Loxam Nationwide Platforms has reshaped the role of Senior Training Instructor Phil Drayton after glaucoma left him unable to drive and deliver courses in person. Drawing on almost five decades in powered access, Drayton now delivers seven-hour MEWPs for Managers courses remotely to managers across the UK. The award-winning instructor is using World Sight Day on 8 October to highlight how experience can remain valuable after visual impairment affects a person’s work. His story also shows how practical adjustments can retain specialist safety knowledge within a business.
A Career In Powered Access
Drayton first operated a mobile elevating work platform, or MEWP, in February 1978 while working for EPL Access. Apart from around one year outside the sector, he has spent his career in powered access. He joined Loxam Nationwide Platforms in August 2001 as part of the Sales Team at its former London West depot, later qualifying as an IPAF Operator Instructor.
His progression included becoming a Senior IPAF Instructor, allowing him to deliver five-day instructor courses. He has trained more than 75 people to become IPAF instructors, became an IPAF Examiner and led the company’s instructor team across the South. In 2022, he was named Training Instructor of the Year at the International Awards for Powered Access.
Phil Drayton, Senior Training Instructor at Loxam Nationwide Platforms, said:
“After qualifying, I went on to deliver training at sites across the country. I loved it. I was able to travel all over, including to naval and air bases, and I met so many people.”
A Sudden Change
A routine eye examination changed the practical basis of Drayton’s role. A pressure test led to an emergency referral and a glaucoma diagnosis. The condition damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent sight loss, while a subsequent letter from the DVLA confirmed that he could no longer drive.
For an instructor whose work had involved travelling to sites nationwide, the restriction initially raised serious concerns about whether he could remain in the sector. Drayton has since undergone six operations, including cataract removal and surgery intended to prevent his glaucoma from deteriorating further.
Phil Drayton, Senior Training Instructor at Loxam Nationwide Platforms, said:
“When I opened the letter and saw the words ‘you must not drive’, I thought that was the end of my career. Travelling had always been a fundamental part of being an instructor, so there were two or three weeks when I was very apprehensive about what would happen next.
“I have since had six operations, including cataract removal and surgery to prevent my glaucoma from deteriorating further. The treatment cannot restore the sight I have lost, but without it I was told I could have become blind within two years.”
Training From Home
Rather than lose Drayton’s technical and training expertise, Loxam Nationwide Platforms adapted his position around virtual delivery. He now leads the MEWPs for Managers course from home and supports the development of further courses within the company’s training portfolio, including Big Kit Familiarisation and 1B for Managers.
The managers’ course covers legal duties and practical measures for planning and supervising work at height. Its content includes machine selection and familiarisation, pre-use inspections, rescue planning and on-site supervision. This focus keeps safety knowledge accessible to people responsible for work involving powered access equipment.
Phil Drayton, Senior Training Instructor at Loxam Nationwide Platforms, said:
“I like to feel that, when the course finishes, participants have a much better understanding of their responsibilities. Maintaining the integrity of the course and not cutting corners is vital because, above all, safety is paramount and cutting corners could endanger delegates.
“We cannot assume that eliminating one source of human error will prevent every accident, so we have to be as proactive as possible. Whether someone is working on a big project like HS2 or a smaller project, the people involved are more important than the job itself.”
Experience Still Matters
Remote delivery enables Drayton to continue working with managers throughout the UK without travelling to training locations. He still meets people from across the country while applying the knowledge built over many years in powered access. The arrangement is a practical example of adapting a role around an employee’s changed circumstances.
Karen Maguire, HR Director at Loxam Nationwide Platforms, said:
“Phil’s story demonstrates the value of listening to colleagues and making thoughtful adjustments when their circumstances change. His knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to safety have been built over an exceptional career, and they continue to benefit managers and operators across the country.
“We are proud that Phil remains part of our Training Team. His experience is also an important reminder that a health diagnosis does not have to bring someone’s career to an end when employers and employees can work together to find a practical way forward.”
A Message For World Sight Day
World Sight Day provides the context for Drayton’s call for regular eye examinations and for employers to consider how a person’s knowledge can be retained when their previous role is no longer practical. His continued contribution combines specialist training experience with a clear commitment to safety.
The company forms part of the wider Loxam Group, which achieved EcoVadis Platinum status in 2025, placing the Group among the top 1% of companies assessed for sustainability. For Drayton, the adapted role has enabled a long career in powered access to continue in a different format.
