LEEA Technical Committee Spotlight: Richard Oldknow
The Technical Committee has plenty of expertise from sling manufacturers, inspection companies and fabricators, but accessory manufacturers are less well represented. Richard Oldknow joined three years ago to help change that. As a consultant for forging company YOKE Industrial Corporation, Richard brings a manufacturer’s perspective to the committee. Here he talks about the role digital tools can play in safe lifting, and how COPSILE could follow in the footsteps of COPSULE.
What made you join the Technical Committee?
I wanted to represent a forging company on the committee. There are many knowledgeable and experienced sling manufacturers, inspection companies and fabrication companies, but not many accessory manufacturers.
How does the Technical Committee support LEEA Members?
The committee develops codes of practice and supports Members who are facing technical challenges.
What’s been a highlight since joining the committee?
It’s not so much one highlight. I’ve been part of working groups developing new standards, and I’m especially looking forward to contributing to COPSILE.
What trends are you seeing in the industry that influence how you shape technical guidance?
Digital tools can help users feel confident that the products they use are fit for purpose, certified to the correct standard and in line with manufacturers’ recommendations.
New entrants to the industry are very comfortable with digital aids. Moving towards this technology will help users access technical guidance through these tools, making LEEA and manufacturers’ guidance documents more easily accessible.
What’s the committee working on at the moment that Members should keep an eye on?
Users increasingly need immediate access to safe use instructions and relevant certification on site. By sharing our knowledge of digital tools, such as RFID, NFC and smartphones, we can help make that happen.
COPSILE will also launch as a digital document, and we expect it to see the same high number of downloads we currently see for COPSULE.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining a LEEA committee?
As with all committees, it’s better to be on the inside. LEEA’s committees are very welcoming to new joiners, and the committee itself are a huge resource for anyone who joins.
Would you like to join the Committee?
Have you got something to say about how the lifting industry works? LEEA’s committees are where those conversations turn into real guidance, training and standards. If you’d like a say in what comes next, contact: Ross.Moloney@leeaint.com to find out how to join.
