IPAF Awards Recognize Powered Access Equipment and Safety Innovation

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) recognized equipment manufacturers, rental companies, and industry professionals at its Working at Height Awards 2026, held October 29 in Orlando, Florida. The awards followed IPAF's two-day Working at Height Conference & Awards, which brought together 120 professionals from North America's powered access industry.

Award categories included safety innovation, technology innovation, new equipment, and industry leadership. Recognized products included outrigger pads, equipment technology, electric boom lifts, scissor lifts, and atrium lifts.

The awards included the following winners:

• DICA received the Safety Innovation – OEM/Supplier award for its LevelRight Adjustable Outrigger Pads.
• National Lift Truck was recognized in the Safety and Culture Leadership Excellence – Rental Industry category.
• Skyjack received the Technology Innovation award for SKYPROTECT and SKYPROTECT+. The company also won the New Product Award – Boom Lifts for its SJ45 AJN and SJ45 ARJN battery-powered electric slab booms.
• Haulotte received the New Product Award – Scissor Lifts for its HS6395 E PRO.
• Palazzani received the New Product Award – Atrium/Compact Crawlers for its XTJ 170+ ECO.
• Bart Krzysztofek was named IPAF Person of the Year for contributions to standards development, best-practice guidance, education, and the IPAF North America Regional Council.
• Mastclimber LLC received the IPAF North America Member of the Year award for its longstanding support of IPAF activities and commitment to training and industry collaboration.

Held October 28 to 29 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, the conference brought together professionals from construction, equipment rental, manufacturing, technology, and safety management.

Presentations addressed the use of digital technology, connected equipment, and fleet data to identify risks and support safety decisions.

Federico Rio, senior vice president of product and pricing at Trackunit, discussed how equipment usage, access information, and pre-use checks can help turn safety requirements into everyday practices.

David Swan of Geotab examined fleet data and predictive safety models, using real-world case studies to discuss how visibility and accountability can support safer operations.

IPAF's Global Safety Report 2026 was also referenced during the conference. The report identifies electrical hazards as the leading reported cause of fatal and major incidents involving powered access in North America in 2025.

Market conditions and equipment applications were additional topics. Nicole McGregor, managing principal at Ducker Carlisle, presented an overview of the North American MEWP rental market, including recent trends, anticipated activity, and key growth drivers.

Ben Taft, vice president of sales, North America, at Palazzani, discussed the expanding role of atrium and spider lifts in applications such as indoor maintenance and arboriculture.

Tony Groat, IPAF's North America regional manager, provided updates on developments across ANSI/SAIA A92, CSA B354, and ISO standards.

Other conference sessions focused on how companies can improve safety through leadership, workforce engagement, and consistent equipment practices.

Drew Gaskins, safety director at Gilbane Building Company, presented on Recognize, Respond and Respect, addressing hazard recognition and decision-making. Steve Hawkins, chief operating officer at FDR Safety LLC, discussed moving organizations from a "have to" safety culture to a "want to" culture.

Cris Shell and Jason Brewer of AT&T examined how to translate company policies into consistent MEWP safety programs, with responsibilities shared among managers, supervisors, operators, and trainers.

IPAF CEO Peter Douglas said: “It was fantastic to bring together so many people from across the powered access industry in North America to share experiences, challenge thinking and explore how we can continue to improve safety. The discussions throughout the conference highlighted that, while technology, equipment and standards are important, it is ultimately people, leadership and a shared commitment to doing things safely that make the difference.

“This event is the third of its kind in North America, giving us the opportunity to learn from one another, build stronger industry relationships and take away ideas that can make a real difference in the workplace. Congratulations to all our award winners and finalists, whose achievements demonstrate the innovation, dedication and commitment that continue to move our industry forward.”

IPAF representatives Peter Douglas, Giles Councell, and Don Satterfield also shared updates on the federation's global activities, plans for the North American Regional Council, and safety campaign initiatives.

Randy Marzicola, IPAF's vice president, North America, said: “Working at Height Conference & Awards demonstrates the power of bringing our industry together around a shared commitment to safety. Our opportunity now is to turn these insights into action by strengthening partnerships, expanding awareness and accelerating the adoption of safer working practices across North America. The engagement and leadership demonstrated in Orlando provide a strong foundation for the work ahead.”

Through its North American Regional Council, IPAF works with manufacturers, rental companies, contractors, and safety professionals on applying industry insights, safety data, and standards to powered access operations.

More information about the event is available at the Working at Height Conference & Awards website. The full 2026 awards winners announcement and IPAF's Global Safety Report are available online.