Empowering the next generation

THE IPAF Summit 2024, hosted at the Scandic Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, that was attended by more than 300 industry professionals, began with a heartfelt and thought-provoking speech by newly elected IPAF President, Karel Huijser. 

Emphasising IPAF's commitment to innovation and safety, they celebrated a record-breaking year in 2023, issuing over 200,000 PAL Cards, signifying a 12% increase from the previous year. The ePAL digital app achieved over half a million downloads globally, with 62% of PAL Cards issued digitally through this platform. Additionally, key insights from the membership survey underscored the importance of safety, knowledge, and global collaboration within the IPAF community. 

In 2024, IPAF plans significant enhancements, including improvements to the new IPAF PORTAL to streamline IPAF training centre operations and digital testing options. Developments to the recently launched Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system aim to improve member communications. The highly anticipated new Operator Course, set for release in late 2024, promises to revolutionise powered access training with its global expertise and innovative approach. 

Joel Särkkä, Chief Information Officer of Renta Group Oy, explored future-proofing rental, focusing on Renta's decentralised model, digitalisation, efficiency, and sustainability efforts. Renta prioritises intelligent fleet management, digitalised processes, and actionable data insights, enhancing customer solutions. 

Joel elaborated on Renta’s vision to be the most sustainable and digital partner in the equipment rental industry, aiming to lead in circular economy practices and safety standards. They aim to mitigate environmental impact, excel in health and safety, and uphold responsible corporate governance. 

Renta also emphasises building capabilities to attract diverse talent and promoting employee well-being. Successful future-proofing leads to a more sustainable business, efficient operations, and increased rental penetration, ensuring better access to workforce and talent retention. 

Kasia Gotlib, Senior Product Marketing Specialist at JLG, and James Hahessy, Product Manager of Connected Solutions EMEA at JLG, shared insights into engaging younger generations in the access industry. Both millennials and new parents, they highlighted the importance of reaching Generation Z and Generation Alpha, who make up a significant portion of the global population. 

Global safety campaign

IPAF launched its Global Safety Campaign in 2024, emphasising ‘Crushing can kill’.

The third Global Safety Campaign released during IPAF Head of Safety and Technical Brian Parker’s tenure raised awareness and reduced entrapment and crushing incidents involving Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), which have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries over the past decade.  

Led by IPAF’s Brian Parker and Alana Paterson, Head of Health, Safety & Environment at Taylor Woodrow & Chair of the IPAF International Safety Committee, the campaign emphasises the importance of training, proper planning, and adherence to safety protocols when operating MEWPs and using pedestrian control mode.  

Statistics over the past decade revealed 118 fatalities, 16 major injuries, and 5 minor injuries attributed to entrapment incidents involving MEWPs. The occupations most affected include MEWP operators, delivery drivers and technicians/engineers, emphasising the need for comprehensive safety measures across a variety of applicable industries.  

In the last three years of fatal accident data, 68% of fatalities are attributed to 3a Mobile Vertical machines (Vertical lifts). While this is a significant shift from the previous data, IPAF is encouraged by new solutions coming onto the market for vertical type MEWPs.   

The campaign highlights common causes of entrapment incidents, such as poor planning, inadequate training, complacency, and equipment malfunctions. To mitigate these risks, IPAF advocates for task-specific risk assessments, the correct selection of MEWPs, training of operators, and documented practice/rehearsal of rescue procedures.  

Recognising the global reach of the campaign, IPAF has developed legislation-neutral guidance documents tailored for planners, employers, managers, supervisors, operators, rescuers, and training bodies. These resources aim to standardise safety practices worldwide and support the ongoing development of a new ISO standard for MEWP safety systems.  

Additionally, IPAF has released a new Toolbox Talk focusing on the risks associated with operating MEWPs from ground controls with a person in the MEWP platform, as well as new industry-leading guidance on the safe use of pedestrian controls. An Andy Access poster titled ‘Danger Keep Well Clear!’ has also been developed to reinforce the Toolbox Talk. These initiatives reaffirm IPAF's commitment to continuously improving industry safety standards and reducing the incidence of entrapment and crushing related accidents.  

IPAF Head of Safety and Technical Brian Parker commented: "Our aim is to give operators the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their work environments safely and confidently. By ensuring that this campaign resonates with those directly using the platform, we're taking an important step toward reducing and preventing entrapment and crushing related incidents."  

As the campaign launches, IPAF urges industry participation, implementation of recommended safety measures, and the reporting of incidents to facilitate ongoing safety improvements. Together, we can prevent and reduce entrapment and crushing related incidents and safeguard the well-being of operators and platform occupants in MEWPs.