IPAF Summit Panel Discussion

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. The presentations kicked off with an energetic joint effort by Amanda Tan, IPAF Asia Regional Development Manager, and Diego Bustamante, IPAF Latin America Regional Manager/North America Project Coordinator. Amanda and Diego, representing a new generation of leaders and introducing the summit theme of “Empowering the Next Generation”, highlighted the diverse backgrounds and global coordination within the IPAF team, spanning 14 time zones.

  • IPAF are being urged to email their local MP to ask them to intervene to help save the UK Work at Height safety regulations, set to be repealed as part of a “bonfire of EU laws” by the end of 2023, after IPAF’s CEO wrote to a selection of MPs on the issue.

  • The IAPAs 2023 shortlists have been announced, after a panel of five industry experts selected the best of the 120 entrants across 13 award categories earlier this week. The final winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 20 April in Berlin, Germany.

  • Around 400 Singapore industry stakeholders have participated in a webinar and members’ meeting hosted by IPAF in November. The webinar was followed by an in-person dinner and networking session for all IPAF Singapore members.

  • IPAF has issued a further update in regard to industry concerns around the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following another meeting of its training, safety and technical experts, representatives of its Training Committee, International Safety Committee and Manufacturers’ Technical Committee on 13 December.

  • A new chair has been named for IPAF’s North American Regional Council with Brian Clark, Director of Product Support at Sunbelt Rentals, replacing Ebbe Christensen, CEO & President of Ruthmann Reachmaster, after his extended period as chair.

  • It has been a notable year for IPAF across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with demand for quality training from Tier 1 construction contractors and the recognition of IPAF President Karin Nars both credited as contributing towards record-breaking numbers.

  • IPAF has announced it has appointed a new representative covering Ireland and Northern Ireland, following a year of rapid growth in membership and training delivery across the region. Damien O’Connor will take up the post in January 2023.

  • IPAF’s Women in Powered Access initiative invites women of all ages in a variety of roles to share their inspiring stories, to help showcase and celebrate the opportunities the industry offers. Here we focus on women working in a range of training roles.

  • Across 2022 a host of new Toolbox Talks and Andy Access safety posters have been issued by IPAF, including briefings on: Safe MCWP and construction hoist loading; MCWP and construction hoist rescue planning; assessing MEWP tyre condition; and how to prevent Falls From Height – part of IPAF’s Don’t Fall for It! safety campaign.

  • IPAF representatives showcased MEWP safety guidance, including the importance of quality operator training, correct use of PFPE and the Don’t Fall For It! safety campaign – designed to prevent falls from the platform – at OSH India 2022 in Mumbai.

  • IPAF has issued the following statement concerning the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following safety alert JCPT2223RTB issued by Multiplex on 21 November 2022, and the response from the manufacturer of the MEWP referenced.

  • The introduction of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking scheme has been pushed back by a further two years, in a move that will allow CE-marked (EU standard) products to continue to be sold into Great Britain markets until 31 December 2024.

  • IPAF’s ePAL mobile application for operators of MEWPs and MCWPs has been recognised by Lift & Access magazine in the US, being awarded a prestigious LLEAP Gold accolade in the Aftermarket Support Products & Services category.

  • A safety awareness leaflet has been issued to warn users of MEWPs about the catapult effect, which can cause occupants to be ejected from the platform, leading to serious injury and death, especially if occupants are not wearing the correct PFPE.

  • IPAF ELEVANDO is set to return as an in-person event for the first time since the pandemic on November 10-11 in Querétaro, Mexico. The event is hosted by IPAF and covers developments in the powered access industry across all of Latin America.