Andy Studdert, interim CEO and managing director for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), has a unique perspective on disaster readiness concerns in the powered access industry. Studdert’s recollections from his past experience as COO of United Airlines kicked off the 2019 IPAF CatchUP event, with respectful memories of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.
The CatchUp session was held in San Diego on September 11, in the lead-up to the Access, Lift & Handlers (ALH) Conference & Awards program.
Eighteen years ago, Studdert conducted a no-notice drill at United Airlines on August 30, less than two weeks before the attacks. Only he and the captain knew it was a drill. The rest of the company on the ground and in the air thought a 747 flying from San Francisco to Australia had disappeared, with its engine cut out. Half an hour after the exercise began, Studdert announced to the rest of his team that the potential disaster was only a drill. Everybody at United was ready to kill him, he noted.
But having gone through the experience, they were in the best position possible to know how to handle an impossible situation - what he calls “the extreme end of the envelope.”
“If you go through those emotions ahead of time,” Studdert explained, “at least you’ve gotten your organization ready for the extreme of possibility.”
This sense of appreciation for unexpected consequences was aimed at getting industry leaders attending CatchUP on board and educated. The same concept can be applied in many industries, not just aviation, Studdert added.
Educating through formal communications and face-to-face
Business owners, whether manufacturers, rental centers or contractors, certainly want to avoid accidents that cause serious injuries or death. Workers on jobsites, especially younger workers, require education on safe equipment use to protect them against risks stemming from a lack of experience.
This education must be targeted to address the specific ways the younger generation communicates. At the IPAF CatchUP event, attendees saw examples of ongoing campaigns and initiatives, including “Andy Access” animations, and nearly 30 specific powered access safety Toolbox Talks. Studdert identified the audience for this effort as “young people running equipment who are very visual.”
“Our goal,” he added, “is to keep young men and women under 30 from killing themselves today. We wanted to drive home that they’re not invincible and reinforce that this a great program.”
Different strokes for different generations
The use of a curious new term, MEWPs, which stands for mobile elevated work platforms, and rhymes with hoops, also catches attention, as owners speaking with regulators might press the question, “What is a MEWP?”
A global cause
IPAF has expanded to 75 different countries, and 1,399 members around the globe. Brad Boehler, president of Skyjack, who is serving a two-year term as president of IPAF, stated the unified mission for this “world authority in powered access” is “promoting the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide.”
He added, “We want to get people up and down to perform tasks in a safe and effective matter. When you have members active around the globe, they have a variety of issues to take on.”
Translating educational materials doesn’t just become a matter of different languages, but also differences in local culture and regulations. “Things are done differently, with different standards, around the globe,” Boehler said.
Digital materials, including virtual reality training, are on the horizon for younger workers across the planet.
Virtual Reality Gains Ground in MEWP Training to Improve Safety and Efficiency
Leaders can get caught up on the industry standards - including the new ANSI standards that go into effect this December - and best practices, and also spread the word, through white papers, webinars and other digital and traditional media.
“IPAF interprets a variety of regulatory frameworks and standards,” Boehler explained. “Depending on your niche in the market - as owner, operator, user, or manufacturer - IPAF can help you with those standards. We have a great level of expertise around a wide variety of global standards, including what the standards are and how they affect your business.”
The business leaders attending the ALH Conference & Awards and IPAF CatchUP (IPAF’s first such event) in San Diego this week are gathered to find out how new regulations affect their businesses, and ultimately, to avoid ever leaving the door open to an unexpected disaster.
