Access In Action - August 2016

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