Derrick Bailes’ career in the industry began with a student apprenticeship with Herbert Morris Ltd. After graduating in mechanical production engineering in 1971, he spent the next few years in various roles at Morris. He joined the UK based Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) in 1978.
Under his leadership, the LEEA has grown in influence, contributing to raising standards of safety and professionalism within the lifting industry. He has represented the membership on numerous standards and legislative bodies and is currently chairman of the CEN and ISO technical committees dealing with slings and lifting accessories. Over the past 25 years, the LEEA has published several benchmark publications, and developed widely recognised training courses and qualifications for testers and examiners of lifting equipment. It has recently opened a dedicated training centre, and its membership continues to grow – internationally as well as within the UK.
