EWPA launches digital Yellow Card operator licence

The Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA) has launched a digital Yellow Card operator licence, which will help prevent fraudulent certifications and ensure all operators receive proper training.

Since its inception in 1987, the EWPA Yellow Card has been a cornerstone of safety in industries where EWPs are used. With over 500,000 operators trained by more than 200 accredited trainers across Australia, the Yellow Card is widely recognised as a mark of quality training and safety compliance.

However, the prevalence of counterfeit Yellow Cards has posed significant risks, allowing untrained individuals to operate machinery, increasing the likelihood of workplace accidents.

The introduction of the Digital Yellow Card addresses these issues by offering a secure and easily verifiable credential that can’t be duplicated or misused.

The innovation comes at a critical time, with industrial manslaughter laws now in force across Australia, after Tasmania became the final state to pass legislation last month. The laws impose harsher penalties on organisations if preventable workplace incidents occur.

In addition to the Digital Yellow Card, the EWPA – made up of over 400 corporate members and 700 industry members – has also launched a digital version of the TSHA Gold Card for telehandlers, providing the same security and verification benefits. Like the Yellow Card, the TSHA Gold Card is essential for ensuring that operators of telehandlers are properly trained and competent.

“The launch of the Digital Yellow Card represents a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety and uphold the highest standards in the EWP industry,” said EWPA CEO, James Oxenham.

“By embracing digital credentials, we are making it easier for employers to verify training and ensuring that workers are appropriately trained  to operate these complex machines. This is a crucial step in protecting lives and supporting the industry’s commitment to safety.”

The EWPA has also secured a trademark for the term ‘Yellow Card’, further protecting the integrity of the training program and preventing unauthorised use by non-accredited providers.