When you’re working at heights, you don’t want to improvise. Whether you’re fixing power lines, hanging a sign, or cutting back trees, the EWP you use is important, but so is the person running it.
An experienced and qualified Elevated Work Platform (EWP) operator will really change how the day goes. They keep everyone safe, keep things moving and prevent damage to your gear. When the person in control knows what they’re doing, you notice it straight away!
In this article, we’ll break down how a skilled EWP operator benefits your worksite and why wet hire renting both the machine and a licensed operator (known as wet hire) from Performance Tower Hire is often the smarter choice.
What Does a Skilled EWP Operator Actually Do?
Running an EWP isn’t about moving the lift up and down – the operator does way more than that. They’re watching what’s going on above and keeping things steady and safe while they work. A good operator notices problems before they happen and can adjust how they’re approaching the job on the fly.
A qualified elevated work platform operator typically handles:
- Pre-start inspections and daily safety checks
- Hazard assessments and setup
- Smooth, safe operation of the controls
- Constant communication with ground staff
- Compliance with height safety and site rules
In Queensland, operators may also work as access platform technicians or M31A-certified spotters, which adds another layer of on-site safety. If you’re unsure about licensing, take a look at this guide to EWP licences in Queensland.
Safety Comes First on Every Job
Spotting Hazards Before They Cause Trouble
When you’re working above the ground, there are going to be risks. Good operators keep an eye out the whole time, reading their surroundings, in tune with whats going on and making smart calls as they go.They know the rules and don’t need to overthink them.
Before kicking off a shift, they will do a quick walk-around of the EWP you’ve hired. Harness, tyres, hydraulics, controls – everything gets checked. That way they know there are no gremlins hiding in the machine that will take them by surprise.
If safety is your top priority, take a moment to review this EWP Hire Safety Checklist. It’s a practical guide that underscores the importance of a skilled operator to site safety.
Why Certification Matters
Getting a certified operator isn’t just ticking off a formality. It’s what keeps everyone on site, following the rules and out of trouble.
In Queensland, anyone running an EWP over 11 metres needs a High Risk Work licence with the WP class. That bit of training matters; it gives operators the confidence to make quick calls when things get tricky, keeping people and gear safe. Under 11-metres, an EWPA Yellow Card is required to operate the machine.
Boosting Efficiency and Productivity
Getting the Job Done Right the First Time
A capable operator makes work smoother. They know precisely how to position the lift for best access, saving your team from wasted effort and downtime. Their machine handling skills come from years of experience, not guesswork.
You notice the difference pretty quickly. The crew gets through jobs faster and there’s less running around fixing stuff that shouldn’t have gone wrong in the first place.
Reducing Delays and Downtime
An untrained operator can slow everything down, or worse, break something. The good ones know their machines and don’t push them past their limits. They’ll notice a weird sound or small leak before it turns into a headache. Little habits like that keep the lift running and save you from wasting days (and cash) on repairs.
At Performance Tower Hire, all EWPs undergo regular servicing and safety inspections before they reach your site. That reliability means fewer breakdowns and faster job completion.
Expert Problem Solving on Site
Jobs don’t always run smoothly. Maybe the ground’s uneven, there’s barely room to set up, or a tree branch is right where you need to work. That’s when a good operator really earns their keep.
Someone who’s spent time on the controls knows how to work around stuff like that. They’ll size up the spot, tweak the setup a bit, and keep things rolling instead of holding everyone up. Half the time, it’s those quick calls that stop a small hiccup from turning into a full-on delay.
At Performance Tower Hire, our operators are trained to assist with site setup, coordinate closely with ground staff, and provide real-time safety feedback during the work. They’re practical problem solvers who become an active part of your crew, helping you maintain both safety and productivity from start to finish.
Why Wet Hire with a Skilled EWP Operator Makes Sense
Training your own crew to run EWPs sounds good on paper, but it eats up time and money. You’ve got to find instructors, pull gear out of use, and wait while everyone gets up to speed. If the job’s running on a deadline or you’re working at height, wet hire is just the easier, safer way to go.
When you go for wet hire, you’re not only getting the machine, you’re getting someone who already knows it inside out. That alone saves a heap of trouble. The usual stuff that slows a job down, small mistakes, gear giving out, or safety scares, doesn’t happen as often when the operator actually knows their craft.
The pros also work faster. They read the ground, set up in no time, and deal with changes on site, bad weather, tight space, you name it. Their experience keeps things ticking so your team can focus on the actual work, not the machinery.
And for project managers, there’s the bonus: less risk and fewer insurance hassles. The operators come fully licensed and up to date with WHS standards, which keeps everything above board and on schedule.
Need help planning your next hire? Please take a look at our guide on key questions to ask before hiring an EWP. It’s packed with tips to help you choose the right machine and operator for your site.
What Qualifications Should Your EWP Operator Have?
If you’re bringing someone on to run an EWP, here’s what to look for:
- A WP licence (High Risk Work Licence) – In Queensland, anyone using an EWP over 11 metres needs this. It proves they’ve done the proper training and passed the tests. No licence, no lift, simple as that.
- Up-to-date EWP training – Beyond the licence, they should’ve done recent training on the exact type of machine they’ll be using, whether it’s a truck mounted EWP or a cherry picker.
- Real site experience – You want someone who’s handled this gear in the field, not just in a classroom. Those people spot problems early and stay calm when something doesn’t go to plan.
- Good grasp of site conditions and safety rules – They understand how soft ground, wind, or overhead wires change what’s safe. The best operators adjust without being told.
And it doesn’t end once they’ve got the ticket. The good crews keep their papers current and do refreshers so they don’t get rusty. Performance Tower Hire’s operators also get a quick briefing before each job so they’re across the site setup and what’s expected of them.
Talk to the Performance Tower Hire Team
If your project involves height access, it pays to have the right people and the right equipment. Performance Tower Hire brings years of hands-on experience across Queensland job sites, from construction and signage to electrical and tree work.
We’ll help you figure out which EWP fits your job, whatever industry you’re operating in, and line you up with someone licensed who can jump straight in.
Every operator is trained and briefed before heading out so they know what’s waiting for them on-site. They work right alongside your crew to keep things moving, stay safe, and finish on time without any fuss.
If you need an EWP truck hire crew you can count on, reach out to the Performance Tower Hire team.
FAQs
Why is it essential to have a skilled EWP operator on a construction site?
They help prevent accidents and make sure work at height runs safely and efficiently.
Why does a certified EWP operator improve worksite safety?
Certification proves the operator understands hazard control, equipment handling, and site rules.
Why does experience matter in high-risk environments?
Because a moment’s hesitation at height can cause severe damage or injury.
Why do unskilled operators lead to delays and extra costs?
They’re slower, prone to mistakes, and can damage machinery, causing costly downtime.
Why should you hire rather than train in-house EWP operators?
Hiring saves time and ensures compliance without taking your crew away from their main work.
Why do project managers prefer licensed EWP operators?
They know the job will be handled safely and on schedule.
Why does proper EWP handling reduce equipment wear and tear?
Correct operation reduces stress on mechanical parts and extends the machine’s life.
Why does EWP training need regular updates?
Regulations and machines change. Updated training keeps operators competent and compliant.
Why is communication important between EWP operators and ground staff?
Clear direction prevents accidents and keeps everyone working together.
Why do regulatory standards require skilled EWP operators?
Because safety laws exist to protect workers, qualified operators are key to meeting them.
