Global Lifting Awareness Day 2026 to Focus on Smarter Procurement and Safer Lifting Equipment
- Meagan Wood
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
LEEA has confirmed that Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2026 will take place on 2 July with the theme “Not all lifting equipment is created equal.” The campaign will highlight the importance of informed procurement decisions, product transparency, and lifting safety while bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and end users across the global lifting industry.
LEEA Announces Global Lifting Awareness Day 2026 Theme
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has officially announced that Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2026 will take place on Thursday 2 July 2026.
This year’s campaign theme is:
“Not all lifting equipment is created equal.”
The annual awareness initiative, now in its seventh year, will focus on improving understanding around lifting equipment procurement, product specification, and operational safety across the global lifting industry.
LEEA said the 2026 campaign will culminate in the publication of a dedicated guidance document designed to help procurement professionals source lifting equipment more safely and effectively.
GLAD 2026 Continues Promoting Lifting Safety Worldwide
Global Lifting Awareness Day has become a widely recognised industry event bringing together:
Manufacturers
Rental companies
Suppliers
Contractors
End users
Industry organisations
Participants are encouraged to share lifting safety content and campaign material using the official hashtag:
The initiative typically includes:
Industry articles
Safety campaigns
Videos
Social media activity
Educational resources
In-person awareness events
LEEA said the campaign continues supporting its long-term vision of lifting and height safety industries free from accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Procurement Decisions Become Central Focus for 2026 Campaign
According to LEEA, one of the most important safety decisions in any lifting operation is often made long before lifting begins during the equipment purchasing process.
LEEA Warns Against “Information Vacuum” in Equipment Purchasing
Matt Barber, Director of Membership at LEEA, said poor purchasing decisions can transfer risk directly onto workers and lifting operations.
“The most consequential decision in a lifting operation is often made weeks before the lift takes place, at the point of purchase,” said Barber.
“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.”
Campaign Aims to Improve Product Clarity and Purchasing Standards
LEEA explained that manufacturers currently use a wide variety of product descriptions and specification conventions when bringing lifting equipment to market.
According to the organisation, this inconsistency makes it difficult for procurement professionals to reliably identify:
Equipment designed for demanding operational use
Products intended only for occasional applications
Properly certified lifting accessories
Suitable equipment for specific lifting environments
LEEA said accident data has demonstrated the risks associated with unclear product information and poor procurement decisions.
Industry Research Campaign Supports GLAD 2026 Objectives
As part of the 2026 initiative, LEEA is conducting a spring survey campaign involving both suppliers and procurement professionals.
Research to Examine Equipment Purchasing Practices
The survey programme aims to gather insight into:
Product description standards
Procurement challenges
Buyer awareness
Supplier communication
Equipment specification practices
LEEA said the findings will help shape future guidance and improve communication between manufacturers and buyers throughout the lifting industry.
Industry Collaboration Central to Campaign Success
Barber said the organisation hopes GLAD 2026 will encourage greater collaboration between lifting equipment suppliers and purchasers.
“Our end goal is to bring suppliers and buyers together on 2 July to make a collective pledge to do better,” said Barber.
GLAD Continues Supporting Safer Lifting Operations Globally
LEEA said Global Lifting Awareness Day remains an important platform for raising awareness around critical industry challenges.
Previous Campaigns Focused on Workforce and Skills Development
Past GLAD campaigns have addressed topics including:
Skills shortages
Workforce development
Industry professionalism
Safety culture
Future talent recruitment
The organisation said this year’s focus on procurement decisions reflects growing recognition that lifting safety begins long before equipment reaches the job site.
Industry Encouraged to Participate in Awareness Campaign
LEEA is encouraging companies and organisations across the lifting sector to participate in GLAD 2026 by sharing safety-focused content and supporting the campaign’s educational initiatives.
About LEEA
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is a global trade association representing companies involved in the lifting equipment industry. The organisation promotes safety, training, technical standards, and best practices across lifting and height safety sectors worldwide.
LEEA works with manufacturers, suppliers, inspection companies, and end users to improve lifting safety standards and professional competency throughout the industry.
Website:https://www.leeaint.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Global Lifting Awareness Day?
Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) is an annual industry initiative organised by LEEA to promote lifting safety, training, and best practices across the lifting and height safety industries.
When is GLAD 2026 taking place?
GLAD 2026 will take place on Thursday 2 July 2026.
What is the theme for GLAD 2026?
The theme for GLAD 2026 is “Not all lifting equipment is created equal.”
What is the focus of the 2026 campaign?
The campaign focuses on improving lifting equipment procurement decisions, product clarity, and buyer awareness to support safer lifting operations.
What does LEEA stand for?
LEEA stands for the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association.
