Category Archives: Industry News

EWPA Yellow Card is going digital

| Blog Post, Industry News

Australia’s Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA) has introduced the new Digital EWPA Operator Licence – Yellow Card, a secure card that can be conveniently stored in a digital wallet. Since 1987, the EWPA has been offering aerial work platform training through its Yellow Card training program, successfully training over 500,000 operators.

Replacement cards and licence verification will remain accessible on the EWPA website. Additionally, the EWPA offers a digital version of its TSHA Gold Card for telehandlers, providing a convenient and secure option for operators to store their credentials digitally. This initiative ensures that both the Yellow Card and Gold Card can be easily managed and verified online, enhancing the overall efficiency and accessibility for operators.

The association’s chief executive, James Oxenham, stated:

“Secure digital credentials are becoming more common. We have seen driving licences move to this format, as well as the high-risk work platform licence in NSW. We know that operators lose cards and wallets, and replacing physical cards is a time-consuming process to print and post replacements.”

“Over the years, we have continuously improved, incorporating feedback from industry, operators, auditors, and our Accredited Trainers into updated versions of the Yellow Card programme.”

“To provide clarity for operators and site supervisors, the EWPA has registered a trademark for ‘Yellow Card’. This legal protection will resolve any misunderstandings about who delivered the training and ensure that operators and sites can easily verify that the Yellow Card Operator Licence has been issued by the EWPA.”

Niftylift in for a Kings Award

| Industry News

Niftylift, a prominent British manufacturer, is being celebrated with the esteemed King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for 2024. This marks the company’s inaugural King’s Award for Enterprise, adding to its notable record of achievements, which includes four Queen’s Awards for Enterprise—two in 2013 and another two in 2019. Niftylift stands out as the sole company to have received two Queen’s Awards on two separate occasions, showcasing its relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award,” stated John Keely, Managing Director of Niftylift. “This accolade is a testament to our relentless hard work and dedication to excellence in the realm of international trade. It highlights our unwavering commitment to advancing technology while ensuring that our operations promote sustainable practices globally.”

The King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade recognizes British companies that excel in international growth and commercial success. To earn this award, businesses must demonstrate significant growth in overseas earnings and commercial success through innovative products and services.

Niftylift has expanded its global presence remarkably, with export volumes increasing consistently each year. The company’s innovative design and manufacturing approaches have enabled it to produce high-quality, environmentally friendly products that meet stringent international standards.

Niftylift’s success in exports has also significantly benefited local economies, particularly in the UK, as well as in Australia, the United States, and Europe. These regions have seen substantial investments and job creation thanks to Niftylift’s growth. “Our achievements are measured not just by sales but also by the positive impact we have on communities and the environment,” added Mr. Keely. “While we aim for international success, we remain a family business at heart, driven by the well-being of our staff, their families, and our local communities.”

The King’s Award for Enterprise will be formally presented at a royal reception later this year, attended by members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries.

John King, Managing Director of Niftylift Australia, remarked: “This prestigious award further recognizes Niftylift’s innovative spirit. Our history of breaking the mold in manufacturing, supported by ongoing R&D in Milton Keynes, enables us to continue growing in global markets.”

Niftylift remains committed to excellence and innovation, setting the stage for future growth and sustained international success.

UK access equipment hirer, makes their move into the Australian market

| Industry News

A UK-based equipment rental company, Charles Wilson, has significantly expanded its global presence through a self-funded acquisition of Australian Boom & Scissor Lift (ABS) in Sydney, New South Wales. This family-owned firm, which earlier acquired MTS Plant Hire in West Yorkshire this year and M&J Hire in 2022, continues to grow both geographically and in its equipment offerings.

Established in 1997, ABS specializes in providing a premium powered access service in metropolitan Sydney. Operating under the Charles Wilson group, ABS will retain its name and branding while extending its long-term rental solutions to areas such as the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Central Coast, and Newcastle. With a fleet exceeding 300 machines, including diesel and electric scissor lifts and booms, ABS has additional new machines in the pipeline.

Designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, ABS’s largest scissor lifts achieve working heights of up to 26m, while the booms reach heights of 24m. The company also offers electric vertical lifts with platform heights reaching up to 10m. Aligned with Charles Wilson’s commitment to high-quality service, ABS shares a customer-focused philosophy.

Charles Wilson Engineers, encompassing CW Plant Hire, CW Instant Hire, CW Instant Power, and CW Instant Access divisions, boasts a comprehensive product range exceeding 1,000 items. With over 400 employees in the UK and equipment assets surpassing AUD 470 million, the company actively pursues further growth opportunities. The recent acquisitions of MTS Plant Hire and Australian Boom & Scissor Lift position the business to surpass its AUD 205 million revenue target in the forthcoming years.

David Gallagher, Chief Executive, expressed optimism about the strategic move, stating, “Australian Boom & Scissor has an exceptional reputation in the market, making it an ideal addition to Charles Wilson as an integral part of our lifting and access business. This marks a positive entry into the Australian market.”

Drunk man allegedly caught driving stolen scissor lift down Adelaide’s CBD

| Blog Post, Industry News, Safety

In a surprising incident that unfolded in Adelaide’s Central Business District (CBD) in the early hours of Sunday morning, law enforcement officers apprehended a 26-year-old man who had been operating a stolen scissor lift. The peculiar event occurred at approximately 4 am when vigilant police personnel, who were actively monitoring the CCTV surveillance system in the CBD, observed the individual manoeuvring the scissor lift down Hindley Street.

The man’s reckless escapade commenced when he pilfered the scissor lift from a construction site, subsequently embarking on an audacious journey along several prominent CBD thoroughfares, including King William Street, Currie Street, and Leigh Street. However, his unorthodox adventure took a dramatic turn when he decided to traverse the footpath on Hindley Street, drawing the attention of patrolling police officers.

Upon interception, the man was promptly detained and subjected to a breathalyser test, which reportedly revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.138, significantly above the legal limit. This finding compounded his legal troubles.

Hailing from Lightsville, a suburb in the northeast of Adelaide, the 26-year-old now faces a litany of charges. These include illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol, and operating an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle. In addition to these charges, he received an immediate six-month suspension of his driving privileges.

As the legal process unfolds, the man has been released on bail and is expected to appear before Adelaide’s Magistrates Court in November, where he will be required to answer for his actions in this bizarre and unauthorised vehicular adventure through the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.