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With profound sadness, the powered access industry marks the passing of Kevin O’Shea, who died on August 13, 2025, at age 64, after a brief recurrence of cancer. Just shy of his 65th birthday, Kevin leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, advocacy, and friendship. He is survived by his beloved wife Alison, stepson Andrew, and a cherished grandchild.
A Career Built on Safety, Innovation & Service
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Kevin remained a proud Scotsman even as he built a transatlantic career that transformed the access industry. He began his journey in the 1980s with JLG Industries at its Cumbernauld facility in Scotland, working under Andrew Reid, a partnership that shaped the next chapter of his professional life.
In the 1990s, Kevin joined Reid in launching Mastclimbers Ltd, an enterprise devoted to mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs), a technology Kevin would promote with passion for the rest of his life. After a merger with SGB, he and colleague Mike Pitt moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where they founded Mastclimbers LLC, growing it into a thriving U.S. business.
In 2013, Kevin joined Hydro Mobile (later acquired by BrandSafway) as Director of Safety and Training. He took on global regulatory responsibilities and was instrumental in expanding the company’s international training efforts and safety standards. Kevin was not only a thought leader in safety he was a storyteller, a singer, and a community-builder. His Scottish charm, sharp wit, and musical talent were legendary. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel included and valued, no matter their title.
Driving Industry Standards Through SAIA & IPAF
Kevin's professional life was intertwined with his advocacy efforts. He served as:
- OSHA Liaison and A92/ANSI Subcommittee Member (A92.9, A92.10, A11.3, A11.4)
- Board Member of the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) for Region 4
- Chairman of SAIA’s Mast Climbing Council
- Chairman of the IPAF Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWP) Committee
Through SAIA & IPAF, Kevin helped shape North American training standards, personally introducing IPAF’s MCWP courses and guides to the region and training hundreds of OSHA inspectors. His voice carried authority, but always with humor and heart.
Remembered for Kindness, Humor, and Mentorship
DeAnna Martin, SAIA Executive Director said, “Kevin’s knowledge and passion led him down many paths, including several key roles within SAIA. Because of that, I was fortunate to work closely with him for over a decade. A proud Scotsman, Kevin had a rare gift for bringing people together with humor, honesty, and heart. There was never a dull moment when he was around. One of my favorite memories is of him singing New York, New York, it was the first time I truly understood what he was saying. If you spent time with Kevin, you laughed. That’s just who he was. Our thoughts are with Alison and the entire family. I raise a toast to you, my friend—cheers. You’ll be truly missed.”
Jackie Davis, Associate Director - Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) said, “When I first started working with Kevin, I was a little intimidated, he was such a well-respected, highly regarded industry pro. The first time I traveled with him was to an OSHA Round Table meeting with my executive director, DeAnna Martin. DeAnna assured me there was nothing to be nervous about, and she was right. From the moment we met, Kevin was genuine, welcoming, and quick to offer both good guidance and, just as importantly, a perfectly timed line of good-natured BS to break the ice. Kevin had a rare gift for connecting with people, building relationships that lasted, and making sure everyone felt included. He also knew how to get a party started, when Kevin O’Shea was around, you knew it was going to be a good time. He had a way of taking you under his wing, introducing you to the right people, and making sure both of you left that conversation with new knowledge and a new ally you could call on. He will be deeply missed, not just for his professional brilliance, but for the warmth, humor, and generosity he brought to everyone around him.”
IPAF’s Tony Groat, reflected: “A valued and active member of IPAF, Kevin was more than a colleague, he was a friend to all who knew him. Known for his unwavering positivity, Kevin would want to be remembered with smiles, laughter, and good cheer. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the safety culture he championed.”
Peter Douglas, IPAF CEO and managing director, said, “Those fortunate enough to work alongside Kevin knew him not only for his professional excellence but also for his generosity of spirit, approachable nature, and Scottish sense of humour! Whether in the boardroom, on a job site, or over a shared drink, Kevin inspired those around him to strive for better, safer, ways of working. The powered access industry is stronger because Kevin was part of it, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him. On behalf of IPAF, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Kevin’s family, friends, and colleagues around the world. His commitment, his friendship, and his vision will be missed beyond measure.”
Legacy & Celebration
Kevin O’Shea’s legacy is imprinted on every corner of the powered access world, from policy papers, OSHA panels, to job sites, classrooms, and conference stages.
A celebration of his life is being planned, with details to follow. In the meantime, the community raises a collective toast to a man whose life was as meaningful as the industry he helped shape.
You’ll be truly missed, Kevin.
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