On the 13th of July 2023, the lift industry came together to celebrate Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) for the third consecutive year. This annual event, established by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), aims to raise awareness about the lift industry's importance and safety practices using the hashtag #GLAD2023 on social media platforms.

GLAD serves as a platform to highlight crucial aspects of the lift industry, including apprenticeships, technology, sustainability, and diversity. By using social media as a powerful tool, participants and industry stakeholders can engage with a global audience and share valuable insights to promote safe lifting practices worldwide.

Ross Moloney, CEO at LEEA, emphasized the significance of changing behavior within the industry and reaching out to owners, inspectors, examiners, and end users. The use of social media plays a pivotal role in creating awareness and generating engagement. However, GLAD's mission goes beyond the virtual world, aiming to provide comprehensive support and guidance to individuals with limited exposure to lifting equipment.

The lift industry recognizes that those with a passing understanding of lifts, such as occasional users or renters, may be more susceptible to accidents without proper safety knowledge. Hence, GLAD seeks to target and deliver essential safety messages to these demographics, ensuring they understand the risks involved and learn how to mitigate them effectively.

Throughout the day, GLAD offered a range of events and online resources to engage the community and promote awareness, including:

• Digital Roundtable - Discussing the digital future of the industry

• Launch of new LEEA online e-learning training course - Supporting Structures (LEEA members and ITS)

• Guidance video on BS 7121 series of standards

• LEEA Technical Forum

• Presentation on Lifting Equipment Technician End Point Assessment

• Accredited Training Scheme Webinar

• Presentation from LEEA charity of the year

• Launch of LEEA Connect app 2.0

Many of these resources are available online, to find out more click here.