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5/6/25 - We sat with Jason Carlton to learn how his extensive background in mobile access towers led him to become PASMA’s head of strategic engagement. Jason’s journey in the access industry began in the early 1990s when he joined his family’s business. “When I joined, we were effectively a tower hirer/dealer with a small tower repair business, but we went through quite a difficult recession and had to diversify. When our standard orders dried up, a supplier suggested we consider building aircraft access platforms. We also added system scaffolding, and a test build in our yard led to film and TV rigging work. I learned that sometimes, persistence and a random phone call or conversation can make a difference.”

From for-profit to not-for-profit

The business expanded into export sales, training, and manufacturing (subcontracting for other tower manufacturers); however, the export work caused cash flow problems just before the 2008 credit crunch. These challenges brought the family business to an early end, but Jason went to work at Youngman Group, where, by the late 2000s, he oversaw the BoSS range of towers. He played a key role in revitalising the product range, rolling out new product lines and developing commercial strategies to help Youngman reach new markets. “I was fortunate to receive support and training at Youngman, which changed my approach to communication and problem-solving. I saw first-hand the value of training and developing staff. The investment in people paid dividends; we developed new products and built some really interesting structures,” he says. “It reinforced how versatile towers can be.”

Joining PASMA and strengthening industry partnerships

With years of experience in tower safety, product development, and industry collaboration, Jason’s next step was joining PASMA in 2016 as head of strategic engagement. Since then, he has played a key role in strengthening partnerships with safety organisations, engaging with the HSE, OPSS, IOSH, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Working at Height. “I haven’t forgotten where I started, and I approach meetings with different stakeholders while still empathising with those affected by regulations on-site.” Jason was also part of the team that helped establish the No Falls Foundation, the only charity dedicated to preventing falls from height and supporting those affected. “Nobody was really looking after people who had suffered life-changing consequences, and the conversation about avoiding work at height, which is a mature and necessary discussion, wasn’t being aired widely,” he explains. Today, the industry benefits from a dedicated charity addressing issues that neither individual companies nor trade associations could fully tackle alone. Jason also highlights the value of the Access Industry Forum (AIF), a collaboration of organisations focused on height safety. “A regulator can talk to ten organisations with a unified voice in the AIF rather than having ten separate conversations,” he explains.

Beyond engagement

“One of the great aspects of PASMA is the range of complementary skills the team brings to any challenge. We are focused on continual improvement, whether in systems, training, or member support.” Jason is proud to be part of the team evolving PASMA’s members’ meetings into welcoming events that engage a broader range of members, including those less involved in day-to-day activities. “We encourage members to sit around the table, meet others, have discussions they wouldn’t normally have, and learn about our activities.” Another key contribution in his role is working with the PASMA hirer/dealer committee. “When I joined, the hirer/dealer category faced unique challenges,” he notes. With his support, the committee developed the hirer/dealer knowledge academy, an innovative training platform tailored to the specific needs of hire operators and desk-based staff, who work with towers but don’t assemble them directly. “The knowledge academy has been created by people who really understand the industry, and it’s designed to raise standards effectively.”

The future of tower safety

Jason has been an advocate for PASMA’s digitalisation efforts, including TowerSure, the association’s digital tower inspection tool. “I’m proud to be part of the team contributing to TowerSure,” he reveals. “And we’ve only scratched the surface of its potential.” Although the sector faces challenges, including digitalisation, net-zero, and the evolving nature of work, Jason is confident that PASMA and its members will continue shaping a safer working environment for everyone operating at height.