Safe Work Australia seeks public comments on crane licensing for high risk work

Safe Work Australia is reviewing the high-risk work licensing framework for cranes and has opened public consultation on six proposals aimed at strengthening safety in high-risk construction work across the sector.

"The proposals include new licences, new experience requirements for crane operators, refinements to existing licences, and changes to the overall structure of crane licensing," Safe Work Australia said.

What the Proposals Cover

The six suggestions touch on multiple aspects of crane operation, including new licence categories for specific crane types, updated experience benchmarks for operators, and structural adjustments to how high risk work licensing is administered nationally.

Cranes used on construction sites, including mobile and tower variants, play a critical role in lifting operations, and any change to licensing standards has direct implications for site safety and operator competency. Businesses relying on mobile crane fleets should review how these proposals might affect current crane and lifting SWMS documentation.

Why This Matters for Construction and Manufacturing

Crane licensing sits at the intersection of workplace safety and operational efficiency. Poorly defined licensing requirements can create confusion for employers and increase risk exposure on busy construction sites.

Safe Work Australia's consultation follows a broader pattern of regulatory review, having previously sought feedback on related topics such as earthmoving machinery and the engineered stone ban. Each of these reviews reflects an ongoing commitment to refining safety standards across high-risk work categories.

How to Participate

Safe Work Australia is seeking public feedback from employers, licensing bodies, training organisations and workers across the construction industry. Submissions help shape a licensing framework that balances practical site needs with robust safety outcomes.

• Review the six proposed changes outlined on the Safe Work Australia website
• Consider how new experience requirements may affect current crane operators
• Submit formal feedback before the deadline

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

For more information visit the Safe Work Australia website.

Supporting Safety Compliance in the Meantime

While the consultation is underway, construction businesses should continue reinforcing safety practices around crane operations and other high-risk construction activities. A well-documented high-risk construction work policy remains essential for managing obligations under current licensing rules.

Employers should also maintain accurate safe work method statements for crane-related tasks, ensuring documentation aligns with existing safety requirements while the review process continues.