The latest Safety Alerts are related to safe operation of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms from the UK and a high potential incident (HiPo) involving a truck in Croatia.

The first Alert relates to the safe operation of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPS) and follows an observation during a Corporate Governance Health and Safety Audit.  In addition to outlining some of the key safety requirements related to Work at Height and MEWP operation, the Alert stresses the need for all personnel within the basket of a MEWP to wear a full body harness with a short work restraint lanyard, secured to a suitable manufacturer provided anchorage point within the basket to stop the wearer from getting into a position where they could fall.  It also highlights the need for a safety helmet and chin strap, incorporating an automatic release function, to be worn whenever working at height, including when using a MEWP.

The second Alert has been kindly shared with us by our colleagues in Croatia. It details a high potential incident (HiPo) where a truck rolled away after the driver left the cab without applying the park brake.  The Alert incorporates a video, which clearly highlights not only the risks from leaving a vehicle unsecured, but also the danger to life if attempting to stop a runaway vehicle.

Please discuss the Alerts with your teams, reviewing the requirements for safe work at height and ensuring unattended vehicles are left secure.

The Alerts should also be displayed on relevant notice boards. You can find the two Alerts on the UK News download page: here and here