Juanita Pienaar spoke with Karl Thorington, Chief Business Development Officer atEazi Access, to learn more about how the company continues to lead the industry in safety, training, and innovation in work-at-height and material handling solutions.
A culture of commitment
Established over two decades ago, Eazi Access has carved out a reputation as one of Africa’s most trusted providers of work-at-height and material-handling solutions. From its humble beginnings to now boasting the continent’s most extensive and diverse fleet, Eazi Access has grown by staying attuned to customer needs and continuously innovating.
“Our entrepreneurial approach to customer service and smart investment has underpinned the growth of Eazi Access. Sensing the customer’s business needs and developing market-leading solutions drives our execution planning,” explains Thorington.
This customer-first mindset has been foundational in the company’s ascent to leadership in the sector. Whether it’s a boom lift on a construction site or a scissor lift inside a warehouse, Eazi Access is trusted to deliver safe, efficient solutions that meet the complex requirements of diverse industries.
Safety is the standard
At the heart of Eazi Access’s ethos is an unwavering commitment to safety. “Safety is our core value and a golden thread running through our business,” says Thorington. “Our customers rely on us, as their solutions partner, to provide safe solutions to meet their needs.”
This commitment begins at product selection and extends to every facet of the operation - from training and inspections to leadership and communication. The company offers a wide range of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), with advanced safety features such as:
- Anti-crush safety bars
- Impact and load sensors
- Virtual safety cages
- Telematics
- Onboard cameras
These features are essential, but as Thorington points out, “It’s our safety programmes and approach to safety that makes all these features perform optimally.” Eazi Access ensures that machines are matched with the right attachments and operated by trained personnel familiar with the site’s unique conditions and challenges.
Training that transforms
Understanding that a machine is only as safe as the person operating it, Eazi Access has heavily invested in skills development through its training division, Uplift Quality Solutions. This accredited division delivers certified training programmes for MEWPs, telescopic boom handlers, forklifts, cranes, and more.
“The most important part of our training programme is to ensure that it’s accredited with the correct SETA and validated by industry bodies like the Institute for Work at Height (IWH),” says Thorington. “We are also members of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), which promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide.”
Training is delivered by accredited instructors with strict standards in place to ensure competency. All operators are required to present valid licences, and regular renewals are encouraged. “Operator safety and site safety is non-negotiable,” he adds.
Eazi Access goes even further by offering trained operators to customers who prefer outsourcing this function. This provides flexibility while maintaining compliance and safety at every turn.
The right equipment for the job
One of the company’s key differentiators is its rigorous approach to equipment recommendations. Eazi Access doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. “It is important we get on the ground and walk the sites with our customers to propose the right equipment for the right application,” explains Thorington.
This hands-on approach ensures that customers get the most out of their investment, whether they’re renting or buying. The fleet includes everything from high-reach boom lifts (up to 58,56 metres) to compact scissor lifts ideal for narrow warehouse aisles.
Each recommendation is made after a full site assessment, which considers terrain, height, project scope, and safety requirements. “Our teams are trained and equipped to scope work sites and understand which of our product range will suit the application best.”
Innovation in action
Eazi Access’s partnerships with OEMs like JLG and Linde Material Handling have allowed it to stay at the cutting edge of safety and productivity innovations. “These brands are synonymous with class-leading innovation and technology. Our long-standing association has educated us on what’s needed to supply and service safe and reliable products in the market.”
One standout innovation is JLG’s Skysense, a technology that detects overhead obstructions and warns operators in real time, allowing them to adjust safely. Other advancements include virtual safety cages, increased basket capacity, and attachments that allow for safer tool handling at height.
Looking ahead, the company sees further opportunities in hybrid and electric technologies. “The drive towards electric has become apparent within the Access Platforms range. We’ve started to see a pick-up in the electric range,” notes Thorington. “JLG’s Da Vinci range is a great example - fully electric and with no hydraulics, it reduces the risk of fluid spills and contamination.”
Fleet management tools like ClearSky are also helping Eazi Access monitor machine usage, schedule preventative maintenance, and ensure uptime for customers.
Cross-industry versatility
MEWPs are now a staple across multiple sectors, including mining, construction, warehousing, and renewable energy. “Mining and renewable energy have really embraced this technology recently,” shares Thorington. “Construction remains our core user base, especially on warehouse and large-scale builds.”
The benefits are clear - faster project completion, reduced worker fatigue, and enhanced safety. “MEWPs support our construction customers in meeting deadlines, and in mining, they’re part of a managed solution that reduces fleet maintenance risks.”
Even unique challenges don’t faze Eazi Access. One notable case involved a diesel scissor lift used in an extreme heat furnace application. “We had to insulate the machine from the heat using several OEM-approved techniques. It ensured the unit didn’t break down under harsh conditions.”
Looking forward
Eazi Access’s sights are firmly set on the future. The company is expanding its fleet with new brands like Manitou and Dingli, offering cost-effective solutions for varied applications. Service excellence is a key focus, with after-sales support and a newly launched Repair and Service Centre helping customers extend the life of their assets.
While rental for work-at-height equipment is not yet widespread or regulated in many African countries, Eazi Access is helping raise the standard. “We always apply an Eazi Access benchmark approach in all our operations and markets,” says Thorington.
In an industry where the smallest lapse can lead to serious consequences, Eazi Access stands tall - literally and figuratively - delivering safety, service, and smart solutions to every height.
