Hire and Rental News - May 2019

ACCESS IN ACTION Autonomous, app-based driving It was with interest the EWPA watched the announcements by JLG and Skyjack at The ARA Show addressing the hazards of loading and unloading MEWPs on trailers. Both manufacturers unveiled cordless control systems for MEWPs which allows users to drive, steer and load equipment remotely from an iOS mobile device. JLG’s new Mobile Control app option is in contrast to using a remote frequency control box that previously required handling a hefty control module connected by a chord to the machine. The app allows users to operate a machine equipped with control hardware and in a stowed position. Skyjack also unveiled a new ‘concept project’ approach to loading/unloading safety. A Skyjack tech controlled a SJ3215 scissor on the ARA Show floor in California, while in Sydney. He used a smart phone to connect to the show floor machine, which responded to his commands to move forward/backward, steer left/ right and raise/lower the platform during a machine self-check. The EWPA said this is great news and opens new doors for training for Chain of Responsibility (CoR) here in Australia. n Connections, conventions and commitments – the EWPA at work E ach year in May we have an excellent opportunity to reconnect with EWPA members at the annual HRIA Convention. HIRE19 is upon us and back in Melbourne for the first time since 2009. The Exhibition will showcase the latest products and services in the hire industry and the conference program has targeted content for business owners, managers and staff to get the most out of their two days at HIRE19. There has been a great deal of work to refresh the technology the Association is using. By now you will have seen a difference in the meeting notices that are more interactive than ever and for our paid events there is a link to online payment to make it easier to register and process payments. The websites are being redeveloped with clarity and ease of navigation. The Hire and Rental News magazine has been re-vamped and the digital online news site is another new initiative for the Association. All of this work aligns with an element of the strategic plan, which covers improved communication with members and industry. Our state-based events have been well supported and I encourage you to attend your next local meeting. The meetings provide a forum to discuss challenges you face in business with EWPA state committee representatives, which can then be raised at a national level. For younger members of the access industry there are plenty of opportunities. President’s message Guidance is now available through the Young Professionals Network program where mentors are matched with mentees with a structured series of workshops planned for the year ahead. We’ve had some great feedback on this and it’s the industry’s next generation of leaders we look to when selecting the participant to go on the EWPA Global Access Exchange. In May 2019 we will be hosting a participant from the UK and then in September 2019 we will send an Australian representative to the UK. You can read more about the two exchanges on the EWPA website in the member area under ‘global-access-exchange’. The Telescopic Handler Association as you may know is coming to terms with a great loss, after the sudden passing of Chris Taylor. Chris was the driving force behind the re-write of the TSHA Gold Card program and was reviewing the EWPA Yellow Card program when he was taken from us far too early. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time. The legacy Chris leaves is impressive and I truly believe the training he helped develop will not only keep operators safe but save at least one or more lives as a result of his work. On behalf of the EWPA and TSHA, thank you Chris, you will be missed. Finally, thank you to all the committee members and volunteers for their support. Keeping across the issues in the different states and territories is only possible when we have such dedicated members around the country. I look forward to catching up with many friends old and new at the Convention. Doug Rawlings President EWPA P30 ACCESS IN ACTION MAY 2019