The case for an advanced crane licence in Australia.
Every day across Australia, cranes move massive loads over busy construction sites, remote mine sites, and everything in between. And sitting in the cab, at the centre of it all, are the operators, tasked with keeping both loads and lives safe.
Crane operation is classed as high-risk work under Australian law, to get behind the controls, operators need a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL), issued in accordance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation. The idea is simple: if you’re moving heavy things through the air, you need to know exactly what you’re doing.
But here’s where things get a little more complicated, and where the case for an advanced crane licence starts to gain momentum.
One size doesn’t fit all
Crane licences in Australia follow a tiered system. For example, someone holding a CO licence (for slewing mobile cranes of any capacity) is legally permitted to operate smaller crane types, such as C6 (slewing cranes up to 60 tonnes) or even non-slewing cranes. This concept, known as “encompassment,” is intended to streamline licensing. But increasingly, industry voices are asking: is that still fit for purpose?
The reality is that different cranes behave in very different ways. A vehicle-loading crane has a very different risk profile to a 100-tonne crawler, and both require specific knowledge, especially when things don’t go to plan. Yet, under the current system, someone could technically operate either with just one licence type in their pocket.
So what’s the solution?
Regulators and industry groups, such as CICA, have been engaging in active discussions about how to improve crane licensing. One option on the table is to introduce more specialised and advanced licence categories that better reflect the diversity of equipment in use today.
There is talk of removing encompassment altogether, requiring operators to be trained and licensed on each specific type of crane they use. While some might see this as adding red tape, it’s a necessary move to lift safety standards and keep up with modern equipment and work practices.
Industry feedback
A recent survey that went out to recipients of the CICA Safety Bulletin yielded some interesting results.
The benefits of going advanced
As employers, operators, or site managers, there are real-world advantages to encouraging advanced licensing.
• Safety first (and always): With advanced training, operators are better equipped to handle complex lifts and respond effectively in emergencies. That’s good for people, property, and projects.
• Staying on the right side of the law: Certain high-capacity cranes legally require higher-level licences. Getting it wrong can mean serious penalties, not just for the operator. The Chain of Responsibility (CoR) legal framework under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) extends safety and compliance obligations beyond just the crane operator or driver to all parties involved in the operation, management, and scheduling of heavy vehicles, including cranes.
• Improved efficiency: Skilled operators make better decisions, work more efficiently, and help keep projects on track, especially on complex or time-sensitive sites.
• Boosting careers: For operators, advanced licences open doors. They signal a level of professionalism that’s valued across sectors, from civil construction to energy and mining. Better training can mean better pay and more opportunities.
Looking ahead
The crane industry is constantly evolving, and so should the way we license the people. While regulatory change always takes time, there’s growing recognition that more tailored, practical training and licensing would be a win-win for safety, compliance, and career growth.
Advanced licensing is about recognising the complexity of modern crane work and giving operators the tools (and the credentials) they need to do the job well.