Delegates including representatives from rental companies, equipment manufacturers and professional organizations gathered in Orlando at the IPAF U.S. Convention this week to learn about and discuss topics centered on aerial work platform safety and training, particularly as it relates to jobsite managers.
The two-day conference included presentations from stakeholders in various facets of the powered access industry, including attorney Lindsey Gatling from the Atlanta, GA law firm Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn & Dial, who examined an AWP accident and the consequences for various parties involved. She highlighted important lessons learned, including how a rental company's liability can be lowered through a solid rental agreement and the effective management of insurance certificates.
On Tuesday, delegates also heard from Teresa Kee, director, Environmental, Health & Safety, NES Rentals, who, along with Bill Bussey from Stephens Insurance, explained insurance options. Rounding out the legal theme for the day, attorney Jim White, from the Florida firm BoBo, Ciotoli, Bocchino, White, Buigas & Russell P.A., presented proactive actions that businesses can take to keep them and others safe.
On the first day of the conference, Brian Wimer of NIOSH, introduced a joint venture with IPAF and Motorola to develop applications using smart phone technology to provide safety and safe use information to users of booms and scissors.
Also on Monday, Mike Disser from NES Rentals spoke to the crowd about the cost of ownership and provided some insights to consider when buying equipment. Ebbe Christensen, president & CEO of ReachMaster, examined compact machines, also known as spider lifts or atrium lifts, as a growing market segment.
Lindsey Anderson, editor of Access Lift & Handlers, reported on the impact of AWP management training on businesses, and Gary Riley of IPAF explained the importance of the organization's AWP for Managers training course.
Delegates also heard from Kevin O'Shea of Mastclimbers LLC, who provided an overview of risk assessments, and Chris Wraith of IPAF, who discussed the international reporting system for AWP accidents and how it can help make the industry safer.
The convention preceeded the Lift & Access Showcase & Symposium, as well as the Ritchie Bros. equipment auction and the National Safety Council (NSC) Congress & Expo also taking place this week in Orlando.
Look for more highlights from the IPAF U.S. Convention and Lift & Access Showcase & Symposium coming soon at the Rental Insights page on ForConstructionPros.com.
