Safe Work Australia is consulting on options to improve safety when earthmoving machinery is used for lifting operations.
Consultation feedback
The discussion paper Improving the safety of earthmoving machinery used for lifting operations outlines current practices and associated risks and explores potential regulatory and non-regulatory options aiming to improve safety outcomes. The purpose of the paper is to gather stakeholder views on whether these options could provide an effective way to manage the unique risks associated with using earthmoving machinery for lifting operations in the workplace.
The proposed options are:
Retaining existing arrangements with the development of supporting national guidance
Establishing a requirement for earthmoving machinery used for lifting operations to be fitted with engineering controls.
Establishing a mandatory training requirement covering earthmoving machinery used for lifting operations
Establishing a new HRW class specifically covering earthmoving machinery used for lifting operations.
Each option is expanded on in the discussion paper and includes questions for your feedback.
Consultation process
This discussion paper has been developed to seek feedback on proposed options under the model WHS Regulations for improving safety when earthmoving machinery is used for lifting operations.
All stakeholders with an interest in improving safety when earthmoving machinery is used for lifting operations are encouraged to participate in the consultation.
Please note the options in this paper are offered for consultation purposes only. They are subject to change in response to further evidence, policy analysis and feedback from consultation processes.
Depending on the approach agreed by Safe Work Australia Members, an assessment of the impacts of one or more of the proposed regulatory options in the discussion paper may be developed for further analysis and consultation. Ultimately any changes to the model WHS Regulations are subject to agreement by WHS ministers.
Crane licence review
This consultation forms part of a suite of proposed crane licence reforms agreed by Safe Work Australia Members in March 2025, which seek to improve crane safety and ensure the licensing framework in the model WHS Regulations reflects contemporary work practices and equipment.
Additional consultations on other proposed crane licence reforms will be undertaken during 2026. This flowchart outlines the sequencing and topics for each of the consultations.
Making a submission
Submissions are sought by 11:59 pm (AEST) Monday 2 March 2026. Submissions can be made by completing the survey under the Have your say section.
Demographic data will be collected as part of this process through completing the submission form.
You can decide how your submission is published on the Consultation Hub by choosing from the following options:
submission published with your name, your organisation’s name, or a pseudonym
submission published anonymously, or
submission not published.