FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

Inaugural SAIA AWP Operator Training in Vegas

Words: Laurie WeberThe Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) will host their inaugural Aerial Work Platform (AWP) Operator Training Class on February 14, 2013 immediately following The Rental Show in Las Vegas.

The AWP Operator Training class is a result of a SAIA focus group, lead by AWP Council Chair, Bob Backer. The focus group was brought together to work on OSHA alliance AWP products. Through this work the group realized the SAIA needed to fill a void of AWP training in the United States.

The AWP Operator Training Class was built to meet the requirements outlined in the ANSI/ASC A92 Aerial Work Platform Standards, OSHA requirements and the “Statement o f Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platforms Equipment” released by the SAIA along with contributing organization, American Rental Association (ARA), Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) in February 2010. This document is available for a complimentary download at www.saiaonline.org/UserFiles/file/AWP_FINAL2.pdf.

Steve Smith, SAIA Immediate-Past President, summarizes the program by stating, “Many users of Aerial Work Platform (AWP) equipment only receive minimal familiarization when the equipment is delivered to the jobsite and most are certainly not being properly trained to operate AWP equipment safely.

“The industry needed an up-to-date AWP operator training program, specifically geared towards the North American market. Last year the SAIA committed the necessary resources and contracted with members of our SAIA AWP Council, who are experts in the use of and the training on AWP equipment, to create the new SAIA AWP Training Program.

“I am very pleased to report that just nine months later, we have a world-class training program available to the industry. We have now committed the additional resources to promote the program to rental companies and users of AWP equipment in whatever industry it may be used.

“The theme of the program is "Don't be a statistic; Get operator training" and remember, a trained employee is a safer employee.”

Currently the SAIA has AWP training classes scheduled in 15 cities over the next nine months. The AWP training will also be offered through the SAIA’s industry-recognized Accredited Training Institute (ATI) Program. The AWP Operator Training program will add to the current SAIA University training class portfolio that includes Competent Person and Hazard Awareness for Frame, Supported, Suspended, System Scaffold and Mast Climber Operator Training.

To learn more about the AWP class, future class schedules or how to become an ATI please visit the SAIA University section of the Website www.saiaonline.org/training or www.saiaonline.org/events.

If you have any questions, contact Laurie Weber, Executive Director, at laurie@saiaonline.org, or Granville Loar, Director of Education & Training at granville@saiaonline.org, or by telephone at 816-595-4860.
 0
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 36 Recap: Kim Spahn, CEO of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff
January 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin got to sit down for a conversation with Kim Spahn to talk about the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, how Kim first got involved in this industry, and much more.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Matt Dibara
Business Management
Read More
Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Read More