Work Health and Safety Regulations

Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and new Harmonisation Laws come into effect on 1st January 2012 with many changes happening across the board.

Under new nationally harmonised work health and safety (WHS) laws, earthmoving and some crane classes are not required to be (WHS) licensed from 1 January 2012.

 

Plant which this will effect will be:

  • backhoe
  • front end loader
  • excavator
  • skid steer loader
  • Road Roller
  • grader
  • scraper
  • dozer
  • bridge and gantry remote control crane.

From January 2012 it is the duty of a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure competency of the operator when plant is operated, so far as is reasonably practicable.

How can I demonstrate competency?

Evidence of appropriate training and instruction for the type of plant to be operated could include:

  • a statement of attainment or other nationally recognised qualification
  • training completed at an industry training school
  • on-the-job training conducted by an experienced competent person

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) encourages formal competency-based training and assessment by a Registered Training  Organisation (like Major Training) for the operation of this equipment.

Completing training with an RTO for yourself or your employees give you the peace of mind that you are trained, assessed and issued a competency ticket from a National Training package.  This is the best and highest standard you can achieve.

The following changes effect High Risk Work Licences:

  • The Remote Gantry Crane LBG will no longer  encompass Dogging tasks without holding the Dogger licence DG

For the licence holder, this means:

LBG Operators who do not hold a Dogman licence (DG) will be required to obtain either a DG licence or a bridge and gantry crane licence (CB).

A holder of a previously issued LBG certificate can continue to sling their own load outside the limited circumstances until 31 December 2012.

Transitional Provisions 

Licence Applicants need to be reminded upon submitting application, that Transitional Provisions have been put in place. The provisions accommodate continuance of  Dogging tasks being carried out by licensed operators of Remote Gantry Cranes LBG,  provided the driver is operating the crane remotely and has full view of the load. These provisions will cease to exist from 1st January 2013.

For more information on either Loadshifting or High Risk licencing please visit Workplace Health and Safety (Worksafe Qld) website:  www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

Click here for fact sheet on Licensing for earthmoving or particular crane (EPC) occupational classes

Click here for for info from Worksafe Qld on Earthmoving or particular crane occupational classes