‘Wheel of Misfortune’ illustrates hazards of loading/unloading

Representatives of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) used the Vertikal Days 2023 event on 10-11 May at the East of England Showground near Peterborough to promote its Safe Loading and Unloading campaign; spinning a “wheel of misfortune” to teach visitors to the IPAF stand all about the risks involved in loading, transporting, and unloading MEWPs and how to mitigate them.  

The interactive safety activity for visitors to IPAF’s stand aimed to underline the fact that “safety should never be left to chance”. Participants were invited to spin the wheel to land on one of the causes of accidents or injuries when loading or unloading MEWPs and were then asked to spot the corresponding hazard in the on-stand display and learn how to avoid it. Those who completed the challenge were able to claim a limited-edition co-branded water bottle sponsored by Warren Access, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.  

IPAF’s representatives were on hand across both days to offer support and technical guidance. Visitors were also able to access the latest advisory leaflets, stickers, Andy Access posters and Toolbox Talk safety briefings.  

Peter Douglas, CEO & MD of IPAF, comments: “Vertikal Days is one of the highlights of the UK powered access events calendar and is the ideal showcase for promoting IPAF’s global safety campaigns. IPAF’s Global Safety Report shows how rental activity including loading and unloading MEWPs at work sites leads to a significant number of incidents each year, with delivery personnel disproportionately at risk of serious injury; hence why we promoted our Safe Loading and Unloading campaign during the event.  

“We also reminded our members that, as of last year, those in selected membership categories are eligible to claim a free version of IPAF’s latest Global Powered Access Rental Market Report when the award-winning report is published later this month.” 

On the stand visitors also had a chance to win a ticket to IPAF Elevation, the UK event which will be held after a two-year hiatus on 16-17 November 2023. The event will continue to celebrate IPAF’s 40 years in the powered access industry and will celebrate with guests at the gala dinner and next day activities of a golf or spa package option. More information will be announced via the www.ipaf.org/elevation website in due course. 

● Visit www.ipaf.org/safe to find out about all IPAF’s global safety campaigns and to access a range of free to download resources in support; also see www.ipaf.org/events for details about all upcoming IPAF events appearances and webinars.