Australian High Risk Work Training: A mining equipment operator is reviewing safety documentation before starting work, ensuring compliance with high risk work licensing requirements

Australian High Risk Training: Your Complete Guide to Safety Certification in 2025

Australian high risk training provides workers with the mandatory certification needed to safely operate dangerous equipment and perform hazardous tasks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining your high risk work licence, from understanding legal requirements to choosing the right training provider and getting certified. Expert instructors play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, compliant training that ensures effective and safe handling of hazardous work.

Operating a crane, forklift, or elevated work platform without proper certification can result in $50,000+ fines and serious legal consequences. In Australia’s construction, mining, and industrial sectors, high risk work continues to contribute disproportionately to workplace fatalities and injuries, making proper training not just a legal requirement but a critical safety necessity. Appropriate training is required to meet regulatory standards and ensure the safe operation of high risk equipment.

Whether you’re starting a career in construction, need certification for mining operations, or managing workplace compliance, this guide covers the essential information to help you navigate Australia’s high risk training landscape successfully. Only a registered training organisation can provide the nationally recognized certification required for high risk work. Start your Australian High Risk Work Training with Australian Forklift Training.

Book your forklift training at our Blacktown or Moorebank centre

The image showcases various types of industrial equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and elevated work platforms, highlighting essential tools for performing high risk work. This equipment is crucial for operations that require a high risk work licence, ensuring safety and efficiency in industries such as construction and mining. Australian High Risk Work Training.
Industrial equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and elevated work platforms, highlighting essential tools for performing high risk work

What is Australian High Risk Training?

Australian high risk training refers to compulsory, nationally accredited training programs mandated for individuals performing tasks defined as high risk work under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Many high risk work licences are specific to operating dangerous equipment or performing hazardous tasks. This comprehensive framework ensures that workers demonstrate both technical proficiency and a robust understanding of safety controls before operating dangerous equipment. These programs are designed to train individuals in both practical and theoretical aspects of high risk work.

High risk work encompasses activities where there is significant potential for injury, death, or property damage. Common examples include operating cranes, hoists, forklifts, scaffolding work, dogging, rigging, work at heights, and specialized plant operation. The overarching goal is ensuring workers can perform high risk work safely while understanding their regulatory obligations. To gain the skills and knowledge required for high risk work, workers must complete a nationally accredited training course.

Legal Framework and Requirements

The legal framework is established under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and accompanying state regulations. These laws are harmonized across all states and territories, meaning a high risk work licence obtained in one state is recognized nationwide. This consistency helps workers maintain their qualifications regardless of where they work across Australia.

Registered training organisations play a crucial role in delivering approved training programs. These RTOs must be accredited under the national training framework and listed on training.gov.au to provide legitimate high risk training courses. They’re responsible for conducting assessments and ensuring compliance with mandatory units of competency.

The HRWL system was historically introduced to address high rates of injury and fatality in industries such as construction, mining, and warehousing. Accident statistics showed that untrained or under-trained personnel operating dangerous equipment contributed to a disproportionate share of workplace incidents, making proper certification essential for workplace safety.

Australian High Risk Work Training: A mining equipment operator is reviewing safety documentation before starting work, ensuring compliance with high risk work licensing requirements
A mining equipment operator is reviewing safety documentation before starting work, ensuring compliance with high risk work licensing requirements

High Risk Work Licence Requirements in Australia

Understanding when you need a high risk work licence is crucial for both workers and employers. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 creates strict obligations: employers must ensure that high risk tasks are only performed by licence holders, while individuals must not undertake such work without current and relevant certification. A licence to perform specific high risk activities is required by law, and only those with the appropriate licence can perform work involving hazardous equipment or procedures.

When Licences Are Mandatory

A licence to operate becomes mandatory any time a job involves:

  • Operating prescribed types of equipment above certain capacities (cranes over specific tonnages, forklifts, elevated work platforms with boom length over 11 meters or when you need to operate a boom type elevating work platform as defined by WHS regulations.)
  • Activities involving load estimation, working at height, dogging, rigging, or scaffolding work
  • Plant and equipment with specific WHS-mandated licence conditions, including materials hoist equipment used for lifting goods or materials on construction sites.
  • Materials handling equipment over designated weight thresholds

The capacity thresholds are precisely defined to ensure that the most dangerous operations require proper certification. For example, vehicle loading cranes require licensing when they have a capacity of 10 metre tonnes or more, while non slewing mobile crane operators need certification for equipment over 3 tonnes capacity.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The penalties for operating without appropriate licensing are severe and getting more stringent. Individuals caught performing high risk work without proper licensing face fines starting at $50,000 and escalating for repeat or serious breaches. Companies may face even more substantial penalties and possible prosecution under WHS legislation.

These significant penalties reflect the serious safety risks involved in high risk work. Beyond financial consequences, operating without proper certification can result in:

  • Personal injury or fatality
  • Criminal prosecution for serious breaches
  • Insurance coverage denial
  • Employment termination
  • Industry reputation damage

Forklift Training: Complete Guide to Getting Your License in 2025

Training and Assessment Requirements

All training must be completed through accredited RTOs with assessments conducted by qualified assessors. The training follows structured national units of competency, ensuring consistent standards across Australia. Only successful completion of both theoretical and practical assessment permits application for the high risk work licence.

Competency verification is integral to the process. RTOs use national assessment instruments standardized by Safe Work Australia and regulators, ensuring assessments are consistent and robust across all regions. This standardization means workers can be confident their certification will be recognized regardless of where they trained or plan to work.

Types of High Risk Work Licences Available

Australia offers a comprehensive range of high risk work licences, each designed for specific equipment types and operational requirements. These licensing standards are developed and regularly updated by industry experts to ensure relevance and safety. Workers must hold separate licences for each class of high risk work they perform, though multiple classes can be held on a single card for convenience. Start your Australian High Risk Work Training with Australian Forklift Training.

 

Crane Operation Licences

Crane operation represents one of the most complex categories of high risk training, with licences differentiated by equipment type and lifting capacity.

Slewing Mobile Crane licences are categorized by capacity: C6 covers up to 60 tonnes, C2 handles 20-60 tonnes, C1 covers 60-100 tonnes, and C0 is for cranes over 100 tonnes capacity. These licences cover mobile crane equipment with slewing (rotating) superstructures commonly used in construction and industrial applications.

Tower Crane (CT) certification is required for cranes fixed to tower structures, typically seen on major construction sites. These require specialized knowledge of load charts, weather restrictions, and coordination with other site activities.

Bridge and Gantry Crane (CB) licences cover equipment that traverses along horizontal beams or gantries. These operations often involve load estimation and multi-powered operation requiring precise coordination skills.

Vehicle Loading Crane (CV) certification applies to truck-mounted cranes with capacity of 10 metre tonnes or more. These are commonly used for loading and unloading materials at construction and industrial sites.

Non-slewing Mobile Crane (CN) licences cover articulated equipment like pick-and-carry cranes over 3 tonnes capacity. These machines require different operational techniques compared to slewing mobile crane equipment.

Rigging and Dogging Licences

Rigging and dogging work involves the critical task of preparing loads for lifting and guiding crane operations safely.

Dogging (DG) certification covers slinging loads, directing crane movements, and selecting appropriate lifting gear. A licence to perform dogging is required for anyone who needs to perform dogging tasks on site, ensuring legal compliance and safety. Workers must be able to perform dogging safely and effectively as part of their role in crane operations. Mastering slinging techniques is essential for safe and efficient load handling. This is fundamental certification for anyone involved in crane operations and material handling.

Basic rigging certification includes all dogging work plus setup of hoists, safety nets, and static lines. This broader certification allows workers to perform more complex rigging tasks beyond basic load handling.

Intermediate rigging adds capabilities for steel erections, mast climbers, and rigging for cranes and conveyors. Workers with this certification can handle more complex construction and industrial projects.

Advanced rigging covers the most complex rigging tasks including guyed derricks, suspended scaffolds, and major structural elements. This represents the highest level of rigging expertise for large-scale construction projects.

Elevated Work Platform Licences

Boom-type Elevating Work Platform (WP) certification is required for platforms with boom length over 11 meters. This represents a significant risk area due to height and reach capabilities, making proper training essential for fall prevention and emergency procedures.

The training covers equipment inspection, maintenance requirements, and emergency rescue procedures. Workers learn both technical operation skills and critical safety protocols for working at height safely.

Australian High Risk Work Training: In a modern training facility, an instructor is demonstrating safety procedures to a group of trainees, focusing on high risk work practices essential for obtaining a high risk work licence. The trainees are attentive,
Instructor is demonstrating safety procedures to a group of trainees, focusing on high risk work practices essential for obtaining a high risk work licence

Material Handling Equipment

Material handling represents one of the largest categories of high risk training due to the widespread use of powered industrial equipment.

Forklift truck (LF) certification is the most common high risk work licence, essential for warehouse and logistics operations. Obtaining a forklift ticket is a mandatory step for anyone wishing to operate a forklift in Australia. Workers must complete accredited training to legally operate a forklift and ensure workplace safety. Despite being common, forklift operation requires comprehensive understanding of load handling, stability principles, and workplace safety protocols. Only those who are licensed to operate a forklift truck are permitted to handle powered industrial trucks in the workplace.

Order Picking Forklift (LO) certification covers specialized trucks where operators are elevated with the load, adding fall hazard considerations to standard forklift operation knowledge.

Reach Stacker (RS) certification applies to heavy-duty container handling equipment over 3 tonnes, particularly common in port operations and large-scale logistics facilities.

Scaffolding Licences

Scaffolding work involves multiple licence levels reflecting the complexity and risk of different scaffolding types.

Basic scaffolding (SB) covers construction and installation of frame and modular scaffolds, including fall arrest systems. This provides foundation knowledge for safe scaffolding work.

Intermediate scaffolding (SI) adds complexity with hung and suspended scaffolds, requiring additional technical knowledge and safety procedures.

Advanced scaffolding (SA) includes tube and coupler scaffolds, cantilevered structures, and special-purpose installations. This represents the highest level of scaffolding expertise for complex construction projects.

Specialized High Risk Training

High risk work often involves operating complex machinery and performing tasks that require a higher level of expertise and safety awareness. Specialized high risk training courses are designed to equip workers with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to safely operate equipment such as vehicle loading cranes, slewing mobile cranes, and forklift trucks. These high risk training courses, delivered by registered training organisations, go beyond the basics to cover a wide range of equipment and operational scenarios.

Participants in these courses learn not only how to operate machinery, but also how to assess risks, implement safety controls, and respond to emergencies. Training covers essential topics like basic rigging, advanced scaffolding, and crane operations, ensuring workers are prepared for the specific challenges of high risk work environments. Whether you’re learning to operate a vehicle loading crane or mastering advanced scaffolding techniques, these courses provide the comprehensive training needed to perform high risk work safely and efficiently.

By enrolling in specialized high risk training, workers gain the confidence and competence to handle a variety of equipment and situations. This targeted approach to risk training ensures that every worker is equipped with the up-to-date skills and knowledge required to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. Start your Australian High Risk Training with Australian Forklift Training.

Advanced and Niche Courses

For those seeking to expand their expertise, advanced and niche high risk training courses are available to address the most complex and technical aspects of high risk work. These courses are tailored for workers who need to perform high risk work involving specialized equipment such as turbines, reciprocating steam engines, and advanced boiler systems.

Training in areas like turbine operation and reciprocating steam engine management provides in-depth knowledge of equipment design, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Advanced boiler operation courses focus on the safe and efficient management of high-pressure systems, emphasizing both technical skills and rigorous safety protocols. These advanced courses ensure that workers are fully prepared to perform high risk work in environments where precision and safety are paramount.

By completing these specialized courses, workers not only meet regulatory requirements but also position themselves as experts in their field, capable of handling the most demanding high risk work tasks with confidence and professionalism.

Industry-Specific Specializations

High risk work requirements can vary significantly between industries, which is why industry-specific specializations are essential for ensuring safety and compliance. Training courses tailored to sectors such as mining, construction, and manufacturing address the unique challenges and hazards present in each environment.

In the mining industry, high risk training focuses on mine safety, emergency procedures, and the operation of heavy equipment under challenging conditions. Construction industry courses emphasize skills like scaffolding, crane operations, and working in confined spaces, all critical for maintaining safety on dynamic worksites. Manufacturing sector training often includes advanced rigging and equipment handling, ensuring workers can perform high risk work tasks efficiently and safely.

These industry-specific courses provide workers with the targeted knowledge and practical skills needed to operate safely within their chosen field. By focusing on the particular risks and requirements of each industry, workers are better prepared to perform high risk work and contribute to a safer workplace.

lian High Risk Work Training: In a bustling construction worksite, several construction workers are seen operating heavy machinery, including a mobile crane and a forklift truck. The scene highlights the importance of high risk work licensing and training
Construction workers are seen operating heavy machinery, including a mobile crane and a forklift truck

Top High Risk Training Providers in Australia

Selecting the right training provider is crucial for obtaining quality certification that meets industry standards. Several established RTOs dominate the Australian high risk training landscape, each offering different specializations and service levels.

We deliver training for the nationally recognised units:

TLILIC0003– Licence to operate a forklift truck
TLILIC0004– Licence to operate an order picking forklift truck

Leading Training Providers

Australian Forklift Training based in Sydney New South Wales, specializes in Transport sector training with broad coverage of licence classes and on-site delivery options. They focus on practical, hands-on training using industry-standard equipment.

Mine Training Australia operates from Osborne Park, Western Australia, and has established itself as a mining sector leader with over 131,760 graduates. Their training is specifically tailored for Western Australia’s mining regulatory environment and the unique safety requirements of mine sites.

High Risk Training Academy in Perth offers nationally recognized training with a robust suite of construction and industrial courses. They maintain modern facilities with up-to-date equipment reflecting current industry standards.

Can You Fail a Forklift Licence?

What to Look for in Training Providers

When selecting a training provider, prioritize these key features:

Experienced trainers with practical industry background ensure training reflects real-world conditions. Look for instructors who have worked in the specific industries and with the actual equipment types you’ll be operating.

Modern facilities with current equipment provide training that matches workplace conditions. Up-to-date equipment ensures you’re learning on machinery that reflects current industry standards and safety features.

Quick certification turnaround is important for employment needs. Quality providers often offer same-day or next-day certification upon successful course completion, minimizing delays in starting work.

On-site training options benefit larger groups and companies needing multiple workers certified. This can be more cost-effective and allows training on actual workplace equipment when appropriate.

Verification of Competency services help maintain ongoing skills and meet employer requirements for demonstrating continued competence beyond initial certification.

The process to apply for a high risk work licence has changed. This page explains what a high risk work licence is, the eligibility requirements, how to enrol for a high risk work licence assessment and how to apply.

Training Process and Assessment

Australian high risk training combines classroom theory with practical, hands-on sessions using real equipment that closely matches actual workplace conditions. This comprehensive approach ensures workers understand both the technical aspects and safety requirements for their specific type of work.

Training Components

The training emphasizes understanding hazards and safe work methods for each equipment type. Participants must demonstrate proficiency in several key areas:

Hazard identification forms the foundation of safe work practices. Workers learn to recognize potential dangers before they become incidents, including equipment-specific risks and environmental factors.

Risk control procedures teach systematic approaches to managing identified hazards. This includes both elimination strategies and control measures when elimination isn’t possible.

Emergency planning covers response procedures for various incident types, including rescue techniques for working at heights or in confined spaces situations.

Equipment procedures encompass pre-use inspection, safe operation, proper shutdown, and defect notification procedures. These operational skills ensure both safety and equipment longevity.

Assessment Methods

Assessment follows a strictly regulated national approach, typically including written or online theoretical examination plus practical demonstration under qualified assessor observation. The assessment process ensures workers can both understand and apply safety knowledge in realistic work situations.

Upon successful completion, candidates receive a Notice of Satisfactory Assessment, valid for 60 days while the formal licence application is processed through the respective state or territory regulator. This timeframe allows for administrative processing while providing immediate evidence of competency.

Training organizations maintain detailed records for compliance and possible audit purposes. This documentation proves essential for both individual workers and employers demonstrating compliance with WHS requirements.

Course Duration and Costs

Training duration varies significantly by licence class and complexity:

  • Simple equipment (forklift, elevated work platform, dogging): typically 2 days (1 theory, 1 practical)
  • Complex equipment (crane operations, advanced rigging): 3-5 days depending on licence type and prior experience
  • Refresher training or Verification of Competency: half-day to 1 day

Cost considerations include several factors:

Basic certification (forklift, boom type elevating work platform): $300-$700 per participant, representing the most accessible entry point for high risk training.

Advanced certification (crane operation, advanced rigging): $1,000-$2,500+, reflecting the complexity and duration of comprehensive training programs.

Additional costs include licence application fees to regulators (typically $100-$130), government photo ID processing, and possible charges for medical clearances or assessment resits.

Group discounts are often available for corporate bookings, on-site sessions, and bundled multi-licence packages. Larger companies frequently negotiate long-term training contracts with leading RTOs for better rates and consistent service.

Licence Renewal and Verification of Competency

High risk work licences remain valid for 5 years nationwide, but maintaining competency requires ongoing attention beyond initial certification. Understanding renewal requirements and competency verification helps ensure continuous compliance with WHS obligations.

Renewal Requirements

Licence renewal requires demonstrating continued competence, which employers often fulfill through internal assessment or updated Verification of Competency every 1-2 years. This ongoing verification ensures workers maintain current skills despite technological changes or evolving procedures.

Refresher training becomes particularly important when workers haven’t performed specific high risk work for extended periods or when industry regulations evolve. Many experienced trainers recommend periodic skills updates even when not legally required.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers bear legal responsibility under the WHS Act to only assign high risk work to currently competent, licensed workers. This means maintaining up-to-date records and regularly checking employee licence status and demonstrated skills.

Verification of Competency represents an additional employer-imposed check beyond basic licensing. While not a licence itself, VOC provides employers with confidence that workers can operate safely under current conditions with updated technology and procedures.

 

Industry-Specific Training Requirements

Different industries emphasize specific aspects of high risk training based on their unique operational environments and safety challenges.

Construction Industry

Construction sector training focuses heavily on crane operations, rigging work, dogging, and scaffolding work. The majority of worksite injuries in construction relate to falls, struck-by incidents, or load failures, making comprehensive high risk training especially critical for project safety.

Steel erections require specialized knowledge of structural connections and load distribution. Workers must understand both the technical aspects of steel construction and the safety protocols for working with heavy structural elements at height.

Mining Industry

The mining industry requires specialized training, particularly in Western Australia due to unique mining safety regulations and high prevalence of large-scale mobile plant and heavy machinery. Mine Training Australia exemplifies providers specifically targeting mining safety requirements and mobile equipment operation.

Mining operations often involve equipment capacities and operational conditions not found in other industries. Workers need training that addresses the specific challenges of remote locations, extreme operating conditions, and the scale of mining equipment.

Warehousing and Logistics

Warehousing and logistics operations almost universally require forklift certification due to the central role of powered industrial trucks in material handling. Order picking and reach stacker certifications are also common due to high employee turnover and injury risk in these fast-paced environments.

The shipping container handling aspects of logistics operations require specialized knowledge of load distribution, container condition assessment, and the unique handling characteristics of standardized shipping containers.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing emphasizes overhead cranes, advanced rigging, and mechanical load shifting capabilities. Incorrect operation in manufacturing environments can lead to catastrophic property damage or loss of life due to the precision requirements and valuable equipment involved.

Manufacturing operations often involve repetitive lifting tasks and precise positioning requirements that demand both technical skill and consistent safety practices throughout long shifts.

Safety Standards and Compliance

Every high risk training program builds on strict compliance requirements with WHS/OHS laws and relevant Australian Standards for each equipment type. For example, AS2550 governs crane operations while AS1891 covers industrial fall-arrest systems.

Regulatory Compliance

RTOs must maintain curriculum alignment with the latest industry best practices, including technological advances, new risk control methods, and evolving work procedures. This ensures training remains current with industry developments and regulatory changes.

Documentation requirements extend beyond training completion into workplace application. Both workers and employers must maintain detailed safety records, and failure to comply opens both parties to prosecution and insurance coverage denial.

Safety Focus Areas

Risk assessment capabilities form the foundation of safe high risk work practices. Workers learn systematic approaches to identifying and controlling hazards before beginning work tasks.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) provide structured approaches to documenting and communicating safety procedures for specific work tasks. Proper SWMS development and implementation represents a critical skill for high risk work.

Incident reporting procedures ensure that near-misses and actual incidents contribute to ongoing safety improvements. Workers learn both reporting obligations and how incident investigation contributes to preventing future occurrences.

Emergency management encompasses both prevention and response capabilities. Training covers emergency procedures specific to each equipment type and work environment, ensuring workers can respond appropriately to various incident scenarios.

Career Opportunities in High Risk Work

Pursuing a career in high risk work opens the door to a wide range of opportunities across Australia’s most vital industries. With the right training and certification, workers can access roles in construction, mining, manufacturing, and beyond—sectors where skilled professionals are always in demand.

High risk work is not only essential for the smooth operation of these industries, but it also offers a rewarding and dynamic career path for those willing to invest in their training. Workers who complete high risk training courses and obtain the necessary licences are well-positioned to take on challenging roles that require technical expertise, attention to safety, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

Whether you’re interested in operating cranes, working with scaffolding, or managing complex equipment, high risk work provides a diverse range of career options. With the right skills and qualifications, workers can build a stable and fulfilling career in industries that value safety, competence, and professionalism.

Job Pathways After Certification

Earning a high risk work licence is the first step toward a variety of specialized job pathways. Certified workers can pursue roles such as riggers, crane operators, and scaffolders—each requiring a unique set of skills and a commitment to safety. For example, obtaining a basic rigging licence allows a worker to perform rigging tasks on construction sites, while a licence to operate a slewing mobile crane opens up opportunities in mobile crane operation across major projects.

As workers gain experience and complete additional training, they can progress to more advanced roles, such as supervising crane operations or managing high risk work teams. Many workers choose to expand their qualifications by obtaining multiple licences, increasing their versatility and value to employers. With a strong foundation in safety and technical knowledge, high risk work professionals can also move into leadership positions, such as site supervisor or safety manager, overseeing teams and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

By investing in high risk training and maintaining up-to-date certification, workers not only enhance their own career prospects but also contribute to safer, more efficient workplaces across a range of industries. Start your Australian High Risk Training with Australian Forklift Training.

Book your forklift training at our Blacktown or Moorebank centre

Getting Started with Australian High Risk Work Training

Taking the first step toward high risk certification requires identifying specific licence requirements, finding accredited training providers, and preparing for the training and assessment process.

Identifying Required Licences

Start by carefully reviewing job descriptions, workplace hazard analyses, or regulatory specifications to determine which licences your role requires. Different positions may require multiple licence types, and understanding the full scope helps plan training efficiently.

Consider future career progression when selecting training courses. Obtaining additional certifications beyond immediate requirements can improve employment opportunities and career flexibility within your industry.

Finding Accredited Providers

Verify training provider accreditation through training.gov.au, the official national directory of RTOs. This verification ensures you receive legitimate certification that will be recognized by employers and regulators.

Location considerations include both training facility accessibility and whether providers offer on-site training for groups. Some specialized equipment training may only be available in major metropolitan areas or specific industrial regions. Start your Australian High Risk Training with Australian Forklift Training.

Preparation and Booking

The booking process typically requires proof of identification, evidence of minimum age (18+), and a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Some licence types may require medical clearance or specific personal protective equipment.

Training day preparation should include appropriate footwear (steel-capped boots), high-visibility clothing, and any specific equipment identified by the training provider. Arriving prepared helps ensure focus remains on learning rather than equipment issues.

Certification Process

Upon successful assessment, you’ll receive documentation required for licence application submission. This typically includes a Notice of Satisfactory Assessment and application forms for your state or territory regulator.

Processing timeframes vary by jurisdiction, but most regulators aim for 10-15 business days for licence issuance. During this period, your Notice of Satisfactory Assessment serves as temporary evidence of competency for employment purposes.

Maintaining Certification

Ongoing compliance requires tracking licence expiry dates, scheduling refresher training as needed, and maintaining current knowledge of industry developments. Many workers set calendar reminders well before expiry dates to ensure uninterrupted certification.

Workplace compliance checks occur regularly, so keeping certification documentation readily available proves essential. Digital copies stored on mobile devices provide convenient access while protecting against document loss.

Conclusion

Australian high risk training represents a critical investment in both personal safety and career opportunities across construction, mining, and industrial sectors. With penalties for non-compliance reaching $50,000+ and the serious safety risks involved in operating dangerous equipment, proper certification isn’t just legally required—it’s essential for protecting yourself and your colleagues.

The comprehensive range of high risk work licences available ensures there’s appropriate certification for virtually every type of dangerous work, from basic forklift operation to complex crane operations and advanced rigging tasks. By choosing accredited training providers and completing proper assessment, workers gain both the technical skills and safety knowledge needed to perform high risk work confidently and safely.

Whether you’re starting your career or expanding your qualifications, taking action to obtain proper high risk training certification opens doors to better employment opportunities while contributing to Australia’s overall workplace safety improvements. Contact accredited RTOs in your area today to begin your certification journey and take the next step in your professional development. Start your Australian High Risk Training with Australian Forklift Training.

Author:

Simone Rennocks, MA in Analytical Psychology, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, BA in Fine Arts

Last updated: 29 July 2025

Simone is the founder and lead trainer at Aus Forklift Training, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID: 91037) delivering accredited forklift licensing and vocational training in Sydney.

Locations: Blacktown – 1/3-5 Tattersall Road | Moorebank – 7/30 Heathcote Road

Phone: 02 8814 8640 | Contact us: https://ausforklifttraining.com.au/contact-us 

View our LF Forklift Licence Course → https://ausforklifttraining.com.au/forklift-licence-course 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a forklift licence in NSW?

The total cost to get a forklift licence in NSW includes the training course fee and a SafeWork NSW licence application fee. Our Express and Standard courses start from $295–$595, depending on location and format. You’ll also need to pay around $80–$90 to Service NSW when applying for your High Risk Work Licence (LF class).

What is the difference between the One Day Experience Forklift Licence Course and the two-day forklift training LF course?

The One Day Experience Forklift Licence Course is designed for individuals with prior forklift experience who are confident in their operating skills and ready to complete their training and assessment in a single day. In contrast, the Two-Day LF Forklift Training Course is ideal for beginners or those needing extra support, offering more time for practical training and theory review before assessment. Both options lead to the same nationally recognised LF High Risk Work Licence, approved by SafeWork NSW.

Are online theory forklift licence courses as effective as in-person courses?

Yes — online theory forklift licence courses are just as effective as in-person sessions when delivered by a SafeWork NSW-approved RTO like Aus Forklift Training. Our blended learning model combines flexible online theory training with supervised practical assessments at our Blacktown or Moorebank training centres. This format ensures you learn key safety principles at your own pace, without compromising the hands-on experience required for licensing.

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