Access Awards Recognize Top Safety Professionals, Companies

Enlarge Image Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director, congratulates United Rentals CEO Michael Kneeland (right) on becoming an IPAF member.

April 8, 2009 – Almost 400 access industry professionals attended the first ever International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) in Dublin, Ireland, on April 2. Awards were given in categories such as IPAF Instructor of the Year, IPAF Safety Champion of the Year, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“The powered access industry has world-class companies and our international panel of judges has rewarded the winners of this year’s IAPAs with the recognition they deserve,” said Tim Whiteman, managing director of the International Powered Access Federation, a joint organizer of the awards. “Access companies around the world should enter for an award in 2010.”

 

Andy Studdert, CEO of NES Rentals, Chicago, Ill., was awarded IPAF Safety Champion of the Year. Since taking over at NES in 2004, Studdert has made safety a top priority: creating a ‘safety first' culture at the company through training programs, award schemes and industry safety initiatives.

 

Guelph, Ontario-based Skyjack was awarded as a manufacturer for its contributions to safe working at height. The company was described as "totally committed and pro-active and always involved in championing the cause of safety and training."

 

John Fuller received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the IAPAs. Fuller recently retired from Redmond, Wash.-based Genie Industries after a successful 27-year career in the access business. He first entered the industry in 1981 and was Genie's first employee in the United Kingdom, helping introduce powered access into the U.K.

For a complete list of the winners, visit IPAF's website.  

 

At the Access Summit, United Rentals CEO Michael Kneeland commented on the current economic crisis, encouraging strategic decisions. The CEO addressed more than 200 delegates. “Price is something we shouldn’t play with,” said Kneeland, highlighting recent United Rentals research that showed customers putting price as their fifth priority. “Your best customer will pay a higher price because you are giving them something they value. Go out and create value. Be good stewards of the industry.”

 

United Rentals’ application for IPAF membership was approved at the IPAF Council meeting earlier that day, bringing the federation’s membership to 673.

 

The IPAF Summit 2010 will be held in London, together with the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs). The date and venue will be announced shortly. For details, visit www.ipaf.org/iapa.