Training Aerial Work Platform (AWP) Operators

I think everyone would agree that aerial work platforms are the safest way to get personnel up to a work area above 10 feet.  That statement also assumes that the person operating the AWP is properly trained.

The interesting thing about Boom Lifts, Scissor Lifts and other AWP from all other equipment you might encounter on a construction site is that the operators of this equipment are there to perform some other job.  They are electrical workers, welders, painters, plumbers, carpenters, insulators and almost any job that it takes to construct or remodel a building.  They use AWP to access an area where they can do their jobs.  Running or operating the equipment to get them there is secondary.

Other equipment like a crane, telehandler, backhoe or excavator usually have an operator that is assigned the job to run that equipment.  They are using the equipment to perform their job.  To accomplish a specific task.

AWP operators are only using it to access the area so they can perform the specific task they were assigned.  They might only use this equipment infrequently and therefore not spend a lot of time operating it.  The less time spent operating the equipment the longer it takes to be proficient running it.

Taking the time to go through a AWP training class not only speeds up the time to get proficient it also exposes the operator to the standards and regulations they are required to know.

One interesting statistic about AWP is that only 1 percent of all the accidents involve aerial work platforms but they account for up to 8 percent of the claims.