Victoria introduces ‘high risk’ licence

Victorian operators of forklifts, cranes and other high risk equipment, as well as those working in occupations under ‘Certificates of Competency’ or ‘tickets’, need to switch to the new ‘Licence to Perform High Risk Work’.

All certificates of competency expire between 31 January 2008 and 30 June 2012, depending on when they were first issued. Certificates issued before July 1978 and 30 June 1990 expire during 2008.

The licence was introduced to align Victoria with national safety standards. It must be renewed every five years and includes a photograph to reduce fraudulent activity.

“Registering online to make the change is quick and easy,” said WorkSafe’s executive director John Merritt.

“People with a current ticket do not need to be re-tested, but they do need to declare that their skills are current.”

The licence replaces a number of old certificates of competency and applies to 29 pieces of equipment and jobs.

A rebate scheme is available for farmers, farm workers and forestry workers who use industrial-type forklifts, who need to obtain a licence before 1 July 2008.

The primary producer/forestry operator must apply for the rebate before 30 June 2008.

For information about the program and rebates, including a timetable showing specific expiry dates, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/highriskwork.