards Updates and Their Impact on MEWP Safety
The Elevating Safety 2018 publication provides an update on the latest ANSI standards for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs). The new standards represent a significant shift toward aligning US requirements with the most stringent international standards.
Key Changes in ANSI MEWP Standards
| Standard Area | Previous Approach | Updated Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Operator Training | Employer-provided with no standardized curriculum | Mandatory certified training with renewal requirements |
| Fall Protection | Harness use recommended | Mandatory harness and lanyard in all boom-type MEWPs |
| Pre-Use Inspections | Visual inspection recommended | Written documented inspection before each shift |
| Tilt Sensors | Basic tilt alarms required | Automatic platform shut-off when tilt exceeds limits |
| Load Sensors | Capacity ratings posted on machine | Active load monitoring with audible overload warnings |
Implications for Rental Companies and Contractors
Rental companies and contractors must ensure fleet compliance with updated ANSI standards. Key action items include verifying that all MEWPs have functioning tilt and load sensors meeting new requirements, updating operator training programs, implementing written pre-use inspection procedures, and ensuring all operators hold valid certified training credentials. Non-compliance carries significant liability risk as enforcement becomes more stringent.
Tilt and Load Sensor Design Changes for MEWPs
The Elevating Safety 2018 edition highlights significant changes in tilt and load sensor design. These sensors protect against two of the most common causes of MEWP accidents: tip-over from uneven terrain and structural failure from overloading.
Tilt Sensor Technology Advances
Modern tilt sensors have evolved from simple mercury switches to sophisticated electronic inclinometers. The latest designs feature multi-axis sensing that detects both longitudinal and lateral tilt. When tilt exceeds rated limits, the system automatically shuts down platform functions rather than merely sounding an alarm. Additional innovations include self-diagnostic capabilities that alert operators to sensor malfunctions and terrain compensation that accounts for outrigger deployment.
Load Sensor Enhancements
Load sensing has advanced from simple pressure switches to continuous monitoring systems providing real-time data on platform load. New sensors detect dynamic loads caused by movement, wind, or sudden shifts in position. Systems provide escalating warnings as load approaches rated capacity and automatically disable functions when overload is exceeded. Some advanced systems incorporate machine learning to distinguish genuine overloads from transient loads, reducing nuisance shutdowns while maintaining safety. Proper implementation of these systems should be part of every contractor’s Electrical Safety Systems Gfci Afci Surge Protection Grounding approach, as sensor systems require reliable electrical connections and power protection.
Regulatory Alignment
The updated ANSI standards mandate active monitoring systems rather than passive warnings, reflecting a broader shift toward engineering controls as the primary means of worker protection. This aligns with the principles outlined in Construction Safety Programs Hazard Identification Training Requirements and frameworks that prioritize hazard elimination over administrative controls and PPE.
The Elevating Safety 2018 publication from IPAF serves as a valuable resource for construction safety professionals, rental companies, and contractors. The key message across all topics is clear: powered access equipment, when properly selected and used, offers significant safety and productivity advantages over traditional ladders. As ANSI standards evolve and sensor technology improves, the construction industry has an unprecedented opportunity to reduce fall-related injuries and fatalities. The evidence increasingly supports a future where powered access is the default choice for working at height.