Earthmoving machinery, such as excavators, can be fitted with lifting equipment and used to suspend a load, somewhat like a crane.
From 10 August 2025, the work health and safety regulations will require a high risk work licence (HRWL) be held to operate earthmoving machinery as a crane (i.e. to suspend a load) where the machinery has a safe working load (SWL) exceeding 3 tonnes.
In this context, the SWL is taken to be the maximum mass the machine is rated to lift, in its strongest configuration.
In addition to holding a HRWL, operators of earthmoving machinery must be competent for the tasks they are required to conduct and have suitable training and experience.
Further information
- Statement of regulatory intent: Implementation of work health and safety regulations relating to high risk work licences for the use of earthmoving machinery used as a crane
- Granting of exemption from requirement(s) of the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 – Regulation 81 – Licence required to carry out high risk work – Earthmoving machinery
- Granting of exemption from requirement(s) of the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 – Regulation 81 – Licence required to carry out high risk work – Earthmoving machinery