IPAF Convention speakers ready for Chicago

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is holding its first ever convention in North America Nov. 1-2 in Chicago. Under the theme "Powered Access: Recognition and Avoidance of Hazards," IPAF says the event "promises to provide the knowledge you need to help make your workplace a safer place."

Fall protection and recognizing and avoiding hazards when using access equipment will be among the topics covered at IPAF's Convention at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare in Chicago. Speakers at the convention include industry and government experts. Among those presenting are:

Chris Pan, research safety engineer in the Division of Safety Research at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), who will present research on fatal accidents involving aerial work platforms (AWPs) and draw conclusions on how hazards can be recognised and prevented.

Brad Boehler, president of Skyjack, will provide an overview of industry guidance and best practice.

John Newquist, assistant regional administrator, Illinois OSHA, will make a presentation on aerial work platform safety.

Paul Penzkover, Mortenson Construction, will discuss specific training obligations and illustrate common unsafe practices to watch out for.

Kevin Groman, senior vice-president of RSC Equipment Rentals, will explain how sustainability issues impact the planet and a company's bottom line.

Lindsey Anderson, editor of Access, Lift & Handlers, will provide an in-depth analysis of the US access market compared with the rest of the world and discuss where training falls into the picture.

Gary Riley of American Work Platform Training (AWPT) will demonstrate the challenge of imparting knowledge, not just information.

Tony Groat of IPAF North America will review the state of the rental market, using findings from the IPAF rental reports.

Kevin O'Shea of Mastclimbers will provide insight into the deployment of mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) and the regulations and industry guidance surrounding their use.

Romina Vanzi of IPAF Latin America will discuss the significant opportunities in Latin America and the challenges of this fast-growing market.

Chris Wraith, IPAF technical officer, will provide guidelines on how to perform risk assessments and develop method statements when using aerial lifts.

In addition to these presentations, there will also be a panel discussion where registrants can ask specific questions of industry and government experts including Jeff Carter, deputy commissioner of the Indiana OSHA, Brad Boehler, president of Skyjack, Brian Gawlick of Mortenson Construction, Mike Drew of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 and others.

The two-day event opens at noon with lunch on November 1, and includes a networking reception followed by a dinner sponsored by Skyjack that same evening, and ends at noon on Nov. 2.

The registration fee is $120 per person (IPAF members) and $160 per person for non-members. The fee includes lunch, reception and dinner on day one and all breaks and breakfast on day two.

Details on registration, program and the venue can be found at IPAF US Convention.