MEWP Catastrophic Failure

External Safety Alert

Shared by Scottish Woodlands.

A catastrophic failure of a JLG450A Cherry Picker has occurred. The MEWP was hired from a well known national hire company and all procedures including the pre use checks had been followed. The operator was trained and competent. The platform dropped catastrophically from a height of over 6 metres violently throwing the harnessed operator against the shrouded controls. Injury was bruising to the rib cage.

ACTION NOW REQUIRED – ALL SITES WITH MEWPS – Cherry Picker & Scissor Lifts
• Ensure that the operator manual or guide for pre-use checks is available
• Ensure all pre-use checks are followed paying attention to hydraulics and welds
• Suspend use and call out the hirer engineer/fitter if any doubt
• Brief this Safety Alert to all MEWP operators going forward