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New research - commissioned by Crown House Technologies, part of the Laing O'Rourke Group - has confirmed that Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are safer , even for low-level access. “We were able to provide evidence that MEWPs are safer, more productive and avoid unnecessary strain injury,” says Gerry Mulholland, HSE leader at Crown House Technologies, who initiated this rigorous assessment of work at height policies and procedures within the group. “Lifts make it easier for site management to maintain safe standards as there are fewer options offered and fewer opportunities to make the wrong choice, while their automation reduces accidents
caused by human error.”

The findings were the result of a complete review of the work at height procedures (up to 4.5 metres) for mechanical and electrical installation carried out by the company in 2008. The research began with a series of seven road shows attended by over 170 people across the UK where the workforce was asked, “What do you want to work from?” The general opinion was that MEWPs were best but were too expensive for low level work.” Ladders, podium steps and towers are responsible for 80% of falls from access equipment. Falls from height are the primary cause of serious injury in the construction industry.

The review found that just under a fifth of all accidents on site are related to access equipment with over 80 percent related to podiums, mobile scaffold towers, ladders and A-frames. The study also looked at the cost of access-related accident claims as well as equipment repair, loss and damage. Data was collected from a selection of projects, including: Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, Royal Ascot Racecourse Grandstand, Slough Treatment Works, the Arora Hotel at Heathrow and the York Building in London.

The results showed that such costs were lower on MEWPs than with equipment such as towers that feature non-captive components. Reviewing the personal injury claims data for a two-and-a-half year period indicated that podium steps accounted for 41 percent of claim costs while MEWPs were 11 percent. Among the main types of access equipment, step ladders and podium steps cost less to rent than scaffold towers or MEWPs. However feedback from regular users suggested that MEWPs were both safer and more
productive.

Article from vertikal.net