Worksafe WA has granted a further twelve-month exemption to earthmoving machines for use as cranes until December 2026
Following a review by Worksafe WA, the regulator has recognised three conditions that meet or exceed the required level of competency for using earthmoving equipment over 3 tonnes as a slewing crane.
Under Work Health & Safety (Mines) Regulations 686 and 687 (2022) the regulatory requirement implemented from August 10th 2025 set out the need for operators to hold a CN or C2 HRWL for use of non-slewing earthmoving machinery over three tonnes to suspend a load.
This requirement now recognises exemptions that satisfy the following conditions:
- The machinery operator holds a Dogging (DG) HRWL;
- The machinery operator has undertaken the SLELIC301 Conduct Safe Lifting with Excavators unit and has been assessed as competent; and
- The machinery operator has a copy of their statement of attainment for SLELIC301 readily available when conducting the Specified Work. This may be an electronic copy.
The exemption is valid until 31 December 2026.
This exemption does not modify the person conducting a business or undertaking’s duty to ensure that a risk assessment is conducted to choose the appropriate machinery with which to safely suspend or lift a load, or the duty to ensure that workers they employ or engage are competent for the specific work tasks they are required to conduct.
“We thank Worksafe WA for recognising operators who already meet or exceed standards of competency through their existing accreditation; this is huge relief to customers who may otherwise be forced to make alternative, sometimes unsuitable, and frequently more expensive machine choices for their work,” said Craig Palmer, HRIA WA State President.