The role of EDA President brings with it some “perks”.
In January, I had the great privilege of being invited to the NDA Annual Convention held in Las Vegas.
I have been fortunate to have attended many of the NDA Conventions over the years and have always enjoyed the networking and socialising with old and new friends alike.
I have always been impressed by the NDA’s trade show and convention all, where delegates have the opportunity to meet and discuss all things demolition, and to view up close the very latest in demolition kit-big and small.
This year however I have come back to Europe with some new ideas and thoughts, some of which I have asked EDA Secretariat, Jose Blanco, to include on our agenda at our next EDA Board meeting.
Within their conference programme, the NDA arranged discussion seminars and sessions, and I was delighted to take part in the first forum to discuss demolition from a “Global Perspective”.
The panel was made up of incoming NDA President Scott Knightly, NFDC President Martin Wilson, and myself as EDA President.
The panel was expertly controlled and prompted by industry veteran and good friend Bill Moore.
The topics were varied and there was a degree of shared consolation that no matter where we are on the planet we often share the same issues. Some of the points discussed included:
- Qualifying ot Licencing demolition contractors
- Attracting new employees into the industry
- Training the workforce in demolition specific topics
- Emergency Response for Disasters
The area that I thought was incredibly interesting was how the demolition industry could assist with Emergency Response for Disasters.
When your view the tragic consequences of disasters on your television screens, it is striking how so many show images of rescue workers bravely carrying out their duty amidst partially collapsed and dangerous structures.
Obviously, each and every emergency will require a bespoke solution coordinated with the rescue workers and authorities, but I cannot help think how effective, and how much safer, the task could be if the rescue teams has the experts assistance and equipment from the demolition industry.
Excavators equipped with rotating grapples, controlled by experienced operators, could greatly assist with debris clearance in a controlled and precise way.
From those at the NDA Conference with experience of disasters in Haiti, Oklahoma City and the earthquarters in Italy, it was suggested that many of the well-intended agencies who attend and lead the emergency response, often lack the local knowledge and network of specialist equipment available in their area.
For this reason, I have asked for this important topic to be discussed at the next EDA Board meeting.
Within Europe, the EDA already has the network of expertise available via our members, and so I would like to reach out government and rescue agencies to make them aware of our willingness to assist.
So, it is with thanks to the NDA for simulating ideas and of course for their hospitality ay another successful NDA Convention. Everyone is looking forward to returning the hospitality at our EDA Conference and DDR Expo in Brussels, this June.
We look forward to welcoming you there!