IN late January Worksafe announced the introduction of a new Telehandler Licence for operation of a non-slewing Telehandler with three tonne or greater capacity.

The new licence means farm owners and employees can complete tailored training and get a high-risk work licence (HRWL) specific to non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of more than three tonnes that are fitted with a range of attachments.

Whilst there has been a fair bit of negative feedback from farmers, in essence this licence will actually simplify the licencing requirement.

Previously to operate a telehandler with three tonne or more capacity, an operator should have held a WorkSafe High Risk Crane (CN) licence. This course is ran over four-five days, you generally have to go to Melbourne to complete it, and it contains modules such as dogging and rigging that are completely unrelated to farm operations.

However, the new Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Telehandlers) Regulations 2024 establish a new non-slewing telehandler high risk work licence, which will give operators the choice to undertake training specific to the type of work they will perform.

The main issue with the new licencing lay around the communication of the changes; whilst farmers were told the new licence was coming in from July 1, the licencing course was not available before this date, and it was unknown who would be providing them. 

Telehandlers with a capacity of under three tonne are still treated as regular tractors, with no additional licencing required.

What do I need to do to get a Telehandler Licence?

1.          Complete specific training for non-slewing telehandlers at an authorised Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as TAFE.

2.          Pass the assessment.

3.          Apply for the non-slewing telehandler specific licence.

4.          Renew the licence every 5 years.

There are several training providers listed on the Worksafe website as providers of the course in the South West.

These include; ACE Assessment and Training Services, Australian Industrial Trainers, Assessors & Consultants (AITAC) Pty Ltd, Go Workplace Training Pty Ltd, MultiSkills Training, and TME Trade Training.

The course length and price are set by the training providers, but indicative cost seems to be around $2000, and most list the course as being run over three days.

Whilst a lot of the training providers are Melbourne based, they will hold the course locally when there is the demand.

Do I need to worry about it?

If you, or in particular your staff, operate a telehandler with a capacity exceeding three tonnes, then yes you do.

Because having staff operate a telehandler without it could lead to a significant amount of liability.

If an unlicenced operator was to have an accident whilst using the telehandler, then Worksafe would potentially prosecute the owner, which could lead to large fines.

But the real risk comes if there is a fatality, as then workplace manslaughter charges may be laid.

This could result in jail time for the business owner, or even managers within the business.