The access industry will be able to celebrate and reward excellence next year with the creation of a new award.

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Access International have launched the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPA), with the first awards ceremony to be held in Dublin, Ireland in April 2009.

The awards have been developed specifically for the access industry and will recognise individuals and companies for their efforts in 10 categories, including IPAF Safety Champion of the Year, Access Rental Company of the Year and Access Industry Training Award.

Tim Whiteman, managing director of IPAF, says the federation is looking for entries from around the world with nominees being judged by their peers. "We are particularly looking for nominations for the IPAF Safety Champion of the Year."

Companies and individuals can enter themselves or nominate others. Entries can be submitted for more than one award and more than one entry per category is permitted. Entries must be for work done in 2008 and the deadline for entries is 30 January 2009.

The entry form is available at www.ipaf.org/events