Improving crane licensing under the model work health and safety laws

Arguments Against Proposed Changes to Crane Operator Licensing for Operators of Cranes with a Capacity of Under 10 Tonne Meters -

Introduction
Hiab Australia opposes the proposed changes to crane operator licensing for cranes with a capacity of under 10 tonne meters due to the significant cost and impact on the industry without any identifiable benefit to safety. This argument outlines the key reasons against implementing the changes, focusing on the logistical, financial, and operational challenges they present.
Training and Assessment Challenges
• Provision of New Training:
• The proposed licencing changes will affect many thousands of operators across the industry.
• The proposal does not clarify who will provide the new training. Existing training institutions may not have the capacity or expertise to accommodate the sudden increase in demand.
• Identifying and establishing new training providers will be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process, causing delays and confusion within the industry.

Impact on Businesses
1. Absence and Productivity Loss:
• The licensing process will require operators to take time off work, leading to significant absences and disruption to business operations.
• Both small and large businesses, will suffer from reduced productivity due to the absence of key personnel.
2. Financial Burden:
• The cost of the new licensing process, including training fees, assessment costs, and administrative expenses, will be substantial.
• Businesses will face increased stress on management to coordinate and comply with the new requirements, diverting attention from core operations.
3. Monitoring and Assessment of Sole Operators:
• Introducing a logbook training system will necessitate the monitoring and assessment of thousands of sole operators.
• Ensuring compliance and maintaining accurate records will be a logistical nightmare, further straining resources and increasing administrative burdens.

Ineffectiveness and Redundancy
1. Redundancy of Training:
• The current licencing of operators is designed for cranes with higher lifting capacities that undertake more complex lifts and tasks than small VLC’s.
• Requiring operators to sit through standardized training that is not relevant to their work is inefficient and counterproductive.
• Many existing operators have years of hands on experience, requiring them to undertake training that is not relevant, is likely to be demotivating and result in disengaged personal.
2. Existing Training and Support:
• Current OH&S legislation already mandates some form of operator training for small VLCs. Industry suppliers like Hiab Australia provide comprehensive product hand over training programs and ongoing support for crane owners.
• State Workcover authorities have previously praised the use of small VLCs for their contribution to reducing workplace injuries, indicating that the current system is effective.

Negative Consequences for the Industry
1. Increased Risk of Manual Handling Injuries:
• Lower budget businesses may revert to manual unloading methods to avoid the costs associated with the new licensing system. This will increase the risk of handling injuries, negating the safety benefits of using small VLCs.
2. Impact on Employment and Services:
• Hiab Australia and the Australian VLC industry employs many long-term professional staff dedicated to supporting VLC owners. Additionally, numerous workshops and technical staff are involved in maintaining these cranes.
• An onerous licensing system could lead to reduced demand for small VLCs, threatening jobs and the viability of service providers in the industry.
3. Lack of Significant Accidents:
• Hiab Australia is not aware of any significant injury-causing accidents involving VLCs under 10 tonne meters in the past three years. This indicates that the current system is functioning effectively and does not warrant such drastic changes.

Conclusion
The proposed changes to crane operator licensing for cranes with a capacity of under 10 tonne meters present numerous challenges without offering clear safety benefits. The significant costs, logistical hurdles, and potential negative impact on businesses and industry professionals outweigh any potential advantages. Maintaining the current system, which already includes adequate training and support, is a more practical and effective approach to ensuring safety and operational efficiency in the industry.

As outlined, there is no evidence suggesting that the proposed changes would improve workplace health and safety (WHS). Implementing these changes would impose multiple and excessive costs on the industry. These financial burdens could disproportionately affect small businesses, causing great financial strain and threatening jobs, while larger companies would face significant resource reallocation. The high costs may drive many businesses to revert to cheaper, more dangerous loading techniques, undermining current safety standards. Without clear evidence of benefit, these changes risk increasing workplace hazards and compromising employee safety. It is crucial to base any regulatory modifications on solid evidence to ensure they effectively enhance WHS without imposing undue financial strain on the industry.

Yes, there are several non-regulatory alternatives to the proposed changes that could improve crane safety without imposing excessive costs on the industry. Here are some options:
1. Enhanced Training Programs
Current State: Industry suppliers like Hiab Australia already offer comprehensive product handover training programs and ongoing support for crane owners.
2. Increased Industry Collaboration
Current State: State Workcover authorities have recognized the effectiveness of small VLCs in reducing workplace injuries.
Improvement: Promoting greater collaboration between industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and safety authorities, can lead to the development of best practices and innovative safety solutions. Regular industry forums, safety seminars, and collaborative projects can help share knowledge and drive continuous improvement in safety standards.
3. Voluntary Safety Standards
Current State: The industry follows mandated safety regulations.
Improvement: Developing and adopting voluntary safety standards can raise the overall safety benchmark. Industry associations can create guidelines that go beyond regulatory requirements, encouraging companies to implement higher safety measures voluntarily.
4. Continuous Improvement Programs
Current State: Businesses adhere to static safety protocols.
Improvement: Implementing continuous improvement programs, such as regular safety audits, feedback loops, and incident analysis, can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that safety practices evolve with changing industry dynamics.
These non-regulatory alternatives can improve crane safety by building on the strengths of the current system, fostering a culture of safety, and leveraging technological advancements without the financial burden of mandatory regulatory changes.