High Risk Work Licence Classes

High risk work licence classes are nationally recognised certifications required to perform specific types of risk work in Australia. A high risk work licence confirms that you have completed appropriate training and been assessed as competent to operate certain equipment or carry out specialised tasks safely.

This guide is for workers, supervisors and employers in construction, mining, logistics, manufacturing and heavy industry who need clarity around high risk work licences and the correct licence class for different roles.

The information below applies to Queensland and aligns with national WHS safety regulations. While high risk work licences are recognised across Australia, you should always check state-specific regulator requirements.

When A High Risk Work Licence Is Needed

You must hold the correct work licence before performing any form of risk work covered under the High Risk Work framework. This includes operating certain plant and equipment, erecting scaffolding, carrying out dogging or rigging tasks, and specific types of crane operation.

Common examples of risk work include:

• Operating a mobile crane or slewing mobile crane
• Operating a vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 tonne or more
• Carrying out dogging work involving lifting gear and load estimation
• Erecting or dismantling scaffolding where a fall of more than four metres is possible
• Operating a materials hoist
• Driving a forklift truck or order picking forklift truck

Workers completing training may only perform risk work under direct supervision and within the permitted timeframe after assessment.

Overview of High Risk Work Licence Classes

There are 30 nationally recognised high risk work licence classes across five key categories:

• Scaffolding
• Rigging and Dogging
• Crane and Hoist Operation
• Forklift Operation
• Pressure Equipment Operation

Each licence class relates to a specific type of risk work. These different licence classes ensure workers are trained to manage the hazards associated with particular equipment and tasks.

You can add additional risk work licence classes to your existing high risk work licence once you have completed the relevant training and assessment. Any new class will share the same expiry date as your current work licence.

Mobile Crane And Slewing Mobile Crane Classes

A mobile crane includes truck-mounted and crawler cranes used across construction and industrial sites. A non slewing mobile crane does not rotate on a central base, while a slewing mobile crane has a rotating superstructure.

Slewing mobile crane classes are based on capacity and include:

• C2 (up to 20 tonnes)
• C6 (up to 60 tonnes)
• C1 (up to 100 tonnes)
• CO (open class)

Additional licence classes apply to derrick cranes, portal boom crane types, concrete placing boom and tower crane operation.

When a telehandler is fitted with a crane jib attachment and used to lift suspended loads, it may require a relevant risk work licence. You should always check the maximum working load and confirm whether the telehandler setup falls within high risk work licence classes. Licensing requirements depend on how the equipment is used, not just its base configuration.

Tower Cranes And Self Erecting Tower Cranes

A tower crane is fixed to a foundation and commonly used on multi-storey construction projects. A self erecting tower crane is typically smaller and may be operated using remote controls. Both fall under specific high risk work licences. Operators must understand crane operation, load carriage, operating controls and safe lifting practices. Licensing requirements apply whether the crane is operated from a cab control station or remotely.

Gantry Crane And Bridge Cranes

A gantry crane or bridge crane operates on elevated rails within warehouses, factories or industrial facilities. Where the crane is controlled from a cabin or fixed control station, a bridge and gantry crane licence class is required. Certain remote-controlled systems may also require a work licence depending on the configuration. A gantry crane licence ensures operators can safely manage loads using wire ropes and associated lifting gear.

Materials Hoist And Personnel Materials Hoist

A materials hoist is used to move goods or materials vertically and cannot be used to carry people. A personnel and materials hoist licence allows operation of hoists designed to transport both materials and personnel. This includes some cantilevered crane loading platforms. Operators must clearly understand the scope of their licence class and ensure a materials hoist is not used to transport workers unless appropriately licensed.

Boom-Type Elevating Work Platform

A boom-type elevating work platform requires a high risk work licence when the boom length is 11 metres or more. Boom length is measured from the centre of the slewing ring to the outer edge of the platform. Once this threshold is met, a risk work licence is required. This may apply to certain telehandler attachments that provide elevating load carriage functions.

Forklifts & Order Picking Forklifts

A forklift licence is required to operate standard forklifts fitted with fork arms. An order picking forklift differs because the operator is elevated along with the load carriage during operation. This elevating load carriage function changes the licence class requirement. Order picking forklift operations are common in warehouses, distribution centres and retail logistics environments.

Vehicle Loading Crane

A vehicle loading crane licence is required where the crane mounted on a vehicle has a rated capacity of 10 tonne or more. In some cases, there may be overlap between vehicle loading crane and slewing mobile crane classifications depending on equipment setup.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding work involves erecting, altering or dismantling temporary structures where a fall of more than four metres could occur.

• Basic scaffolding includes modular scaffolds, tube and coupler scaffolds, bracket scaffolds, spurred scaffolds barrow ramps and structure safety nets.
• Intermediate scaffolding includes all basic scaffolding work plus cantilevered hoists hung scaffolds, perimeter safety screens and sloping platforms scaffolding.
• Advanced scaffolding includes suspended scaffolds, chains suspended scaffolds, fabricated hung scaffolds and coupler covered ways.

To progress to advanced scaffolding, you must first hold the relevant lower licence class and complete further assessment.

Dogging And Rigging Classes

A dogging licence allows you to inspect lifting gear, sling loads and assist with directing crane operation safely. Dogging is often a prerequisite for rigging classes.

Basic rigging includes structural steel erection and safety nets. Intermediate rigging includes dual lifts and excavators tilt slabs demolition. Advanced rigging covers more complex tasks such as shear legs flying foxes and gin poles, and may also involve tilt slabs demolition and pre cast concrete members.

How To Get A High Risk Licence?

To obtain a high risk work licence, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete training with a registered training organisation
• Be assessed as competent by an accredited assessor
• Apply to the state regulator within 60 days of assessment

Major Training delivers flexible, industry-focused training across a wide range of high risk work licence classes to support compliance and career progression.

High Risk Licence Renewal, Transfer And Replacement

• A high risk work licence is valid for five years and must be renewed before expiry. A 12-month grace period applies, however you cannot lawfully perform risk work with an expired work licence.
• High risk work licences are recognised nationally. If you move interstate, you should confirm any transfer requirements with the local regulator.
• If your licence is lost or damaged, you must apply for a replacement through your state authority.

Safety, Compliance And Responsibilities

Employers must verify that all workers hold the correct licence class before undertaking any form of risk work. Holding the correct high risk work licence classes protects your workforce, supports compliance with WHS safety regulations and reduces the risk of serious incidents.

If you are unsure which work licence applies to your role, the team at Major Training can guide you through the right training and assessment pathway. Call our team on 1300 790 822

FAQs

What is a High Risk Work Licence and who needs one in Australia?

A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is a mandatory certification required by anyone performing tasks that pose a significant danger to themselves or others on site. It’s a legal requirement under Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and applies across construction, mining, logistics, manufacturing, and heavy industry. 

Common roles that require one include forklift operators, dogmen, riggers, scaffolders, crane operators, and EWP operators working above 11 metres. You can’t legally perform any form of high-risk work without the correct licence class – and employers are required to verify your licence before letting you start. Major Training delivers training across a wide range of HRWL classes through its high-risk courses page.

How many High Risk Work Licence classes are there in Australia?

As of 2026, there are 29 specific classes of High Risk Work Licences in Australia, grouped into seven main categories:

• Scaffolding
• Dogging and Rigging
• Cranes and Hoists
• Forklifts
• Pressure Equipment
• Reach Stackers
• Elevating Work Platforms. 

Each class has its own licence code, for example, DG for dogging, LF for forklift, WP for EWP over 11 metres, and RB/RI/RA for basic, intermediate, and advanced rigging. The full list of classes is set out in Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations, and the official reference point is Safe Work Australia. Always check your state regulator’s requirements too, as there can be minor differences in how licences are administered.

How long is a High Risk Work Licence valid for, and how do you renew it?

Your HRWL is valid for five years from the date it’s issued. You’ll generally receive a renewal notice from your state WHS authority four to six weeks before expiry, but even if you don’t receive it, keeping track of your expiry date is your responsibility. You can’t legally perform high-risk work with an expired licence, even by a single day. 

In Queensland, renewal is completed online through the WorkSafe QLD portal. If your licence has expired for an extended period or you’re adding a new class, you may need to complete fresh training with a registered RTO before renewing. Don’t let it lapse. A gap in your licence can mean a gap in your ability to work.

Can I add more licence classes to my existing High Risk Work Licence?

Yes, and it’s one of the most practical ways to broaden your employability on-site. Once you’ve completed the relevant training and passed the assessment for a new class, it gets added to your existing HRWL. Importantly, the new class takes on the same expiry date as your current licence, so you won’t end up with multiple cards with different renewal dates. 

Many workers start with a dogging or forklift licence and progressively add rigging, EWP, or crane classes as their career develops. Each additional class makes you more versatile and more valuable to employers across construction, mining and heavy industry. 

See what classes Major Training offers on the high-risk courses page.

What’s the difference between a High Risk Work Licence and a White Card?

They’re two different types of safety credentials that often get confused. A White Card (formally the General Construction Induction Card) is a one-day safety induction required before you can work on any construction site in Australia. It covers general site safety, hazard awareness and your legal responsibilities. It doesn’t qualify you to perform any specific high-risk tasks. 

A High Risk Work Licence, on the other hand, is a class-specific credential that legally authorises you to operate particular equipment or carry out defined high-risk tasks. You need both if you’re working in construction. The White Card gets you on site, and the relevant HRWL class covers the specific work you’re doing. Get your White Card through Major Training as a first step.

Do High Risk Work Licences transfer between states in Australia?

Yes, HRWLs are nationally recognised, which means your licence is valid for high-risk work across all Australian states and territories. However, the licence itself is issued and administered by your state or territory’s WHS regulator, and if you move interstate, you may need to contact the local regulator to confirm any transfer or registration requirements in that jurisdiction. The underlying qualification and training standards are the same nationally, so your competency isn’t in question. Always check with the relevant local authority when working across state lines.