Under the new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws that came into effect in NSW on January 1, 2012, certain types of excavation machines will no longer require the operator to hold a certificate of competency to operate the machine.
Since September 30, 2011, NSW operators of front-end loaders, backhoes, skid steers and excavators have only required training by their employer or the controller of the plant. These further changes will in effect place the onus on the employer, or the controllers of the plant, to ensure operators have the required information, supervision and training, so as to minimise any risks to health and safety.
The start of the New Year also marks the start of new health and safety laws in NSW that apply to loadshifting machines. These laws will in effect bring NSW into line with the rest of Australia.
Earthmoving machinery used on public roads may require road registration and operator licensing under the requirements of the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). Contact the RTA on 13 22 13 or rta.nsw.gov.au for more information.
It is now the responsibility of the controller of the plant to ensure any hazards are identified, assessed and controlled, and that others are advised of the hazards and control measures. The operator must be at least 18 years of age and be able to communicate at an acceptable level.
For more information, please visit the WorkCover NSW website: www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or you can view the fact sheet: Catalogue No. WC03391
