Big winners of the first ever International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) included Riwal, Netherlands (Access Rental Company of the Year); JLG (product of the year for the LiftPod); Denis Ashworth and John Fuller (jointly awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award); and Mauro Potrich of CTE, Italy (IPAF Instructor of the Year).

Other winners included Andy Studdert of US-based NES Rentals (IPAF Safety Champion of the Year) and UK-based A-Plant (Access Industry Training Award). Atlanta-based Mastclimbers took the Mast Climbing Work Platform Achievement Award and Camillo Vismara, Switzerland won for the Best Marketing Campaign for IPAF Training.

The awards were jointly organised by Access International and IPAF.

The 2010 IAPAs will be held in London. The date and venue will be announced shortly. Details at www.ipaf.org/iapa

Here is the full list of winners:

The Access Rental Company of the Year
Riwal: the Netherlands-based firm has a strong base in some of Europe's major access markets - but it also puts effort into developing new territory. In 2008, it established operations in Brazil, the Baltic States, Poland and Croatia. Of Riwal, the judges said: "This is a top quality firm, producing a first-rate performance. It is playing a leading role in developing rental in new markets."

Access International Product of the Year
JLG Industries' LiftPod: is a small lift that is a safer, more productive alternative to ladders. With a working height of up to 4.2 m (14 ft), the LiftPod comprises three sections which are easy to transport and carry. The platform is raised either using a battery pack or by a standard 18 V power tool.