The Cafe Conundrum
Picture this, Sarah, a barista at a trendy Melbourne cafe, is asked by her boss to use a small electric scissor lift to change some high-up lightbulbs. Sarah, thinking it’s just a quick task and the lift looks “easy enough,” hops on. No harm done, right? Wrong. Sarah, unknowingly, just performed high-risk work without the required licence. This scenario is more common than you think, and it highlights a huge misconception: that high-risk work (HRW) licenses are only for burly blokes on construction sites.
The reality is, in Australia, a staggering number of workplace injuries occur outside the construction industry. Safe Work Australia reports that in 2024, the industry with the highest number of serious claims was not construction, but “Health Care and Social Assistance.” And while construction does have a high fatality rate, the sheer volume of incidents in other sectors is alarming. This is because the requirement for a High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is attached to the task, not the overall industry or job title.
This blog post is your guide to understanding the surprisingly broad scope of HRW licensing, ensuring you and your workplace are on the right side of the law and, more importantly, safe.
Defining High-Risk Work (HRW). It’s All About the Task
So, what exactly is “high-risk work”? It’s not just about hard hats and heavy machinery. The legal definition, as outlined in the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations adopted (with variations) by most Australian states and territories, focuses on activities with a significant potential for serious injury or death.
Key Characteristics of HRW
- Potential for Serious Harm. The work involves a high risk of causing a fatality or a serious, potentially irreversible injury.
- Specific Tasks. The regulations list specific tasks, not general job descriptions. This is crucial.
- Requirement for Specialised Skills. The work typically requires specialised training and competency assessment to be performed safely.
Common Examples (Beyond the Obvious)
We all know operating a crane is high-risk. But consider these.
- Working at Heights. Using any equipment that elevates a person (ladders above a certain height, scissor lifts, boom lifts). This is a huge area of concern across many industries.
- Operating Forklifts. Even small forklifts in warehouses require licensing.
- Rigging and Dogging. Moving loads using cranes or other lifting equipment.
- Scaffolding. Erecting, altering, or dismantling scaffolding.
- Confined Space Entry. Entering spaces with limited access and potential atmospheric hazards (even some tanks or pits in seemingly “safe” environments).
Beyond Construction. Industries Requiring HRW Licenses
The construction industry is a major player in HRW, but it’s far from the only one. Here’s a breakdown of other sectors where HRW licenses are surprisingly common:
Warehousing and Logistics. The Hidden Hazards
Warehouses are bustling environments, and forklifts are their workhorses. Forklift operation, regardless of the warehouse size, almost always requires an HRWL. Order pickers, which also elevate workers, fall under the same category. The sheer volume of forklift-related injuries in Australia each year highlights the importance of proper training and licensing.
Mining and Resources. A High-Stakes Environment
This one is less surprising, but it’s important to emphasize the breadth of HRW licenses required. Beyond the obvious heavy machinery operation (excavators, dozers), there are licenses for;
- Explosives Handling. A highly specialised and regulated area.
- Working in Confined Spaces. Mines often have numerous confined spaces requiring specific entry procedures and certifications.
- High-Pressure Equipment. Operating and maintaining high-pressure hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Events and Entertainment. Setting the Stage Safely
Think about a large concert or festival. The stage setup, lighting rigs, and sound systems often involve;
- Rigging. Suspending heavy equipment from overhead structures.
- Elevate Work Platforms. Used to access lighting and sound equipment at heights.
- Temporary Scaffolding. For stage construction or access.
Even seemingly glamorous events rely heavily on workers holding the correct HRW licenses.
Manufacturing. Precision and Peril
Manufacturing plants, depending on their operations, can have a wide range of HRW requirements:
- Specialised Machinery Operation. This can include anything from large presses to robotic welding systems, each potentially requiring specific certification.
- Confined Space Entry. Maintenance and repair work inside tanks, vessels, or other enclosed spaces.
- Overhead Cranes. Moving heavy materials within the factory.
Agriculture. More Than Meets the Eye
Farming might seem idyllic, but it involves significant risks:
- Tractor Operation (with attachments). Certain attachments, like post-hole borers or front-end loaders, can elevate the risk level.
- Chemical Handling. Using certain pesticides or herbicides may require specific certifications.
- Silo Entry. Confined space hazards in grain silos.
The “Occasional Task” Trap. Don’t Get Caught Out
This is a critical point that many businesses and individuals overlook. They think, “Oh, I only use that scissor lift once a month; I don’t need a licence.” Wrong.
The regulations are clear, if you perform a high-risk task, even infrequently, you need the appropriate licence. It’s about the potential for harm, not the frequency of the activity. This is a common area where businesses get fined, often during routine workplace inspections.
Finding the Right Information. Navigating the Regulations
Australian WHS laws are primarily state and territory-based, although there’s a high degree of harmonization through the model WHS laws. This means the specific details can vary slightly depending on your location.
Key Resources
- Safe Work Australia. The national policy body. Their website provides a good overview of the model WHS laws and links to each state/territory regulator. (
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/ - State/Territory Regulators: These are the bodies that actually issue licenses and enforce the regulations. Examples include;
- WorkSafe Victoria
- SafeWork NSW
- WorkSafe Queensland
- WorkSafe WA
- SafeWork SA
- WorkSafe Tasmania
- NT WorkSafe
- WorkSafe ACT
Keywords for Searching
When searching for information, use specific keywords;
- “High risk work licence [Your State/Territory]”
- “[Specific task, e.g., forklift] licence [Your State/Territory]”
- “WHS regulations [Your State/Territory]”
Task-Based, Not Industry-Based
The key takeaway is this, High-risk work licensing is about the task, not the industry. Don’t assume that because you’re not in construction, you’re exempt. Assess the tasks performed in your workplace, consult your local regulations, and ensure everyone is properly licensed. It’s not just about avoiding fines; it’s about creating a safe working environment for everyone. Don’t let a simple task turn into a statistic.
Explore our website further to discover the perfect training path for you. Or, if you have any questions or need personalised guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way.
Remember, your dream career is within reach. With AOTA by your side, you can build the skills, confidence, and qualifications you need to succeed. So, take the first step today and start building your future!
Dedicated to your success
Nigel