Why Entrapment Is Rising, and How SiOPS Helps Prevent It

Entrapment incidents are rising across the industry. Discover why and how Niftylift’s SiOPS^® technology helps prevent them.

Entrapment Is Rising, and the Data Shows Why the Industry Must Respond

Entrapment is one of the most serious risks when operating a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). It occurs when an operator or platform occupant becomes trapped between the platform structure or controls and an external obstruction. Although MEWPs remain among the safest ways to work at height, recent industry data highlights a growing and urgent concern.

The IPAF Global Safety Report 2025 recorded a 75% increase in entrapment reports and a 62% increase in entrapment fatalities between 2023 and 2024. Most occurred in the construction sector, which accounted for more than one third of all global incidents.

These findings align with research from the Construction Industry Plant Safety Group, which identified 73 global entrapment fatalities between 2016 and 2020 and described these injuries as usually serious and often fatal.

Why Entrapment Happens: Understanding the Risk in Real Work Environments

Entrapment often develops in fast-moving environments where MEWPs must operate close to overhead structures, steelwork, pipe runs or cladding. Common contributing factors include:

• Restricted visibility at height
• Complex access zones around structural steelwork or services
• Unexpected movement caused by uneven ground or platform bounce
• Operator distraction or loss of situational awareness
• Poor route planning or rushed tasks

The Plant Safety Group guidance notes that operators may become trapped by rising, slewing or telescoping movements near an obstruction, or by accidental activation of controls when forced onto the console during a collision.

The UK Health and Safety Executive’s RR961 report explains that once trapped, sustained involuntary pressure on the controls can continue to drive the MEWP into the obstruction, increasing injury severity within seconds.

Construction Continues to Carry the Highest Entrapment Risk

Construction sites contain many of the conditions that increase entrapment risk. According to IPAF, 37% of all MEWP incidents in 2024 came from construction, far more than any other sector.

This is due to factors such as:

• Dense overhead steelwork
• Rapidly changing built environments
• Multiple trades working in shared spaces
• Frequent manoeuvring in restrictive areas
• Driving at height near unfinished structures

Certora’s analysis reinforces the point that entrapment can occur even at low heights and that vigilance during travel and positioning is essential.

Why Traditional Controls Alone Cannot Prevent All Entrapments

Good planning, training, familiarisation, rescue procedures and PFPE remain essential. However, research shows that these measures alone cannot prevent all entrapments because once the operator becomes pinned against the controls, the controls can remain activated involuntarily.

The HSE, IPAF, CITB and the Plant Safety Group all identify sustained involuntary operation as a key factor that increases injury severity and reduces the chance of operator self-rescue.

This specific hazard cannot be fully mitigated by training or procedural controls. It requires an engineered solution.

SiOPS^®: The Engineered Safeguard For Preventing Sustained Involuntary Operation

Niftylift developed SiOPS^® (Sustained Involuntary Operation Prevention System) to target exactly this hazard. SiOPS^® is fitted as standard on all Niftylift boom lifts.

SiOPS^® detects significant abnormal pressure on the control console. When triggered, it:

• Stops all machine movement immediately
• Prevents further drive or lift inputs
• Gives the operator time to recover
• Allows the ground rescue team to intervene safely

The Plant Safety Group identifies pressure against the control panel as a key factor in entrapment severity. SiOPS^® directly addresses this by stopping movement before further harm can occur.

Good Practice Still Matters: What Industry Guidance Recommends

Across all industry documents, the same prevention themes appear consistently:

1. Plan the MEWP route carefully

Identify and avoid potential entrapment points wherever possible. Use spotters for high-risk areas.

2. Select the right MEWP for the task

Machine reach, clearance and control precision directly influence safety.

3. Ensure specific familiarisation

Operators must understand the unique controls and rescue functions of each MEWP they use.

4. Maintain clear communication

Nominated rescue personnel must be present, trained and able to intervene immediately.

5. Practise the rescue plan

IPAF stresses that the lack of rehearsed rescue procedures is a major factor in increased harm.

A Safer Future for MEWP Operation

Industry safety continues to improve, but entrapment remains a severe risk that requires attention. The rise in entrapment incidents, highlighted by IPAF and supported by HSE, CITB and PSG research, shows that more must be done.

Niftylift believes that engineered safety systems should complement good planning and training. SiOPS^® provides a vital protective layer that prevents the most dangerous phase of an entrapment event. It represents a significant step forward in MEWP safety and demonstrates Niftylift’s commitment to safe working at height.

Download the Entrapment Prevention White Paper

To support contractors, rental companies and safety professionals, we have created a comprehensive Entrapment Prevention White Paper. It brings together the latest industry data, HSE and IPAF guidance, and construction sector insights to explain why entrapment incidents are rising and how they can be prevented.