The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has set Thursday 2 July 2026 as the date for this year’s Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD).
Now in its seventh year, the event will centre on the theme, “Not all lifting equipment is created equal.” It will be supported by LEEA members and industry stakeholders, with activity across social media, videos, articles and in-person events using the hashtag #GLAD2026.
The campaign will also lead to the publication of a guidance document aimed at helping procurement professionals source lifting equipment more effectively.
GLAD is a widely recognised initiative that brings together manufacturers, suppliers and end users to promote safe and high-quality lifting practices.
LEEA said the 2026 programme will focus on helping the industry describe products clearly and make better purchasing decisions, highlighting the risks linked to poor or unclear product information.
Matt Barber, director of membership at LEEA, said: “GLAD is a globally recognised concept that stands on firm footings in its purpose to raise awareness about the challenges facing lifting industries across the world. LEEA has always sought to use the day to intensify our focus on a campaign message, whether that be addressing skills shortages and shaping tomorrow’s workforce, or reminding industry that not all lifting equipment is created equal. If we can leave industry with a meaningful takeaway, it only serves to give greater meaning and purpose to members’ and end users’ ongoing efforts to celebrate their roles in our sector.”
He said purchasing decisions play a critical role in lifting safety.
“The most consequential decision in a lifting operation is often made weeks before the lift takes place, at the point of purchase. The sling, the hoist, the shackle, the lifting accessory; what was specified, what documentation came with it, and whether the person who bought it had the information to make the right call. When that decision is made in an information vacuum, the risk doesn’t disappear. It gets transferred to the people doing the work,” Matt said.
LEEA is also running a survey campaign involving both product suppliers and procurement professionals to support its research.
The association said differences in how manufacturers describe lifting equipment can create confusion in the market, making it difficult for buyers to distinguish between products designed for heavy-duty use and those intended for occasional applications.
Matt said: “Our end goal is to bring suppliers and buyers together on 2 July to make a collective pledge to do better.”
LEEA is encouraging the industry to follow the campaign and share content using the hashtag #GLAD2026.
