IPAF Supporting Construction Safety Week 2026 Through Global Safety Initiatives
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is proudly supporting Construction Safety Week 2026 through a series of safety-focused activities across Europe and North America.
As part of the initiative, IPAF representatives are delivering safety talks and practical demonstrations at major construction sites, engaging directly with operators, contractors, and safety professionals to promote best practice and raise awareness around the risks associated with working at height.
In Helsinki, Finland, and Sandviken, Sweden, IPAF is partnering with Winthrop Technologies, where Kent Bostrom, IPAF's Nordic & East Europe Regional Manager, will deliver dedicated safety talks to MEWP operators across multiple worksites. The sessions focus on operator attitudes toward safety, highlighting how easily incidents can occur when risk assessments are overlooked or shortcuts are taken.
Using real-world examples, videos, and images, the talks encourage open discussion around hazard awareness and personal responsibility when operating Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
Alongside the talks, IPAF Instructors are conducting live safety demonstrations on emergency lowering procedures for MEWPs, ensuring operators understand how to respond safely should equipment malfunction occur. The demonstrations highlight the importance of machine familiarity, particularly when working with boom lifts in complex environments.
“Even though the risk of equipment failure is low, emergency procedures are something that can easily be forgotten,” said Kent. “These demonstrations reinforce the importance of knowing the machine you are operating and being prepared to respond safely in unexpected situations.”
Contractors participating in the sessions have recognised the value of incorporating practical safety engagement into Construction Safety Week activities, with the one-hour sessions providing a meaningful opportunity to reinforce safe behaviours on site.
Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, North America, IPAF North America participated in a record-setting National Safety Stand-Down hosted by Gilbane Building Company. Approximately 1,000 construction workers gathered at a federal building project to focus on fall prevention, workplace safety, and ensuring every worker returns home safely each day.
The event brought together skilled craft professionals, industry leaders, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all aligned around a shared commitment to preventing incidents on site.
IPAF North America, alongside IPAF member Genie, supported the event by promoting safe work at height through MEWP training, operator education, and safety leadership across the industry.
“Construction Safety Week is an important reminder that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Tony Groat, IPAF North America Regional Manager. “Through training, awareness, and collaboration, we can continue improving standards and reducing the risks associated with working at height.”
IPAF North America also attended the National Safety Summit, where the organisation showcased its MEWP Operator and Supervisor eLearning solutions, IPAF Training Centre opportunities, and the practical benefits of IPAF membership designed to help companies strengthen compliance, consistency, and workplace safety practices.
