IPAF Elevates safety, diversity and technology

Opening the event, Lisa Bailey, IPAF’s Head of Human Resources, reflected on the success of the Women in Powered Access (WIPA) initiative, launched in 2022 by Karin Nars, IPAF’s first female president.

IPAF’s Women in Powered Access (WIPA) initiative, launched in 2022.

Speaker Tara Fosbrook shared her experiences as a woman in powered access, providing advice to women both already in the industry and those looking to enter it. “While the industry used to be very male-dominated, that’s shifting. It may not be the most ‘glamorous’ sector, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting – its uniqueness and niche appeal. There’s so much potential here, and there’s always room for fresh, diverse perspectives.”

Richard Whiting, IPAF’s UK Market General Manager, officially opened the Elevation Conference by welcoming IPAF CEO & Managing Director Peter Douglas on stage.

Douglas presented an update on IPAF’s recent achievements, noting a 7% increase in both membership and PAL Card issuance compared to 2023. In the UK alone, IPAF has seen a 5% rise in membership and a 4% growth in PAL Card issuance, with further expansion anticipated before year-end.

Douglas introduced the upcoming new IPAF Operator Course, set to launch in January 2025. Designed to enhance operator’s all-round learning experience, the course will include new modules, such as “Introduction to MEWPs” and “Safe Operations”, tailored to meet evolving safety standards. He also guided attendees through scenarios of unsafe practices, engaging the audience in an interactive discussion on hazard identification and mitigation.

Insights on compliance 

Steve O’Brien, MEWP Compliance Team Supervisor at Select Plant Hire, captivated the audience with insights into the importance of MEWP compliance, highlighting both the legal and safety implications. He echoed Douglas’ emphasis on accident reporting, encouraging members to log all types of incidents, including near misses, into IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal to help identify trends and improve safety.

O’Brien also discussed how technology, especially telematics, is transforming safety in powered access. Emphasising the importance of verifying operator training, he warned against the rise in counterfeit PAL Cards and fake training certificates, which can compromise safety on worksites.

Advancing training 

Peter Douglas, Managing Director and CEO of IPAF at the Elevation event.

Jim Colvin, Executive Chairman and Chief Legal Officer of Serious Industrial Motion Simulators (SIMS), presented on the transformative role of competency-based training, particularly through virtual reality (VR) for MEWPs and heavy machinery. Colvin highlighted how VR can help address the top four causes of fatal MEWP incidents—falls, electrocution, entrapment, and overturning—by providing realistic, repeatable training in a controlled environment.

The SIMS VR Course, aligned with IPAF’s PAL+ training standards, offers objective, data-driven assessments of operator competency. “Traditional training can’t always replicate the specific risks operators face on real job sites,” said Colvin. “With VR, we’re seeing a 97% predictability rate in operator behaviour, meaning safer outcomes for everyone.” Attendees watched a VR simulation demonstrating an entrapment scenario, providing a vivid example of the technology’s capability to enhance safety training.

Encouraging Transparency 

Ben Hirst director at Horizon Platforms, and Darren Sutton, a performance psychologist from Behavioural Safety Services, delivered a thought-provoking session titled “Stories We Tell, Risks We Face: How Self-Talk Shapes Safety.” Using a video of a past safety incident, Hirst highlighted the importance of transparency and storytelling, urging attendees to share their experiences with IPAF to foster a safer industry through ipaf.org/shareyourstory.

Sutton explored the impact of self-talk on safety, explaining that adopting a growth mindset can help operators overcome challenges and improve their performance. His discussion resonated with the audience, inspiring attendees to consider how self-reflection and mental preparedness can contribute to a safer work environment.

Closing Panel 

The day concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Euan Youdale, Editor of Access International, featuring insights from David Emery of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, Charlie Stanley of Nationwide Platforms, and Ian James from BrontoSkylift. The panel addressed critical topics such as the need to attract a younger, more diverse workforce to the powered access industry, as well as strategies to enhance the industry’s appeal through social media and outreach initiatives.

Panellists also emphasised the important role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in promoting diversity and embracing innovation and new ways of thinking within the industry. The discussion sparked interest in ways to bridge generational gaps within the workplace and create a more inclusive industry culture.

IPAF appoints Randy Marzicola as VP – North America Marzicola joins IPAF with over two decades of experience in the industrial and construction machinery sectors