INDUSTRY NEWS
LEEA – a membership worth considering Being a member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) brings numerous advantages. Richard Oldknow, consultant at Yoke Industrial Corp and member of the LEEA Technical Committee, highlighted some of these benefits during a presentation at the annual LEEASA conference. As a globally recognised body committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, quality and professionalism in the lifting equipment industry members of LEEA have long advocated that it offers a competitive edge for their businesses. According to Oldknow, YOKE has been a full LEEA member for several years, providing them with unrivalled access to the latest technical, legal and safety information essential for thriving in today’s lifting industry. “While LEEASA sets the standards and tone from a local perspective - and it’s vital to be an active part of your local industry body - it’s equally important to recognise the advantages of association with an international organisation like LEEA and the additional value it delivers.” Oldknow says LEEA’s vision is to raise global safety standards and foster sustainable practices in lifting. “Their mission centres on educating, influencing and enabling members to ensure best practices become daily routines. This focus is particularly relevant for companies 36
Lifting Africa - Nov/Dec 2024
in high-stakes industries such as oil and gas, where stringent lifting standards are vital,” he says indicating that through continuous technical updates, accessible training resources and strong industry representation, LEEA ensures its members are always aligned with evolving standards. Understanding the benefits According to Oldknow, one of the standout benefits of LEEA membership is the opportunity to engage with a global community. LEEA’s technical and training committees provide a platform for members to share industry knowledge and experience, offering valuable insights that enable YOKE and other members to stay at the forefront of lifting industry standards. Membership also opens doors to national and international networks, boosting company visibility and credibility. “For YOKE, having the LEEA badge signals a commitment to quality and safety, with LEEA’s audit process becoming increasingly
rigorous and even adopted by organisations such as the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF). This accreditation has helped elevate YOKE’s industry reputation and given clients confidence in their products.” Another major asset is access to LEEA’s comprehensive training resources, he says. “LEEA membership provides access to a range of training options beyond what many individual companies might offer. This includes accredited training programmes and participation in the Accredited Training Scheme, allowing member companies to deliver industrystandard instruction under LEEA’s guidance. This ensures that one’s training is aligned with the highest standards, with the added benefit of LEEA certificates upon completion of accredited courses.” Moreover, the LEEA Connect app is a valuable resource, giving operators quick answers to rigging questions, furthering training effectiveness in a practical, accessible way. Oldknow said LEEA members also