First speakers announced for Working at Height Conference

The first round of speakers have been announced for the inaugural Working at Height Conference & Awards, set for Nov. 19-20 in Nashville. Jointly organized by Access, Lift & Handlers (ALH) magazine and the International Powered Access Federation’s (IPAF), the event will focus on the use of aerial work platforms to increase productivity and safety on jobsites. 

Confirmed topics, speakers and panelists include: 

John McClelland, ARA Vice President of Government Affairs and Chief Economist

Rental industry market update and forecast - John W. McClelland Ph.D., vice president of government affairs and chief economist, American Rental Association

McClelland has been with the American Rental Association (ARA) for more than 21 years. He is responsible for developing and implementing all ARA national and state political, legislative and regulatory strategies and programs, including the managementof the ARAPAC, the association’s political action committee. McClelland also works with ARA-member state and local associations on issues that are important to the rental industry within those states.

MEWP training and technology - Scott Owyen, director of training, Genie

Scott Owyen, director of training, Genie. (Photo: Genie)

With more than 40 years of experience in MEWP safety and training, Owyen is responsible for developing, managing and presenting MEWP and telehandler training, having trained more than 20,000 operators since 2012. He also recently was key in the development of Genie’s new VR training program that was debuted earlier this year. 

TJ Lyons, CRIS, OHST, CSP, owner and founder, Lyonetics Consulting. (Photo: TJ Lyons)

MEWP incident prevention through machine design - TJ Lyons, CRIS, OHST, CSP, owner and founder, Lyonetics Consulting

Known as the developer of the “Ladders Last” campaign, Lyons worked for more than three decades with some of the world’s largest general contractors on construction sites across the U.S., Europe and Asia. He provides consulting to professional engineers, owners and safety professionals to eliminate incidents and help contractors or attorneys preparing for litigation when workers are hurt. An expert in the field of Prevention through Design, Lyons takes best practices and innovative tools to the field. 

Selecting the right PFPE - Bart Krzysztofek, product safety training supervisor, Skyjack

Krzysztofek came into the MEWP industry with a diverse background following his work in the automotive manufacturing and supply chain sectors. He joined Skyjack more than 10 years ago and currently works to develop Skyjack’s training programs while also  training equipment operators. He is a member of the ANSI A92.22 and A92.24 sub-committees, the SAIA MEWP Council and IPAF’s North American Regional Council.

Bart Krzysztofek, product safety training supervisor, Skyjack. (Photo: Bart Krzysztofek)

Exiting at height: How to be compliant - Tony Groat, North American regional manager, IPAF

Groat has been in the construction equipment industry for more than four decades, including 30+ years in the equipment rental industry and 15+ years promoting safety with IPAF. He is a recognized industry expert, directly involved in the development of MEWP industry standards with ANSI/SAIA A92 and CSA B354 and is a technical expert for the U.S. on ISO TC214 standards. Groat also develops and delivers presentations and writes industry articles to raise awareness and promote the safe and effective use of powered access equipment.

Tony Groat, North America regional manager for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Chair of the Scaffold & Access Industry Association’s Mobile Elevating Work Platform Council. (Photo: Tony Groat)

Further topics are as follows, with speakers to be announced soon: 

• Growing markets and trends in rental
• Panel: Cultivating a safety culture
• Panel: Technology’s role in working at height
• MEWP accident statistics: How does the U.S. measure up?

Stay tuned for more information on the Working at Heights Awards, to-be-announced judging panel, additional speakers and exclusive offers. Visit Working at Height’s website to register, submit awards entries or to learn more.