Fatalities Fall Overall, Electric Shocks Biggest Killer Says IPAF Latest Report.

IPAF’s Global Safety Report 2026 reveals that electrocutions and electric shocks were the top cause of fatalities and major incidents involving powered access in 2025. The findings are based on comprehensive analysis of incidents submitted through its global Accident Reporting Portal throughout 2025.

Launched during a live webinar on 2 September 2026, the IPAF Global Safety Report 2026 examines accident data spanning 2016 to 2025, with a focus on the most recent year-on-year trends. By analysing anonymised global data, IPAF aims to equip the industry with actionable insights to reduce accidents and improve safety performance across all powered access operations.

This year’s report shows in 2025,

•             A 15% decrease in fatal and major incidents in 2025.

•             A 24% decrease in powered access fatalities in 2025.

•             Most incidents occurred on construction sites, followed by arboriculture then FM.

•             The top 3 causes of accidents were electrocutions, falls from the platform & overturns.

There were 15% less fatal and major incidents reported, with 170 incident reports made compared to 201 reports in 2024. There were 76 fatalities reported, down from 100 in 2024 – marking a 24% decrease. A total of 192 people were involved in incidents (9% less than in 2024), and reports came from 25 countries (one less than in 2024).

To view the full Global Safety Report 2026, visit www.ipaf.org/accident. The launch webinar is available to watch via IPAF’s YouTube channel too: www.youtube.com/@ipaforg

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