LEEA Launches Procurement Survey Ahead of Global Lifting Awareness Day 2026

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has launched a global procurement survey as part of preparations for Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2026, scheduled for July 2. The survey will contribute to a new white paper examining best practices for the sourcing and procurement of lifting equipment.

This year’s GLAD theme, “Not all lifting equipment is created equal,” focuses on the role procurement decisions play in lifting safety and equipment suitability. According to LEEA, the survey is aimed at both equipment suppliers and stakeholders involved in purchasing decisions.

The association said the research is centered on the idea that critical decisions affecting lifting operations often occur before equipment is used, during the purchasing process. LEEA noted that lifting equipment and accessories are sometimes purchased without key information related to grade, environmental limitations or duty ratings, which can affect suitability for specific applications.

Matt Barber, director of membership at LEEA, said: “We are running a global consultation on product marking and documentation. We are building a white paper presenting the findings of a worldwide consultation, establishing, for the first time, an industry consensus on best practice for the sourcing and procurement of lifting equipment.”

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and responses are anonymous. LEEA said previous findings indicate that documentation failures can contribute to equipment being used beyond environmental limits, lifting components not being recognized as lifting equipment and slings being selected without grade verification.

Barber added: “Our end goal is to bring suppliers and buyers together on 2 July to make a collective pledge to do better.”

The survey initiative is being supported by a series of LEEA Roundtables held alongside regional events and industry conventions. Discussions have already taken place in locations including the Midlands, Aberdeen, Warrington, Southampton and Glasgow, with the topic aligned to the 2026 GLAD theme.

Global Lifting Awareness Day is an annual industry campaign that promotes safe and high-quality lifting practices. Manufacturers, suppliers and end users participate through educational content, videos, articles, social media campaigns and in-person events. Activities for the 2026 campaign will be connected through the hashtag #GLAD2026.

Stakeholders who have not received a survey link are encouraged to contact LEEA directly. Additional information about the campaign is available on the Global Lifting Awareness Day website.