Interview: New IPAF North America VP on enhancing safety

Randy Marzicola, IPAF vice president for North America. (Photo: IPAF)

“I’m excited to leverage my background to advocate for safety and best practices in the use of mobile elevated work platform equipment,” Marzicola told ALH in October.

“[My] journey to this position is marked by a commitment to enhancing safety standards and promoting the benefits of powered access equipment across the industry.”

Marzicola brings with him substantial sales, marketing and operations leadership experience across a portfolio of leading consumer and industrial brands to his new role, which was officially announced on August 1.

Most recently, he served as director of business development at JLG Industries, where he spearheaded the new market entry and geographic expansion strategy while leveraging technological innovation for JLG’s Industrial Solutions Group.

Marzicola is a hands-on executive with a distinguished career marked by progressive leadership roles at renowned organizations such as JLG/Oshkosh Corp., Timex, Stanley and Black & Decker/DeWALT, where he made significant contributions to improving operating income, revenue generation, operational excellence, pioneering new business development initiatives, and creative experiential marketing.

With an extensive background in business development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion, Marzicola brings a wealth of experience to his new position with IPAF, and aims to play a key role in enhancing IPAF’s services and member recruitment across North America.

ALH sat down with Marzicola to talk goals, objectives and the future of IPAF in North America. Here’s what he had to say.

ALH: You were with JLG for more than 15 years before being appointed as IPAF’s Vice President – North America. Give us a bit of your background and tell us how you ended up in this position.

Marzicola: Prior to joining IPAF, I led JLG’s Industrial Solutions Group, where I championed the “ladder last” initiative with the innovative LiftPod by JLG. Following its positive market reception, we expanded the low-level access portfolio with the acquisition of Power Towers.

One of my most rewarding experiences was driving the adoption of the Hinowa compact crawler boom (atrium lift) program, which proved to be a safety-first and highly productive alternative solution to scaffolding.

ALH: How does it feel to be Vice President – North America of IPAF?

Marzicola: It’s incredibly rewarding and challenging. It offers a unique opportunity to lead initiatives that enhance safety and efficiency in the MEWP industry. I’ll be focused on collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, from manufacturers to training providers, to ensure that the highest standards are maintained.

It also provides a platform to influence industry practices and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that can make a real difference in the field.

ALH: How does IPAF’s President, NARC and board contribute to the Federation in N.A.?

Marzicola: The President, North American Regional Council (NARC) and board of IPAF play crucial roles in advancing the federation’s mission in North America.

President

Marzicola aims to promote the adoption of new technologies and innovative practices to stay ahead of industry trends and improve safer workplace solutions. (Photo: IPAF)

The IPAF President, currently JLG’s Karel Huijser, is as an ambassador for the federation. The role is voluntary and involves providing support and guidance to the executive team.

The President helps steer the federation’s objectives, leveraging their extensive industry experience to promote safety and innovation in powered access1.

North American Regional Council (NARC)

The NARC, chaired by Sunbelt Rentals’ Brian Clark, sets key objectives for IPAF in North America. The council focuses on promoting safety, standards compliance, and quality training for operators and supervisors.

They collaborate with other industry bodies like the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe work practices with MEWPs, MCWPs and hoists.

Board

The IPAF Board, composed of industry experts, provides oversight and strategic direction. They support the executive team in implementing the federation’s goals and initiatives. The board’s collective experience helps in addressing regional market issues and promoting the safe use of powered access equipment1.

Together, these entities ensure that IPAF’s mission to enhance safety and efficiency in the powered access industry is effectively carried out across North America.

ALH: What are your goals as VP - NA?

Marzicola: My goal is to advance a safety-first culture.

• Innovation + Technology: Promote the adoption of new technologies and innovative practices to stay ahead of industry trends and improve safer workplace solutions.
• Strategic Growth: Expand North America’s market presence through strategic alliances and strengthening relationships at various levels with key stakeholders.
• Safety Excellence: Enhance machine operation processes to continuously improve workplace safety and reduce costs.
• Customer Satisfaction: Improve customer satisfaction by ensuring high-quality service delivery and addressing customer needs promptly and effectively.
• Professional Development: invest in employee development and education to build a strong safety culture, and a skilled workforce.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure all operations comply with IPAFs standards and prioritize safety in all aspects of the business.

ALH: What will IPAF’s key North American initiatives be going forward?

Marzicola: IPAF’s key initiatives in North America will focus on several important areas that reflect IPAF’s commitment to advancing safety, innovation, and industry standards in the MEWP industry:

• Safety Campaigns: Continuing to promote safety through campaigns like “Crushing Can Kill - Stay Alert, Stay Alive,” which emphasizes the importance of planning and managing activities involving Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) to prevent accidents.
• Training and Education: Enhancing training programs, including the use of e-learning and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) to improve safety and operational efficiency.
• Working at Height Conference & Awards: Launching new events such as the Working at Height Conference & Awards, which will address technology, safety and productivity in the use of aerial platforms.
• Raise Awareness and NA Market Expansion: IPAF aims to expand its reach and recruit more members across the region.

ALH: What are the most pressing issues in the North American work-at-height industry that IPAF has been and will be focusing on?

Marzicola: IPAF has been addressing several pressing issues in the North American work-at-height industry, focusing on enhancing safety and productivity. Here are some key areas of focus:

• Safety and Human Factors: Addressing the human factors that contribute to accidents and promoting a culture of safety in the workplace.
• Emergency Preparedness and Rescue Plans: Developing and implementing effective emergency preparedness and rescue plans for work at height.
• Accident Statistics and Analysis: Analyzing MEWP accident statistics to understand trends and improve safety measures.
• Technology Integration: Utilizing technology such as access control systems and data management tools to enhance the safe use of MEWPs.
• Training and Education: Advancing training methods, including e-learning and VR/AR training, to ensure workers are well-prepared for working at height.
• Crushing and Entrapment Prevention: Focusing on preventing crushing and entrapment incidents, which are common risks associated with MEWPs.

IPAF’s new Operator Course, set for release in late 2024, promises to revolutionize powered access training with its global expertise and innovative approach. (Photo: IPAF)

ALH: What are the challenges and opportunities for IPAF in North America?

Marzicola: IPAF faces several challenges and opportunities in North America.

Challenges:

• Technological Integration: Keeping up with technological advancements and integrating them into training and safety protocols can be demanding. This includes the use of digital tools and platforms for training and certification.
• Safety Compliance: Ensuring that all operators and companies adhere to safety standards and regulations is a significant challenge. The risks associated with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), such as crushing and entrapment, require rigorous training.
• N.A. Market Expansion: Growing IPAF’s presence and influence in a diverse, highly fragmented, and vast market like North America can be challenging. This includes increasing the adoption of IPAF’s training programs and safety initiatives.

Opportunities:

• Training Innovation: IPAF’s new Operator Course, set for release in late 2024, promises to revolutionize powered access training with its global expertise and innovative approach. This presents an opportunity to enhance training effectiveness and reach.
• Digital Transformation: The ePAL digital app and the new IPAF PORTAL offer opportunities to streamline operations and improve member communications. These tools can enhance the efficiency of training centers and provide better support to members.
• Expansion: There is significant growth potential in the USA and Canada. By expanding IPAFs reach and advancing safety, IPAF can increase its influence and membership in these regions

Ensuring that all operators and companies adhere to safety standards and regulations is a significant challenge in North America, according to IPAF. (Photo: IPAF)

ALH: Anything else?

Marzicola: I’m honored to be part of the N.A. IPAF team, focusing on raising awareness and educating others about our mission. We aim to shift the perspective that safety and productivity are opposing forces; instead, they can work hand in hand.

When companies collaborate on safety initiatives, they can achieve a safer workplace while also boosting productivity.

A focus on safety reduces the risk of accidents, leading to fewer disruptions and more reliable workflows.