Setting the a New Standard for EWP Safety Requirements
WorkSafe has launched a new industry standard for EWP Safety Requirements. This provides operators and employers with practical safety advice to prevent serious injuries and deaths
Over the past 10 years we have seen Ten workers die from incidents involving EWPs. Making the elevating work platform one of the deadliest hazards in Victorian workplaces.
Developed in consultation with Foundation for Safety Victoria, the standard identifies common risks and the best control measures to reduce them.
Moving machinery and working from height is a hazardous combination. Especially when using EWPs where there is often the risk of electrical, crush, collision, overturning and falling object injuries.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Julie Nielsen said the New Standard for EWP Safety Requirements would provide employers with practical advice to help ensure the safety of workers.
“EWPs are a commonly used equipment for working from height. However they have unique risks with serious consequences when something goes wrong,” Ms Nielsen said.
“Every employer should take the time to understand the new safety requirements. Check their systems of work and ensure they are selecting the right equipment and doing everything they can to operate safely.”
“No matter what industry or type of work is being completed, make safety the first priority when using EWPs.”
An Elevated Work Platform Can Be Deadly
In the past two years there has been three deaths involving an EWP.
This includes:
- A 63-year-old man who fell seven metres when the scissor lift he was operating rolled in January, 2019.
- A 26-year-old man also died in February, 2019, when the basket of his EWP came into contact with overhead powerlines.
- Another man 37-year-old painter died after he was crushed between his EWP bucket and an overhead steel truss in January, 2020.
The new standard has been developed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the most important safety issues for using EWPs.
This includes who has a duty to ensure the health and safety of workers. Selecting the appropriate EWP for the task at hand and the different types of EWP is also vital.
The standard also covers EWP training and licensing requirements and how to ensure they are properly maintained and inspected for use.
Getting your EWP Ticket from COVE Training is the first step in providing a safe workplace for your employees.
We run this course from our Dandenong location. Call us today on (03) 8773 9000 or visit our course calendar for dates, times and locations.