IPAF Elevation UK 2024: Safety, Diversity, and Innovation in Powered Access

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) successfully hosted its annual Elevation UK event, celebrating safety advancements, diversity, and technological innovations in powered access. With a strong focus on promoting safe practices, advancing training standards, and fostering inclusivity, the event highlighted IPAF’s ongoing commitment to creating a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone in the powered access industry. 

IPAF’s Commitment to Inclusivity Through the Women in Powered Access (WIPA) Initiative 

Opening the event, Lisa Bailey, IPAF’s Head of HR, reflected on the success of the Women in Powered Access (WIPA) initiative, launched in 2022 by Karin Nars, IPAF’s first female president. Since its inception, WIPA has worked to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women in the powered access industry, while also providing clear pathways for women looking to start or advance their careers in this field. The initiative has not only increased visibility for women in powered access but has also opened doors for networking, mentorship, and career development. 

Speaker Tara Fosbrook shared her experiences as a woman in powered access, providing invaluable advice to women both already in the industry and those looking to enter it. A piece of advice she has shared for women looking to enter the industry is, “Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone! While the industry used to be very male-dominated, that's shifting. It may not be the most 'glamorous' sector, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting – its uniqueness and niche appeal. There’s so much potential here, and there’s always room for fresh, diverse perspectives.” 

Celebrating Growth in IPAF Membership and Digital Adoption 

Richard Whiting, IPAF’s UK Market General Manager, officially opened the Elevation Conference by welcoming IPAF CEO & Managing Director Peter Douglas on stage. Douglas presented an update on IPAF’s recent achievements, noting a 7% increase in both membership and PAL Card issuance compared to 2023. In the UK alone, IPAF has seen a 5% rise in membership and a 4% growth in PAL Card issuance, with further expansion anticipated before year-end. 

Highlighting the success of the ePAL app, IPAF’s CEO shared that 65% of PAL cards are now issued digitally. Launched in 2021, the app has grown significantly, now boasting over 750,000 downloads across 205 countries, with the UK and Ireland leading adoption. “Promoting and enabling the safe, effective use of powered access worldwide—that’s IPAF’s mission,” Douglas emphasised. “We do this in many ways, but most importantly, IPAF is run by its members for its members.” 

 Safety Through Training and the Upcoming IPAF Operator Course 

Peter Douglas then introduced the upcoming new IPAF Operator Course, set to launch in January 2025. Designed to enhance operator’s all-round learning experience, the course will include new modules, such as "Introduction to MEWPs" and “Safe Operations”, tailored to meet evolving safety standards. He also guided attendees through scenarios of unsafe practices, engaging the audience in an interactive discussion on hazard identification and mitigation. 

Douglas also underscored the importance of IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal, which informs the IPAF Global Safety Report and key safety campaigns. Attendees were encouraged to use IPAF’s safety posters and materials to promote workplace safety. Upcoming events, including the 2025 IPAF Summit and IAPA Awards in Dublin, were also announced, with a reminder about the early bird registration deadline at the end of November. 

Insights on Compliance and Technology from Industry Experts 

Steve O’Brien, MEWP Compliance Team Supervisor at Select Plant Hire, captivated the audience with insights into the importance of MEWP compliance, highlighting both the legal and safety implications. He echoed Douglas’ emphasis on accident reporting, encouraging members to log all types of incidents, including near misses, into IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal to help identify trends and improve safety. 

O’Brien also discussed how technology, especially telematics, is transforming safety in powered access. Emphasising the importance of verifying operator training, he warned against the rise in counterfeit PAL Cards and fake training certificates, which can compromise safety on worksites. 

Advancing Training Standards with Virtual Reality 

Jim Colvin, Executive Chairman and Chief Legal Officer of Serious Industrial Motion Simulators (SIMS), presented on the transformative role of competency-based training, particularly through virtual reality (VR) for MEWPs and heavy machinery. Colvin highlighted how VR can help address the top four causes of fatal MEWP incidents—falls, electrocution, entrapment, and overturning—by providing realistic, repeatable training in a controlled environment. 

The SIMS VR Course, aligned with IPAF’s PAL+ training standards, offers objective, data-driven assessments of operator competency. “Traditional training can’t always replicate the specific risks operators face on real job sites,” said Colvin. “With VR, we’re seeing a 97% predictability rate in operator behaviour, meaning safer outcomes for everyone.” Attendees watched a VR simulation demonstrating an entrapment scenario, providing a vivid example of the technology’s capability to enhance safety training. 

Encouraging Transparency and Self-Reflection for Improved Safety 

After a networking break, Ben Hirst, Non-Executive Director at Horizon Platforms, and Darren Sutton, a performance psychologist from Behavioural Safety Services, delivered a thought-provoking session titled “Stories We Tell, Risks We Face: How Self-Talk Shapes Safety.” Using a video of a past safety incident, Hirst highlighted the importance of transparency and storytelling, urging attendees to share their experiences with IPAF to foster a safer industry through ipaf.org/shareyourstory. 

Sutton explored the impact of self-talk on safety, explaining that adopting a growth mindset can help operators overcome challenges and improve their performance. His discussion resonated with the audience, inspiring attendees to consider how self-reflection and mental preparedness can contribute to a safer work environment. 

Closing Panel on Diversity, Technology, and Future Talent 

The day concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Euan Youdale, Editor of Access International, featuring insights from David Emery of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, Charlie Stanley of Nationwide Platforms, and Ian James from BrontoSkylift. The panel addressed critical topics such as the need to attract a younger, more diverse workforce to the powered access industry, as well as strategies to enhance the industry’s appeal through social media and outreach initiatives. 

Panellists also emphasised the important role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in promoting diversity and embracing innovation and new ways of thinking within the industry. The discussion sparked interest in ways to bridge generational gaps within the workplace and create a more inclusive industry culture. 

The IPAF Elevation Gala Dinner offered attendees a fun-filled evening, beginning with a networking drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal and capped off with entertainment from acclaimed comedian Scott Bennett, whose performance kept the crowd thoroughly entertained throughout. 

Thank you to the following sponsors of IPAF Elevation UK 2024: 

For more information about IPAF, the Women in Powered Access initiative, or the upcoming IPAF Summit, visit www.ipaf.org.