SafeWork NSW will be conducting targeted compliance visits to ensure workers are not carrying out high risk work without a licence. Employers must see the high risk work licence (HRWL) before a worker carries out high risk work.
Not only do you put the safety of yourself and others at risk if you do not hold the appropriate training and qualifications, but it is also an offence to carry out high risk work without a valid licence. Individuals who do not have a valid licence may face sanctions including potential fines. Employers and People Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) that direct or allow persons to undertake high risk work without a licence may also face potential penalties.
A high risk work licence ensures you have been deemed competent to undertake the class of high risk work.
Valid interstate issued high risk work licenses are recognised in NSW.
High risk work includes crane and hoist operation, scaffolding work, undertaking dogging or rigging work, pressure equipment operation, and operating forklifts and reach stackers. There are 29 classes of high risk work licence. Legal exceptions to the requirement to hold a high risk work licence are outlined in clause 82 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (NSW).
To apply for a high risk work licence, you must complete training with a registered training organisation (RTO) and be assessed by a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor.
If you are enrolled with a registered training organisation (RTO) in a course to obtain a high risk work licence, you must be supervised by a holder of a high risk work licence for the class of work being undertaken.
SafeWork NSW has resources to help you apply for a high risk work licence.
You can use the Service NSW verify.licence tool to look up and verify registration details for work licences issued in NSW. You can also look up interstate high risk work licences by visiting the website of the issuing authority.