LEEA Report Highlights Workforce and Skills Challenges in the Global Lifting Industry

30-Second Takeaway

A new report from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) highlights significant skills shortages, training gaps, and recruitment challenges across the global lifting industry. Based on nearly 400 responses from professionals in more than 50 countries, the findings underline the urgent need for investment in competence, training, and workforce development to improve safety and long-term industry sustainability.

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has published its State of the Lifting Industry Report, providing a comprehensive overview of workforce trends, skills gaps, and training challenges affecting the global lifting sector. The report was launched during Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2025, as part of LEEA’s Shining a light on the industry that holds the world up campaign.

Compiled from survey responses gathered during April and May, the report reflects insights from nearly 400 lifting professionals across more than 50 countries, making it one of the association’s most wide-reaching workforce studies to date.

Skills, Safety and Competence Under Pressure

LEEA CEO Dr. Ross Moloney has repeatedly emphasised that improving safety across lifting operations is inseparable from improving workforce competence. The report reinforces this view, identifying training and skills development as critical to reducing accidents, injuries, and operational risk.

The lifting industry remains safety-critical by nature, and the report notes that ensuring the right skills are available at the right time is essential to maintaining safe, compliant operations across all sectors.

Recruitment, Retention and Training Gaps

A central finding of the report is the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled workers. While demanding working environments and unsociable hours continue to affect retention, the data shows a clear correlation between training and employee loyalty.

Workers who receive structured training are significantly more likely to remain with their employer, while untrained staff are more likely to feel undervalued and disengaged. The report also identifies knowledge of laws and regulations as the most common skills gap, raising concerns around compliance and safe working practices.

Digitalisation and Changing Skill Requirements

Despite being one of the world’s oldest industries, lifting is undergoing rapid transformation. Around 90% of respondents reported that skills requirements are changing quickly, driven by digitalisation, automation, and the increasing role of AI in lifting operations, asset management, and compliance.

LEEA notes that these changes are already impacting day-to-day operations, placing additional pressure on employers to upskill their workforce and adapt training programmes accordingly.

Training Investment Delivers Returns

The report highlights a significant concern: 46% of operators lack ongoing training, despite clear evidence that training improves safety, productivity, and retention.

LEEA points to industry data showing that every £1 invested in health and safety training can deliver a £12 return, through reduced incidents, downtime, and associated costs. Time and cost remain barriers for many employers, but the report stresses that the long-term benefits outweigh short-term constraints.

About LEEA

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is the leading global representative body for organisations involved in the lifting industry. Founded over 80 years ago, LEEA supports its members through training, standards development, technical guidance, and advocacy, helping to improve safety, competence, and professionalism worldwide.

LEEA works closely with regulators, industry bodies, and employers to promote best practice and raise standards across all areas of lifting, from inspection and testing to equipment use and workforce development.

Learn more: https://www.leea.com

Access the report: https://www.leealiftingfutures.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the State of the Lifting Industry Report?

It is a global workforce study published by LEEA, analysing skills, training, recruitment, and retention challenges across the lifting industry.

How many people contributed to the report?

Nearly 400 lifting professionals from more than 50 countries participated in the survey.

What is the biggest skills gap identified?

Knowledge of laws and regulations was identified as the most common skills gap across the industry.

Why is training so important to retention?

The report shows trained employees are more likely to feel valued, confident, and committed to their employer, reducing staff turnover.

How is technology impacting the lifting workforce?

Digitalisation and AI are rapidly changing skill requirements, increasing the need for ongoing training and upskilling.

What return does training investment deliver?

LEEA cites data showing that every £1 invested in health and safety training can generate up to £12 in return through reduced incidents and downtime.

Where can the full report be accessed?The report is available free of charge at leealiftingfutures.com.