MEWP Safety Toolbox Talk Template
A mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) can provide a safer working platform for a suitable task at height, but the machine introduces hazards: entrapment against overhead structures, overturning, falls and collisions. HSE says the machine should be selected for the job, used on suitable ground, inspected and operated by competent people, with a rescue plan that someone on the ground can carry out. This talk checks the crew's understanding of today's machine and location. It is not operator training, a thorough examination, a ground-bearing design or a rescue plan. HSE MEWP guidance.
A briefing before the platform rises
Copyable briefing card
| Field | Complete for this task |
|---|---|
| Project, area, date and briefing lead | [ ] |
| Work and selected MEWP type/model | [ ] |
| Current work-at-height/risk assessment and method | [ ] |
| Operator training category and model familiarisation | [ ] |
| Pre-use, maintenance and thorough-examination evidence | [ ] |
| Ground, covers, voids, slopes and outrigger/spreader arrangement | [ ] |
| Overhead structures, cables, traffic and pedestrians | [ ] |
| Entrapment control and basket position | [ ] |
| Harness/restraint arrangement if assessment and machine require | [ ] |
| Load/material limits and weather limits from manufacturer/plan | [ ] |
| Named ground rescue person and emergency-lowering method | [ ] |
| Stop-work trigger | [ ] |
Opening script: “Before we raise this platform, show that it is the right MEWP for the task, the operator knows this model, the ground and overhead space have been checked, and the emergency lowering method is available. The rescue person is [name] and knows how to use the controls. If the machine, ground, weather or work position changes, we stop and review the plan.”
Walk the hazards
Ground and stability. A firm surface can conceal a manhole, trench, void or uncompacted backfill. Check the planned bearing area and any temporary covers. Use outriggers or spreader plates according to the machine and competent plan; do not guess a plate size from a generic talk. Keep the machine away from edges and excavations unless the ground assessment supports the position. HSE identifies overturning as a major risk. HSE MEWPs.
Overhead entrapment. A worker can be trapped between the basket and beam, soffit, pipe or other structure. Review the route and final work position before movement. Keep controls and basket free from clutter. Where the task is in a confined overhead area, consider an appropriate machine and guarding as part of the assessed method. Training alone cannot remove a physical entrapment hazard. HSE entrapment alert.
People and other vehicles. Establish the exclusion/segregation area so pedestrians are not struck by the machine or falling objects. Check the platform will not protrude into a vehicle route. Identify overhead power-line controls separately. If the work area changes, the exclusion zone and route may need to change with it.
Rescue. Agree who on site can operate the ground controls and emergency descent for this specific model. Practise the procedure under suitable conditions. Do not assume calling emergency services is a complete rescue arrangement. The person on the ground must know the machine's location, hazards and how to summon help. HSE MEWPs.
Ask the team
- Why was this machine chosen? Has the operator used this model before?
- Show the ground hazards and the overhead pinch point nearest the task.
- What pre-use defect would take the machine out of service?
- Who is excluded from the area and how do they know?
- Who can lower the basket if the operator cannot? Show the controls without endangering the worker.
If anyone cannot answer the rescue question, keep the platform down until the plan and people are ready.
Attendance and action record
| Name/role | Machine, hazard and rescue briefing received | Question/action | Acknowledgement |
|---|---|---|---|
| [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
Outcome: machine/area/rescue ready [ ] / work held [ ]; action owner [ ]; follow-up and approval [ ].
Example: steelwork in an overhead bay
The selected MEWP fits through the entrance but places the operator close to a crossbeam at the working height. The supervisor pauses to review basket movement, a machine with appropriate protected controls, ground position and a trained ground rescue person. A worker standing beside the lift cannot be treated as the rescue plan if they do not know the emergency controls. The method is rebriefed before elevation.
Common failures
- Choosing a MEWP by platform height alone.
- Ignoring ground voids, covers and excavation edges.
- Treating an operator card as proof of model familiarisation.
- Forgetting the person who will use ground controls in an emergency.
- Continuing after the weather, load or basket route changes.
Source, ownership and writer-side QA
Primary sources: HSE construction MEWP guidance; HSE entrapment safety alert; HSE selection/management sheet. Reviewed 6 October 2026. No universal wind speed, ground bearing or harness rule invented. Ownership: The observed live .co.uk toolbox hub does not list a MEWP talk; existing MEWP risk assessment content serves an assessment task. Final repository owner/route check remains. Link/product: Link to toolbox-talk hub only after whole-page and implementation QA. No Complys equipment examination, machine-monitoring or rescue capability asserted. Disposition: READY writer-side; competent site and machine-specific verification is required before use.