Just in time for Conexpo-Con/Agg 2008, we're giving away a free sticker. But it's not a spiff to take home for the kids. No, this sticker serves a serious purpose: It's designed to save lives.
The sticker included in this issue is part of the Click It! campaign, launched last summer by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and its North American subsidiary, Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT). The stickers are part of AWPT's campaign to increase awareness of the need for harnesses and the proper ways to wear them in boom aerial work platforms.
Many operators have been using these machines for years and have never used a harness, says Tim Whiteman, managing director of AWPT. "Those are exactly the kind of people we need to reach before it's too late," he says.
AWPT takes its campaign to Conexpo-Con/Agg, presenting a 15-minute show in the Safety Zone, booth SZ1000 in the West Blue Lot. The show demonstrates proper techniques for wearing full-body harnesses and will show the dangers of being thrown or catapulted from a platform, says Whiteman. The show runs at 10 a.m., noon,1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day.
AWPT also provides training for aerial-work-platform operators. Upon completion, operators receive a PAL card (powered access licensed-registration) that indicates they have been trained in the safe operation of the types of machines shown on the card.
IPAF originated the program overseas, and more than 100,000 operators have been trained in 13 countries. AWPT has set up eight North American training centers to date, which can be located through awpt.org.
If you're in Las Vegas this month, visit the Safety Zone and pick up additional Click It! stickers for your entire fleet of boom aerial work platforms. If you're not in Vegas, contact AWPT directly for more stickers.
But remember, this giveaway doesn't go to the kids. Give it to your operator, or better yet, put it on your access equipment yourself.
We welcome your comments.
E-mail: rsutton@reedbusiness.com
Fax: 630/288-8185
Mail: 2000 Clearwater Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523
