26/11/2019

SafeWork SA has suspended High Risk Work licenses for three individuals following two separate safety related incidents.

Both incidents involved the unsafe operation of a mobile crane.

Incident 1:

A crane operator lifted a rigger on the hook of the crane from one level to another, a term referred to as ‘riding the hook’.

Incident 2:

A crane driver lifted a load that exceeded the crane’s configured lifting capacity after over-riding the safety limit switch, resulting in the crane overturning.

Following both matters being investigations by SafeWork SA, the high risk work licenses for all individuals’ have been suspended for three months.

The suspended individuals will be required to undertake a reassessment of competency prior to being re-issued their High Risk Work licences.

It is an offence for these individuals to undertake the class of high risk work for which their suspended licences relate to.

Safety reminder

SafeWork SA reminds High Risk Work licence holders that their licences have been issued on the basis they have been assessed and deemed competent to undertake the class of work safely. They have a duty to ensure their actions do not put themselves or others at risk of injury or harm whilst undertaking work activities.

High Risk Work Licence

An individual must be licensed for a class of high risk work before they carry out that type of work.

A licence to perform High Risk Work is recognised all around Australia as part of a national licensing system and is required for the following kinds of work:

  • Crane and hoist operation
  • Dogging and rigging work
  • Forklift operation
  • Pressure equipment operation
  • Scaffolding work

Cancellation/suspension of licence

SafeWork SA can suspend or cancel a High Risk Work licence and disqualify the licence holder from applying for other licences if the licence holder has failed to take reasonable care to carry out the high risk work safely and competently.

Further information

Read more about obtaining and maintaining High Risk Work licences.