The full line-up of industry thought-leaders confirmed to lead the topic-specific work groups at Innovate 2019 has been announced, with the second edition of the new workshop, challenge and award-format event hosted by IPAF in Chicago, July 16-17.

Tim Whiteman has stepped down from the position of Managing Director and CEO of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) after 15 years in the position. Former IPAF President Andy Studdert will act as interim CEO to provide continuity as Tim Whiteman hands over and while the search for a new CEO is conducted.

After several months of development and fine-tuning, IPAF has announced it is now ready for “controlled trials” of its PAL+ advanced operator assessment in a virtual reality (VR) environment using MEWP simulators at some members’ training centres.

OHSSAI has amplified calls from IPAF to increase take-up of comprehensive MEWP operator training in India, to help eradicate unsafe practices such as using ground controls to elevate untrained personnel to carry out work at height.

IPAF is heading to Santiago, Chile, to take part in CONEXPO Latin America, for the major construction and infrastructure trade show that will be hosted on October 2-5.

Norty Turner has been named as the President of IPAF, after Brad Boehler decided to step down having recently left his role at member firm Skyjack. Karin Nars of Dinolift becomes Deputy President and Karel Huijser of JLG is named as Vice President.

Andy Studdert, interim CEO and MD of IPAF, has used his closing remarks at the Europlatform 2019 conference in Nice, France, to pay tribute to departed IPAF President Brad Boehler, who stepped down after leaving his role at Skyjack recently.

Tim Whiteman, CEO of IPAF, joined a webinar to discuss the capabilities and potential of VR and simulators in assisting training for safe operations while working at height, hosted by Engineering News Record (ENR). ‘Upping the Game: The Evolution of Virtual Reality Technology’ in the Construction Industry’ is now available to view online.

IPAF’s North American Regional Council presents a new networking event addressing some of the most pressing challenges in MEWP (AWP) and MCWP operations today, to be held at the Houston Area Safety Council, Pasadena, Texas, on October 16-17.

IPAF has made significant progress formulating a new MEWP service technician framework, with a new apprenticeship standard accepted for consultation, the first IPAF-recognised MEWP service technicians training now available and an exclusive offer for IPAF members to undertake advanced engineering courses with TVH.

Two routes to becoming a qualified MEWP service technician are outlined in IPAF’s new Service Engineer Roadmap – one is aimed at those without an engineering background, the other is a formal apprenticeship leading to IPAF CAP certification.

Representatives from the HSE, CITB and Build UK were among stand-out presenters in a seminar programme that attracted more than 200 delegates across a day of meetings, networking, dining and entertainment at the first ever IPAF Elevation.

IPAF has published an important document, the IPAF Three-Year Strategic Plan. We created it to help all of us understand the major objectives for the organisation over the next three years, and to measure and demonstrate our progress towards those goals.

Adopting advanced technology, embracing change, utilising big data and relying on a skilled, engaged and energised workforce to create a successful, sustainable business model, was the key message at this year’s Europlatform conference in Belfast, UK.

Haulotte, the international MEWP manufacturer, has reached a historic agreement that sees it become one of the first sustaining members of IPAF, which was formally signed at the Europlatform 2018 conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 11 October.

Booking is now open for the annual IPAF Summit, which in 2019 will be held for the first time in the Middle East, and at the same time nominations for the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) have opened via www.iapa-summit.info

IPAF’s globally recognised PAL Card operator training has launched in a new language and new territory – with member firm Riwal now delivering the operator course in Russian to training candidates in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.

Robert Munn, Health & Safety Director, of the Expo 2020 world fair construction project has told IPAF’s fourth annual Middle East Convention that “everyone using a MEWP at Expo 2020 Dubai must have a PAL Card from IPAF.”

IPAF member companies and other owners and operators of powered access equipment are being warned about the risk of theft of machines following a report
of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) being stolen in Leicestershire.

Members of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) command unparalleled influence on global industry regulation and standards, safety messaging and technical and training expertise, as analysis of this year’s Access 50 power list shows that together the organisation’s largest member companies control well in excess of half a million Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) between them.

From 2019, the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) will be able to offer the CSCS logo on its internationally recognised PAL Card operator licence in the UK, in line with a requirement from Build UK stipulating that access to construction sites should be restricted to holders of accredited licences or recognised competency cards.