There’s a category of height work equipment that sits in an awkward middle ground: too small to feel like “real” scaffolding, but absolutely capable of causing serious injuries when things go wrong. Trestles, podiums, hop-ups, and folding platforms are the…
It can be nerve-wracking to watch someone work at height for the first time. Even if they’ve completed all the right training courses, there’s a world of difference between a controlled working at heights training environment and an actual job…
We answer your questions about MEWP courses. What is an MEWP course? An MEWP course will give you either unit standards or an operator’s certificate. MEWP training is structured instruction that teaches workers how to safely operate a Mobile Elevating…
There’s a persistent belief floating around worksites that has been responsible for more injuries than most people would care to admit. It goes something like this: “If the fall is less than three metres, you don’t need to worry about…
Falls aren’t the only thing that can kill workers at height or those using a MEWP. When you’re working anywhere near overhead power lines, you’re dealing with a hazard that’s silent, invisible, and absolutely unforgiving. Electricity doesn’t care about your…
There’s a reason experienced workers treat the combination of heights and manual handling with serious respect: you’re dealing with two hazards that can each cause severe injuries on their own, and when you put them together, the risks multiply. Fall…
Operating EWPs safely and legally requires proper certification and adherence to specific regulations. Key Regulatory Framework The legal requirements for EWP operation in New Zealand are primarily governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and its…
The safety of EWPs is heavily dependent on proper stabilisation. For some models with extended reach, outriggers and stabilisers are critical components that ensure the platform remains steady during operation, preventing dangerous tipping incidents that could lead to serious injuries…
Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs) are essential equipment for accessing elevated work areas safely across various industries, including construction, maintenance, and arboriculture. Like any heavy machinery, EWPs present significant hazards if not operated correctly or maintained properly. One of the most…
Weather conditions play a critical role in the safe operation of elevating work platforms. Changing weather can significantly affect their stability, operator safety, and overall functionality. Understanding these impacts is essential for organisations to maintain productivity while ensuring worker safety,…
Acoustic emission testing is a vital part of the ongoing maintenance and safety assurance for elevating work platforms (EWPs) fitted with fibreglass or fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) booms. In the construction, maintenance, and arboriculture industries, these specialised EWPs are often…
Understanding the load capacity and weight distribution principles of an EWP is crucial for operational efficiency, safety compliance, and equipment longevity. This article explores the fundamental aspects of EWP load management that every business should comprehend to enhance workplace safety,…
Selecting the appropriate Elevating Work Platform for your project is crucial for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. With various types available, from scissor lifts to self-propelled boom lifts, choosing the right equipment requires careful consideration of multiple factors. This comprehensive guide…
Working at height presents significant risks to operators and remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in New Zealand. When using boom lifts and other elevated work platforms (EWPs), proper safety measures are essential to protect…
Working near power lines with Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs) presents significant hazards that require careful planning and strict safety protocols. In New Zealand, accidents involving EWPs and power lines have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities, making it essential for…
While formal unit standard training is not mandatory under New Zealand law, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requires employers to ensure operators are properly trained and competent to use elevated work platforms (EWPs). Unit standards provide a…
When it comes to working at height safely, mobile elevating work platforms, also called EWPs and MEWPs, can be a real game-changer. But here’s the thing – you can’t just jump in and start using one without proper EWP training…
Understanding the legal requirements for operating heavy machinery in New Zealand is important for employers, workers, and workplace safety. The Health and Safety at Work Regulations set clear guidelines about young persons operating machinery, with specific age restrictions designed to…
In the world of aerial work platforms, scissor lifts, boom lifts (including telescopic and knuckle boom lifts), and cherry pickers are commonly used for various tasks requiring elevation. Each type of lift has unique features, advantages, and best-use scenarios. Each…
A forklift personnel cage (also called a work platform or man cage) is an attachment that can be lifted by a forklift to provide a stable platform for working at height. A scissor lift is a self-propelled platform. Companies that…
