JLG’s LiftPod recognised by IOSH as one of this year’s most groundbreaking innovations
Ladder alternative for working at height makes prestigious safety and health awards shortlist
JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business and a leading global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers has confirmed that LiftPod, the JLG® Quick Fold Lift, has been recognised by the Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) as one of this year’s most significant workplace safety innovations.
Designed and manufactured in the UK by JLG to improve the way people work at height, LiftPod has been shortlisted for a prestigious IOSH Award (Supplier Innovation) in recognition of its pioneering method of improving occupational safety and health (OSH).
An ingenious workplace alternative to ladders, steps and podiums, LiftPod addresses the every-day risks workers face during routine access tasks in indoor, public-facing environments – schools, hospitals, offices, transport hubs – where safety, speed and efficiency are at a premium, and where the risk of falls and injury are often underestimated.
Launched in 2025 as the latest addition to JLG’s industry-leading range of access equipment, LiftPod delivers new levels of safety, stability and support to staff in these settings, so they can work at height in comfort and with the utmost confidence – regardless of age or ability.
A winning collaboration with Mitie
JLG worked closely with Facilities Management leader Mitie for two years to understand unsafe behaviours and the every-day risks its staff faced when working at height across the company’s public and private sector network. Their shared aim was to tackle the human impacts: the devastation of a fall and the injuries and absences caused by common musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), which result from repetitive straining and over-reaching on a ladder during certain overhead maintenance tasks – particularly those which exceed 15 minutes duration.
Following a period of worker observation and task analysis at Mitie, JLG developed LiftPod as the solution to drive positive change: an innovative, safe and robust way to perform access tasks in these indoor, public-facing and often busy environments.
Meticulously engineered and rigorously tested, LiftPod has many advantages for users:
- Innovative design: compact, ergonomic and featuring a patented folding mechanism that one person can manoeuvre into place and operate easily and safely;
- Safe and secure: an adjustable platform and safety gate that are light but robust, enclosing the user for safety, security and protection from falls;
- Flexible: an adjustable platform, allowing staff to work at the correct and most comfortable height for the job with good posture, avoiding repetitive straining and over-reaching at awkward angles;
- Promoting productivity: enables operators to work hands-free and to work comfortably over longer durations ;
- Sustainable: no batteries or mains power, LiftPod is operated manually using sustainable, non-powered lifting technology;
- Made for public spaces: a stylish aesthetic and compact size that can be used in operational environments, blending seamlessly into modern interiors and public spaces across a wide range of sectors;
- Practical: LiftPod’s two models – offering a maximum working height of either 3.2 metres or 3.5 metres – are easy to transport and store.
A programme to promote positive cultural change was also developed, with JLG’s Path to Competency training and the encouragement of discussion around task duration and risk to establish clear criteria for LiftPod use.
IOSH judges were impressed by the results:
- Fewer MSD and fatigue complaints, with trials showing improved posture, reduced physical strain, and safe working behaviours;
- Reduction in sickness absence;
- Improved productivity (through increased task time on the LiftPod platform);
- High levels of worker adoption and satisfaction, aligned with ISO45001 delivery, with workers commenting that LiftPod gives them greater safety, support and control, freedom to work at height for longer and easy manoeuvrability compared to a traditional ladder;
- Environmental benefits, with no additional energy use of maintenance costs, and a lifecycle over three times that of a ladder;
- Commercially balanced with an ROI in as little as year 1.
Richard Puglia, JLG Sales and Business Development Director EMEAI said: ‘A fall from height continues to be the UK’s leading cause of fatalities and injuries in the workplace. As a business that specialises in access equipment, we are committed to working closely with our partners to find innovative new ways to reduce this risk. That starts with the right tools and equipment, then the right insights and training to ensure staff make the best choices for keeping themselves and their colleagues safe when working at height. LiftPod has been one of the most successful outcomes of this process, and we’re very proud that IOSH has recognised the tangible, positive difference it is making now to workplace safety and health – and its potential to achieve much more in the future.’
The IOSH Awards take place annually to shine a light on the individuals, teams and organisations driving positive change in occupational safety and health, setting a new benchmark of excellence in the field – and driving IOSH’s vision of a safer and healthier world of work. The 2026 ceremony takes place on 24th September 2026 in London, showcasing the success stories of all shortlisted finalists.
