High risk work is any work that requires a high risk work license.
This includes activities that are considered dangerous and require specific skills and knowledge to perform safely.
Understanding what qualifies as high risk work helps you identify where extra precautions are necessary.
Examples of high risk work include:
- scaffolding
- rigging
- crane operation
- forklift operation
- working at heights above 2 metres.
For example:
- building large sculptures or stage sets using scaffolding
- operating forklifts or elevated work platforms during theatre or film productions
- rigging lights or sound systems at music festivals
- aerial performance suspended over an audience using wires.
It is important to understand high risk work to manage hazards and risks.
WHS duties related to high risk work
Everyone in a workplace has legal obligations to create a safe workplace.
When conducting high risk work, PCBUs must comply with workplace health and safety (WHS) legal obligations about:
- licencing requirements
- supervision and training of trainees performing high risk work
- assessment of worker competency
- being prepared for emergencies involving high risk work
- keeping records or worker licences and training for high risk work performed.
When performing high risk work operations, workers have safety legal obligations to:
- hold a valid license: must not perform high risk work without one
- follow safety procedures
- participate in training and supervision
- report hazards and incidents
- use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
These legal obligations are called WHS duties. Learn more workers, PCBUs and WHS roles and duties.
Requirements for high risk work
Licensing requirements
To perform specific high risk tasks:
- workers must hold the relevant high risk work license for the type of high risk work they are doing
- PCBUs must ensure only licensed individuals carry out high risk tasks.
To gain a license, the person must demonstrate their competence in high risk tasks in assessment by an authorised assessor.
High risk work licences are required for activities such as scaffolding, dogging, rigging, crane operation, or elevated platform use, appropriate certification is legally required.
Examples include:
| High risk activity | License required |
|---|---|
| Forklift operation | High Risk Work Forklift License |
| Installing scaffolding | High Risk Work Scaffolding License |
| Dogging and rigging | High Risk Work Dogging/Rigging License |
| Crane and hoist operation | High Risk Work Crane Operation License |
| Elevated work platform above 11m | High Risk Work Elevated Work Platform License |
| Operating a reach stacker | High Risk Work License |
| Electrical work | All electrical work must be carried out by licensed electricians |
The licencing requirements are different in each state and territory. To find out what is needed where you are, visit:
- Australian Capital Territory: High risk licensing (WorkSafe ACT)
- New South Wales: High risk work licenses (SafeWork NSW)
- Northern Territory: High risk work licence (WorkSafe NT)
- Queensland: Apply for a high risk work licence (WorkSafe Qld)
- South Australia: High risk work licences (SafeWork SA)
- Tasmania: High risk work licences (SafeWork Tas)
- Victoria: High risk work licence (WorkSafe Victoria)
- Western Australia: High risk work licence (WorkSafe WA)
It is important to review training and licenses to ensure compliance regularly as well as when new processes or equipment are introduced.
Learn more about safety reporting and record keeping.
Keep learning:
Supervision and training
Trainees performing high risk tasks must be supervised by someone who is licensed and authorised to perform the-high risk work. This is essential to comply with work health and safety laws.
Training for high risk work must align with nationally recognised courses and standards.
Assessing competency
Workers must be assessed as competent by an authorised assessor before performing high risk tasks. This includes to achieve or maintain a licence or for other work that requires specific competency training.
For example:
| High risk activity | License or competency required |
|---|---|
| Working at Heights above 2 metres | Working at Heights Safety Competency Training (RTO training) |
Competency evaluations ensure the worker can safely perform their duties in a real-world setting.
Preparing for emergencies
Businesses need to plan for and be equipped to respond to incidents and emergencies involving high risk work.
This includes developing specific emergency procedures for high risk work and ensuring that workers are trained to respond.
If emergency equipment and rescue plans are needed as a part of managing high risk work, workplaces need to make sure the equipment is accessible and maintained.
Record keeping
Employers must keep records of workers’ licenses and training for at least one year after high risk work is completed.
Learn more about safety reporting, monitoring and record keeping.
Managing high risk work
Managing high risk work is part of managing hazards and risks more broadly.
High risk work is managed using the same risk management process as other workplace hazards:
- Identify the hazard: Start by identifying tasks, equipment and environments that may be considered high risk work. For example, elevated work platforms or rigging in performance spaces.
- Assess the risks: Consider the likelihood and severity of hard related to the work. Use tools like a risk matrix to help evaluate the risk. Learn more about risk matrices and managing hazards and risks.
- Control the risks: Use the hierarchy of control measures and document the controls in a Safe Work Method Statement (if applicable) to reduce exposure to hazards on our managing hazards and risks page.
- Review controls regularly: monitor and review control measures related to the high risk work and whenever there are changes to work conditions or an incident occurs.
- Emergency preparedness: develop specific emergency procedures for high risk work and ensure workers are trained in the emergency procedures. It is also essential to make sure the equipment that forms part of an emergency procedure is accessible and maintained. Learn more about emergency planning.
Safe Work Method Statements
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines high risk work activities, associated hazards, and measures to manage those risks.
It is mandatory for all high risk construction activities such as working at heights, operating forklifts or elevated platforms, or tasks involving asbestos removal.
A SWMS clearly describes risk control measures in a straightforward and accessible way. Its purpose is to ensure that everyone involved understands how to work safely.
The PCBU carrying out high risk construction work is responsible for the SWMS. A knowledgeable and skilled person within the PCBU must prepare it, ensuring hazards are identified and risks are controlled.
It must be:
- prepared before work commences
- reviewed when:
- there are changes to the work process
- new information about hazards becomes available
- existing controls prove ineffective
If there is a safety incident, an SWMS can provide evidence of due diligence by providing evidence of managing risks. Learn more about dealing with workplace incidents.
SafeWork NSW has a handy SWMS template you can use. (You can use it even if you’re not in NSW.)
In practice:
Preparing a SWMS for a film shoot with elevated camera rigs
A film shoot involving elevated camera rigs prepares a Safe Work Method Statement that includes:
- Descriptions of tasks — for example, setting up rigs
- Potential risks — for example, falls or equipment failure
- Controls — for example, using harnesses or verifying rigging stability
Preparing a SWMS for an event with a lighting rig
At an outdoor music event, technicians are responsible for rigging lights at height.
A safety plan is discussed beforehand, ensuring all rigging staff working at heights have completed certified height safety training. All rigging staff are licensed.
The team creates a Safe Work Method Statement outlining how the work will be done, including using compliant harnesses and regularly inspecting fall protection equipment.
Keep learning:
Case study: Art installation with elevated hazards
A gallery team needs to install a 4-metre suspended sculpture in the main exhibit space.
By implementing strict controls and emergency plans, the gallery ensures the sculpture is installed safely and efficiently.
First, they identify the hazard
During planning, the team identifies fall risks associated with working at height and the potential for dropped objects to injure workers or visitors below.
Then they assess the risk
Without proper controls, workers risk serious injury from falls, and unsecured materials could pose a hazard to those nearby. The complexity of the installation requires stable access equipment and strict safety measures to prevent incidents.
They control the risk
The gallery follows a Safe Work Method Statement to outline safety procedures, including:
- engaging licensed scaffolders to build a secure work platform
- requiring workers to use fall-arrest harnesses and secure anchor points
- restricting access to the installation area to minimise risks to others
- ensuring all lifting equipment is checked and rated for the required loads.
They prepare for an emergency
They put a rescue plan in place, including trained personnel and equipment for retrieving a suspended worker in case of a fall. They make sure that first aid kits and emergency contacts are readily available.
They regularly review the controls
Supervisors conduct ongoing safety checks and debrief after installation.
They look out for other reasons to review the controls
The gallery also reviews and reassess the risk when:
- there are changes to installation methods or equipment
- there is a near-miss or safety incident
- they receive worker feedback indicating safety concerns.
Case study: Aerial performance setup
A creative director plans an aerial performance featuring artists suspended with wires over an audience.
First, they identify the hazard
A risk assessment identifies potential hazards, including equipment failure, falls from height, and rigging instability.
Then they assess the risk
If not properly controlled, these hazards could result in serious injuries to performers, crew, or audience members. Risks increase if equipment is not installed correctly or if performers are not trained in aerial safety procedures.
They control the risk
They develop a Safe Work Method Statement outlining the high risk construction activities, including:
- installing rigging and anchor points
- hiring licensed riggers to set up and inspect the rigging system to ensure compliance with safety standards
- training performers so they are competent in working at heights
- establishing safety briefings before rehearsals
- incorporating emergency response drills into rehearsals to ensure preparedness in case of an incident.
They prepare for an emergency
They establish rescue procedures, and make sure that trained personnel are on standby during rehearsals and performances.
They make sure quick-access safety equipment, such as harnesses and rescue lines, is readily available.
They regularly review the controls
The team inspects rigging and safety gear before each performance.
The risk controls are reassessed after each show.
They look out for other reasons to review the controls
The team immediately reviews and replaces equipment if it wears or malfunctions.
They listen to feedback from performers and riggers to help them improve for future performances.
More in this section:
About managing workplace hazards and risks
Identifying hazards and taking proactive steps to manage risks creates safer work environments, prevents injuries and helps workplaces meet their legal obligations. It is crucial for every creative workplace.
Environmental hazards in the workplace
Understanding and controlling environmental hazards is an essential part of creating a safe and healthy working environment for workers and members of the public. It is also key to meeting WHS obligations.
Physical hazards in the workplace
Understanding and controlling physical hazards can create a thriving, safe space for creativity to flourish. It’s also the law (and key to meeting WHS obligations)
Psychosocial hazards in the workplace
Understanding and managing psychosocial hazards helps create a great workplace culture and prevent psychological injuries (and is key to meeting your WHS obligations)
