The Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA) is rolling out a revised training program that reflects advances in machine technology and evolving safety standards.
Developed in consultation with equipment manufacturers, hire companies, Australian Standards committee members, safety regulators and experienced trainers, the updated program introduces clearer machine categorisation.
It also introduces expanded guidance on new safety technologies, enhanced information on major hazards such as electrocution, and greater use of images and videos to improve engagement and learning outcomes.
Additional trainer resources have also been developed to support more consistent, high-quality training delivery nationwide.
Around 28,000 new elevating work platform (EWP) operators each year will benefit from this updated Yellow Card training program.
Since its introduction, the Yellow Card program has trained more than 500,000 operators and remains Australia’s most widely recognised operator competency program for elevating work platforms. It has supported safe operation across construction, infrastructure, maintenance, mining, utilities, arboriculture, and the hire industry.
EWPA’s national training manager Nicolas Chiew says operator training must continue to evolve alongside the industry if improvements in safety standards are to translate into safer workplaces.
“Operator competency can’t be treated as a one-off exercise,” Chiew says.
“Equipment, standards, and work practices continue to evolve, and training has to evolve with them if we want to keep improving safety outcomes.”
As Mining.com.au reported, nearly three million workers lose their lives to occupational accidents and work-related diseases, while an additional 374 million suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents that can alter livelihoods, families, and futures in an instant.
Mining is considered one of the world’s most hazardous occupations due to workers facing chronic health risks, combined with acute physical dangers.
According to Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll 2024 Report, mining and quarrying is the sector with the third-highest prevalence of workplace harm globally.
Data shows that one in five (21%) people in mining and quarrying occupations have experienced harm at work in the past two years, third only to fishing (24%) and construction (22%).
The EWPA is a not-for-profit association and the peak representative body for the specialised access industry throughout Australia. The core focus of the association is to ensure a safe and sustainable EWP industry by being at the forefront of best practices and safety standards for the entire sector.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: EWPA
