Safe Access at Height: Elevated Work Platforms Play a Critical Role in Preventing Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents involving work at height remain one of the most significant occupational health and safety challenges worldwide, including in Türkiye. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 330,000 people lose their lives in occupational accidents each year, while around 395 million workers suffer non-fatal workplace injuries. Safety experts emphasize that a substantial share of these incidents can be prevented through proper equipment selection, effective safety procedures, and comprehensive worker training.

Falls from Height Account for More Than 40% of Fatal Construction Accidents in Türkiye

Working at height is among the highest-risk activities across industries such as construction, energy, manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, and façade services. The ILO states that eliminating key hazards—including unsafe work at height, inadequate machine safety, electrical risks, confined-space hazards, insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of training—could significantly reduce fatal occupational accidents.

A similar pattern is evident in Türkiye. According to an analysis by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security based on Social Security Institution (SGK) notifications, an average of 40.7% of fatal construction accidents between 2013 and 2023 were caused by falls from height. In 2023, falls from height again represented the leading cause of fatalities, accounting for 40.8% of all fatal construction accidents.

PLATFORMDER: Proper Access Equipment Saves Lives

Saruhan Günaydın, Chairman of the Board of PLATFORMDER, stated that ensuring safe work at height requires more than personal protective equipment alone and highlighted the importance of selecting the right access solutions.

“Falls from height account for nearly half of all fatal workplace accidents. However, the proper use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) could prevent approximately 80% of fall-related accidents,” Günaydın said.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms Are Becoming a Standard for Safe Working at Height

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are widely used across construction, electrical and mechanical maintenance, façade cleaning, outdoor advertising, warehousing, retail, and manufacturing operations to provide safe access to elevated work areas.

Equipped with integrated guardrail systems that continuously protect operators, MEWPs significantly reduce the risk of falls compared with ladders and many conventional access methods when used correctly. In addition to improving worker safety, they also enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

Günaydın noted that elevated work platforms are no longer simply productivity tools but an essential component of modern safety culture.

“When combined with proper equipment selection, regular maintenance, and qualified operator training, MEWPs contribute not only to employee safety but also to the operational continuity and efficiency of businesses,” he added.

Occupational safety specialists also emphasize that reducing fatalities associated with work at height depends on the combined implementation of appropriate access equipment, operator training, preventive maintenance, and strict compliance with workplace safety procedures.

Platform Days 2026 to Showcase the Latest Access Technologies

Organised with the main support of PLATFORMDER and the official partnership of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), Platform Days 2026 will take place on 17–19 September in Tuzla, Istanbul.

The open-air exhibition will bring together manufacturers, rental companies, distributors, suppliers, and industry professionals representing Türkiye’s active fleet of approximately 35,000 mobile elevating work platforms. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the latest MEWP technologies, safety innovations, and digital fleet management solutions under conditions closely resembling real-world operations. Strong international participation is also expected.