In Forestry, MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) are a common way to work at height - and a common source of falls when they are misused. This guide explains how Forestry teams in Ireland use MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) safely, and why a Working at Heights Course ties it all together.
MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Forestry: where the risk lies
An arborist sectioning a storm-damaged tree in a Wicklow plantation, relying entirely on climbing systems and a rescue-ready colleague. MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) are suited to reaching height quickly and safely where the ground is suitable, especially for maintenance, installation and access work, but in a Forestry setting the margin for error is small.
Pre-use checks for MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)
Before any Forestry worker uses MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms), confirm that:
- The rescue and emergency-lowering plan is understood
- The harness and lanyard (where required for booms) are in date
- Ground conditions are firm, level and free of voids
- Pre-use function checks of controls and emergency lowering
The relevant standard here is EN 280, operated by IPAF-trained and card-holding operators, thoroughly examined every 6 months.
Common MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) faults to never ignore
- Overreaching from the basket
- No rescue plan for entrapment
- Untrained operators
- Overloading the platform
Aerial tree work is specialist height work needing dedicated arborist training and rescue capability.
The Working at Heights Course makes compliance simple
Certifying your people is quicker than most employers expect. Our Working at Heights Course is delivered fully online, takes about 45 minutes, and issues a downloadable certificate the same day. It is CPD certified, RoSPA approved and QQI aligned, and it is written specifically for Forestry teams using MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms).
The Working at Heights Training covers the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy, ladder and stepladder safety, MEWPs and scaffolds, harnesses and anchor points, and how to carry out a proper risk assessment. Every learner finishes with a recognised Working at Heights Certificate that stands up to HSA inspection and supports your insurance position.
Training that goes beyond the tick-box
Young and new workers are over-represented in fall statistics, and MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Forestry is no exception. Setting good habits from the very first day - never climbing on furniture, never overreaching, always inspecting equipment - is far easier than unlearning bad ones later. Early certification with a Working at Heights Course pays back for an entire career.
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious and fatal workplace injury in Ireland, year after year. The pattern is depressingly consistent for MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Forestry: a short task, a familiar setting, a ladder or platform that seemed fine, and a single moment of overreach. Proper training breaks that pattern by making the safe choice the automatic one.
Frequently asked questions
Do Forestry workers need training to use MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)?
Yes. Safe use of MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) is part of working at height. A Working at Heights Course covers selection, inspection and safe use for Forestry tasks.
How often should MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) be inspected?
Before every use by the operator, plus formal recorded inspections to the relevant standard. Keep the logs for HSA inspection.
Is online training enough for Forestry height work?
Our online Working at Heights Training covers the legal and safe-system knowledge; equipment-specific practical tickets (such as IPAF or PASMA) are added where the task requires them.
Get certified today
Do not wait for an HSA inspection or a near miss to act. Forestry teams can complete the Working at Heights Course online in 45 minutes and download a certificate the same day. For 10 or more learners, see our team training rates, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
Start the online Working at Heights Training now and put a recognised certificate in every worker's file before the next job at height begins.
