IPAF’s Tony Groat named as SAIA MEWP Council Chair

Tony Groat, North America Regional Manager for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), has been named as the new Chair of the Scaffold & Access Industry Association’s (SAIA) Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Council, replacing Forrest Hester.  

Groat has been in the construction equipment industry for more than four decades, including 31 years in the equipment rental industry and over 15 years promoting safety with IPAF. He is a recognized industry expert, directly involved in the development of MEWP industry standards, including ANSI/SAIA A92 and CSA B354 and is a technical expert for the US on ISO TC214 standards.  

Groat says: “It is an honor to be chosen as the new chair of this council, and a further harmonization of IPAF and SAIA’s joint mission to raise awareness and promote the safe and effective use of powered access equipment. 

“IPAF and the SAIA last year signed an agreement to work more closely together to promote safety and training in powered access throughout the US, Canada and Mexico and by taking up the chair of the SAIA MEWP Council I hope to strengthen that alliance between our two organizations. I’d also like to personally thank Forrest Hester for his prior five years of service in this role.”