IPAF has published an important document, the IPAF Three-Year Strategic Plan. We created it to help all of us understand the major objectives for the organisation over the next three years, and to measure and demonstrate our progress towards those goals.

Adopting advanced technology, embracing change, utilising big data and relying on a skilled, engaged and energised workforce to create a successful, sustainable business model, was the key message at this year’s Europlatform conference in Belfast, UK.

Haulotte, the international MEWP manufacturer, has reached a historic agreement that sees it become one of the first sustaining members of IPAF, which was formally signed at the Europlatform 2018 conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 11 October.

Booking is now open for the annual IPAF Summit, which in 2019 will be held for the first time in the Middle East, and at the same time nominations for the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) have opened via www.iapa-summit.info

IPAF’s globally recognised PAL Card operator training has launched in a new language and new territory – with member firm Riwal now delivering the operator course in Russian to training candidates in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.

Tim Whiteman, CEO of IPAF, joined a webinar to discuss the capabilities and potential of VR and simulators in assisting training for safe operations while working at height, hosted by Engineering News Record (ENR). ‘Upping the Game: The Evolution of Virtual Reality Technology’ in the Construction Industry’ is now available to view online.

IPAF’s North American Regional Council presents a new networking event addressing some of the most pressing challenges in MEWP (AWP) and MCWP operations today, to be held at the Houston Area Safety Council, Pasadena, Texas, on October 16-17.

IPAF has made significant progress formulating a new MEWP service technician framework, with a new apprenticeship standard accepted for consultation, the first IPAF-recognised MEWP service technicians training now available and an exclusive offer for IPAF members to undertake advanced engineering courses with TVH.

Two routes to becoming a qualified MEWP service technician are outlined in IPAF’s new Service Engineer Roadmap – one is aimed at those without an engineering background, the other is a formal apprenticeship leading to IPAF CAP certification.

Representatives from the HSE, CITB and Build UK were among stand-out presenters in a seminar programme that attracted more than 200 delegates across a day of meetings, networking, dining and entertainment at the first ever IPAF Elevation.

The shortlist for the 2019 IAPAs has been announced, following a meeting of judges in Amsterdam. Those wishing to attend the IAPAs dinner and awards ceremony on 6 March in Dubai, UAE, are reminded the early-bird discount expires on 31 January.

Major construction projects are driving accelerated uptake of MEWP operator training in countries such as Denmark, where international contractors are insisting that all powered access users hold certification from an accredited IPAF training centre.

The line-up for IPAF’s inaugural Elevation conference, networking and gala dinner event on 25 September is confirmed, with places filling fast and the special early-bird booking discount only available until 24 August for the event in Coventry, UK.

The speakers for this year’s IPAF Summit in Dubai, UAE, on 6 March have been announced, with Matt Fearon, Genie President, and Peter Schrader, MD of Zeppelin Rental, among the names confirmed. Those wishing to attend the IAPAs dinner and presentation ceremony are reminded the early-bird discount expires on 31 January.

IPAF is pleased to be able to announce Peter Douglas as its new CEO & Managing Director, following a thorough recruitment process that attracted almost 50 applicants from around the world. The new CEO & MD will take up post on 1 December 2019 and will be based in the UK.

Senior representatives of IPAF have given more feedback to the UK All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) of MPs looking into falls from height in the workplace at a recent meeting in Westminster, including a review of IPAF’s accident reporting project.

The first training candidates have successfully passed IPAF’s PAL+ advanced MEWP operator course in a virtual reality (VR) environment using MEWP simulators, with the first certifications taking place at AFI-Uplift’s IPAF Training Centre near Leeds, Yorks.

IPAF is advising members that there has been a revision to the effective date for the ANSI A92 suite of standards, which has now been extended to March 1 2020.