The ATA has supported a Safe Work Australia proposal for stricter licensing requirements for operating vehicle loading cranes (VLCs) with a capacity of less than 10 metre tonnes.

At present, a VLC operator only needs a high risk work licence for cranes with a capacity of 10 metre tonnes or more.

The introduction of a licensing requirement to VLCs with a capacity of less than 10 metre tonnes would enhance safety standards and reduce human error in crane operations.

The submission argues, however, that the proposed licensing extension must be refined to ensure it does not inadvertently require the users of very small cranes fitted to utes, small trucks or even boats to be licensed.

In an earlier submission to Safe Work Australia, the ATA argued that it was not necessary to apply a dogging licence prerequisite to vehicle loading crane licences.