Introduction of a new non-slewing telehandler licence

Amendments have been made to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 to establish a new high risk work licence specific to non-slewing telehandlers.

Telehandlers are high risk plant that offer the load lifting capabilities of a forklift with the lifting range of a crane and are used across many industries including agriculture, construction and warehousing.

They are often used with different attachments such as a fork, bucket, jib or grapple and require skills and expertise to operate safely.

Previously, those operating a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity of more than three tonnes were required to hold a mobile crane licence.

However from 1 July 2024, Victorians  have the option of instead undertaking practical and specific training that better reflects the unique OHS risks of operating a non-slewing telehandler, including with attachments often used on farms.

The changes follow extensive consultation with agriculture and other industry stakeholders and an in-depth safety analysis to understand how telehandlers are being used across sectors.

You can read more about the new licencing arrangements at  https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-01/new-licence-practical-telehandler-training

Contact us at SafetyZone and discuss how we can help you.