Adopting digital technology, utilising big data and embracing Lean management techniques to deliver streamlined depots were among the themes of this year’s IPAF Summit, held at the Radisson Blu Deira Creek Hotel, Dubai, on 6 March 2019.

A healthy future is predicted for the powered access industry, despite a backdrop of global uncertainty and probable economic slowdown, according to several speakers
at the recent IPAF Summit 2019, held for the first time in Dubai, UAE, on 6 March.

Registrations are now open for the inaugural IPAF MEWP Safety & Standards Conference, which will take place on 16 May 2019 alongside the Changsha International Construction Machinery Exhibition (15-18 May), Hunan Province, China.

IPAF has had an injunction awarded by the High Court of Madras against Capital Equipment Services Ltd (CESL) of Chennai, India, which had sought to copy and distribute IPAF’s training materials as its own MEWP operator course.

IPAF has signed an agreement with ASEAMAC, the Spanish Rental Association, to collaborate on projects and events and to offer discounted affiliate rates on subscriptions and events to members of each organisation. The agreement was signed by Tim Whiteman, CEO & MD of IPAF, and Juan José Torres, President of ASEAMAC, at ASEAMAC’s Annual Conference in Madrid, Spain.

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has paid tribute to Alastair Robertson – owner of Universal Equipment in Glenn Ellyn, Chicago, US, an active and long-serving member of the organisation and a “force for good practice and safety” in the worldwide powered access industry.

IPAF has been shortlisted for two European Association Awards, being nominated in the Best Provision of Industry Information and Intelligence, and Best Association Conference (under 225 delegates) categories. Winners are announced in March.

A more robust system of reporting workplace falls overseen by a new independent body and a review of work at height culture that will consider the introduction of financial penalties for safety breaches are among the key findings of an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) inquiry into safety while working at height in the UK.

Almost 350 industry professionals gathered on 6 March 2019 in Dubai, UAE, to honour the winners of the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs). Jointly organised by Access International and IPAF, the IAPAs celebrate best practice and excellence in the powered access industry, and this was the first time the event was held in the Middle East. Those assembled at the Raddison Blu Deira Creek Hotel were also the first to learn the next edition of the awards ceremony will be returning to the UK for the first time since 2017 and will be held in London on 23 April 2020.

Jean Harrison is entering retirement, with 23 May 2019 being her last day with IPAF, where she has worked across a variety of roles over 27 years’ distinguished service.

Booking is open and the first speakers have been announced for Europlatform 2019, to be held at the Hotel Le Negresco in Nice, France, on 3 October. Europlatform is the essential annual event for senior professionals in the powered access rental industry, and this year Olivier Colleau, President, of Kiloutou, will give the morning keynote address and Angus Kennard, CEO, Kennards Hire the afternoon keynote address.

A save-the-date notice has been issued to all training instructors and managers for a newly formatted annual Professional Development Seminar by IPAF. The 2019 UK PDS will be held at the Holiday Inn Birmingham M6 J7 on 17 September.

Global automotive manufacturer Renault is working to address global site safety concerns and has been raising awareness with a number of events aimed at management and safety employees, with assistance from IPAF representatives.