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ACCESS IN ACTION • AUGUST 2016
ACCESS in ACTION
Over the past 12 months, 281 accredited
trainers have averaged 1477 successful
training outcomes per month. In this time,
the EWPA has received approximately
25 applications from trainers wishing to
become accredited.
Unfortunately also during the past six
months, our industry has suffered two
workplace fatalities. This is what drives
our need for change. By design, EWPs are
safe. It’s the environment they are placed
in, coupled with the operator’s ability that
makes them high risk plant.
The EWPA training program was born
through need; a need to keep operators
safe. It’s training that provides skills and
knowledge for operators of EWPs and this
training effectively becomes essential to
the safety of all in that workplace.
Training’s primary function is to provide
a heightened awareness of risks and
hazards the operator may face day-to-
day. The practical content of training
forms the basis of sound operational
procedures EWP operators build upon
every time they operate an EWP.
Industry and training is changing at a
fast rate. Regulators and employers are
required to provide an ever increasingly
safer workplace. The government
is striving to upskill the nation and
employers want a bigger bang for their
training buck.
From small beginnings back in the 1980s,
till now, the EWPA training program has
risen to the challenge.
No matter what the industry, regulators or
the VET sector throws up, the Association
has been committed to providing training
and guidance that meets the needs of the
access industry sectors.
However, within the training industry, the
only constant is change. And the EWPA
consistently ensures our industry rises
to the challenge and meets any and all
required safety measures via its industry
affiliated, accredited and aligned training
program – the Yellow Card.
When the newWorkplace Health &
Safety Act was introduced, accountability
became a big issue. Training was
not a new responsibility but with
the introduction of the WHS Act the
What drives change and why we need to ‘fix’
the unbroken
Training Director's
message
responsibility of safety was broadened
by use of the term ‘duty holders’. The
principal duty holder, ie: the ‘Officer’,
‘PCBU’ (person conducting a business
or undertaking) or worker, has clearly
defined responsibilities which include
training.
So while we might assume the 2013
training release was driven by the then
newWHS Act, the Act was actually a
trigger for changes in training, not the
sole driving force. The commitment by
the government to upskill the nation gave
significant credibility to the Australian
training framework. Training had clear
parameters. This drive for change ensured
training became consistent, relevant and
credible with valued outcomes and in
some cases was attached to funding.
The access industry’s driving force
was focused on industry needs. The
access industry wanted training linked
to an Australian training framework
of qualifications. The industry wanted
training that could be incorporated into
an apprentice’s ongoing learning as well
as other relevant employee qualifications.
The access industry also wanted short
course training to be linked to clearly
identified Units of Competence (UoC).
Once the EWPA linked its Yellow Card
program to the Australian training
framework and attached it to a nationally
recognised UoC, our program gained the
credibility industry was seeking.
Because the access industry spans such
a wide range of equipment there are
always changes happening.
This time last year the EWPA released
Version 2 of the 2013 Yellow Card rewrite;
in April this year the EWPA released a
minor version change to the learning
resources component of that V2 which
addressed gaps in the knowledge content
surrounding placement and setup prior
to operating. These changes were in
response to workplace incidences.
One of the great things about The
EWPA Yellow Card training structure is
its ability to respond to industry needs
quickly. While the Yellow Card shares
commonalities with the high risk work
licence, we do not get bogged down with
its slow process in implementing change.
Mid last year the EWPA restructured its
Train the Trainer program. As a result
of this restructuring, the application
process has become more rigorous. Some
applicants have questioned the process
claiming it’s not that rigorous to become
a high risk work trainer and assessor. But
after completing the application process,
which centres around a self-paced
learning assignment, feedback has been
positive.
The EWPA has been working on a
Super Boom training module to add to
the Yellow Card training program. This
module will address specific areas of
knowledge relevant to operators using
booms 80ft and above.
This will be followed with a Supervisor’s
Module which will address areas of
knowledge required for site managers,
foremen and team leaders. It will
address legislative and non-legislative
responsibilities, risk management and
emergency procedures.
Also on the horizon for the EWPA
Training program are:
• VoCs (Verification of Competencies);
• The launching of the refresher module
in readiness for 2018 Yellow Card
renewals and rewriting the transport
module.
Artibus is the new Skills Council that has
taken over from CPSISC (Construction
and Property Services Industry Skills
Council which is now trading as Skills Oz.
www.skillsoz.com.au)
The EWPA has a seat on the IRC
(Industrial Reference Committee) which
gives our industry direct input into
training aligned UoCs and qualifications.
Training is a responsive industry. It must
be flexible. It cannot become stagnant.
Never assume you know where or when
the forces of change will happen. Expect
the unexpected and be ready to embrace
change.
Phil Middleton
Training Director