Safety Reminder: Fatal Incident Involving Elevated Work Platform

The Dangers of Working with EWPs

WorkSafe is urging employers to take extra care when loading and unloading elevated work platforms (EWPs) after a tragic fatality in West Melbourne.

What happened?

An employee died after falling while trying to load a scissor-lift EWP onto a tilt-tray truck. The EWP fell off the back of the vehicle, throwing the worker from the platform. Despite being taken to hospital, the worker died from head injuries.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident—several similar serious incidents have occurred during EWP delivery and collection.

Why elevated work platforms are dangerous

Loading and unloading EWPs is high-risk work. The main dangers include:

• The EWP tipping over or rolling unexpectedly
• Operating the machine incorrectly
• Low traction causing slips
• Not following the manufacturer’s instructions
• Lack of proper training or supervision.

These risks can lead to serious injuries or death.

How to stay safe

Employers must have safe systems of work in place when transporting EWPs. Here are some steps you can take:

• Use safer transport options. A drop-deck trailer or low loader is safer than a tilt-tray truck
• Ensure all operators are properly trained. This includes knowing how to use the EWP safely, use emergency devices, tie it down, and disengage the drive motor if needed
• Follow manufacturer instructions. Always load/ unload the EWP as the manufacturer recommends
• Use the right loading method. This might include:

• Drive on/ off

• Freewheel and winch
• Drive and winch on/off
• Direct crane lift on/off.

• Make sure operators are licensed. They may need a high-risk work licence depending on the type of EWP and the right driver’s licence
• Keep braked wheels in contact with the ground or truck bed. This helps prevent freewheeling.

Reduce risks of working alone

Working alone increases the risk. Operators should not work alone and should:

• use a safety observer, and/or

• use substitute equipment that requires multiple employees, like a crane.

Employer legal responsibilities

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, you must:

• Provide and maintain a safe working environment, so far as is reasonably practicable
• Provide employees with the necessary training, instruction, information or supervision
• Provide and maintain equipment and systems of work that are safe to use, so far as is reasonably practicable
• Ensure people hold the proper licences to undertake work

• Identify and manage risks like falls and overturning.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to act. If you or your team regularly work with or around elevated work platforms, take time to review your processes and equipment today. Download the  EWP Industry Standard.