Improving crane licensing under the model work health and safety laws

Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on detailed proposals to improve crane licensing. These proposals are outlined in a Discussion Paper - Crane Licensing- Phase 2.

The discussion paper sets out 6 key proposals for changes that could be made to crane licensing to improve safety and ensure the licensing system keeps pace with changing work practices and technology. The purpose of the paper is to get feedback on these proposals and whether stakeholders think they could provide an effective future model for crane licensing.

The proposals are:

1. Organising licences by function rather than lifting capacity
2. Practical experience for crane operators
3. Introducing new licences for telehandlers, piling rigs and straddle carries
4. Structural changes to align training to specific skills and crane functions, including by incorporating some existing licences into other licence categories
5. A prerequisite training course for anyone operating cranes on a vessel over water, and
6. Improving the rigging licence framework to correct incongruities and reflect contemporary work practices and equipment.

Each proposal is expanded on in the discussion paper and included questions for your feedback.

This discussion paper has been developed to seek feedback on specific proposals for improving crane licences.

Information and evidence gathered as part of this public consultation will be used to inform improvements to the HRW licensing framework for cranes in the model WHS laws, noting that some of the proposals included in this paper may be subject to further analysis, including on the potential costs and benefits.

Please note the proposals in this paper are offered for consultation purposes only. They are subject to change in response to further evidence, policy analysis and feedback from consultation processes.  Ultimately any regulatory changes are subject to agreement by Safe Work Australia Members and, where significant, WHS ministers.

All stakeholders with an interest in crane HRW licensing are encouraged to participate in the consultation.

Submissions are sought by 11:59 pm (AEST) on Wednesday 31 July 2024. Submissions can be here Improving crane licensing under the model work health and safety laws - Safe Work (swa.gov.au)