How to Acquire and Maintain Your Dogging Licence in Australia

The loud alarm of her phone stirred Emily from her tranquillity. As she vaguely registered the interruption, she instinctively swung her hand toward the side table, eyes barely open. It was 5.15 am. That number now held a different meaning to Emily. It was no longer a dread-inspiring signal of another mundane day in her old administrative job. It was the start of a new adventure, a daily dive into a world that had intimidated her at first- the world of doggers.

Emily was excitedly charting new waters in Australia’s third-largest employing industry, construction. The construction sector in Australia constitutes more than 8% national GDP, accounting for AUD 202.9 billion in 2019-20. Among the teeming millions employed in the industry, doggers play a crucial role.

Yet, not everyone can grasp the rigging ropes and slip seamlessly into this complicated, high-pressure role. Dogging is technically classified as high-risk work and requires an official Dogging (DG) High-Risk Work (HRW) Licence. To help you navigate this process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to acquiring and maintaining your dogging license.

A Peek into Dogging

Let’s rewind to a morning in Emily’s life. Armed with a steaming coffee mug, she walked into the heart of the bustling construction site, undeterred by the roaring machinery. Slinging loads onto the crane, inspecting gears meticulously, signalling the operator with practised ease, Emily is the linchpin around which the work site functions.

Her journey wasn’t an overnight magic transformation, though. It involved rigorous training, assessments, and a daunting licensing process, a path every aspiring dogger must undertake.

Step 1: Enrol in a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Kickstart your dogging journey by identifying a reliable RTO. Training providers like Achieve Training Services offer a comprehensive dogging course tailored to equip you with the training and confidence required for the job. Check if your chosen organisation is recognised by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to ensure quality training.

Step 2: Undertake Formal Training

The next phase is completing formal dogging training. You’ll learn to interpret plans, calculate safe working loads, apply different slinging techniques, communicate effectively with crane operators, and adhere to the highest safety rules and regulations.

Step 3: Complete the Logbook

Each candidate must complete a logbook documenting a minimum of 100 hours (covering at least six weeks) of practical training at a job site under an experienced and licensed dogger’s direct supervision. This provides an invaluable real-work experience and equips them with practical know-how.

Step 4: Pass the Assessment

Post formal training, students undergo a two-part assessment: knowledge and performance. They need to demonstrate their understanding of basic principles and the ability to perform dogging operations to a delegate representing the regulator.

Step 5: Apply for the High-Risk Work Licence

After successful completion, participants can then apply for the DG HRW licence by submitting an application to WorkSafe NSW along with the necessary fees and identity documents.

Step 6: Continuous Skills Update

Emily’s journey doesn’t end with the license acquisition, and neither does yours. There’s continuous learning on the job and staying abreast of newer techniques, safety regulations, and equipment. Regular safety refresher courses are recommended to ensure that your skills get polished and stay sharp.

Maintaining Your Licence

A DG HRW Licence is valid for five years after which you will need to apply for renewal with WorkSafe NSW. Ensure that you apply for renewal before the expiry of your license.

Swapping her formal workwear for high-visibility jackets and hard hats wasn’t an easy transition for Emily. Yet, seeing her maneuver the towering crane smoothly, confidently, and safely, one could hardly fathom her journey through rigorous training and licensing.

The Broader Impact

Getting the license is more than just earning a ticket to a job; it is becoming part of the safety solution on high-risk sites. In 2020, around 230 work-related fatalities were recorded in Australia, emphasising the critical need for safety regulations and licensing in high-risk industries. Licensed doggers contribute to reducing this grim number by carrying the mantle of safety on their experienced shoulders.

Crane accidents, while accounting for only 1% of industrial accidents, make up 21% of fatal accidents. The rigorous training and licensing of doggers are pivotal in minimising these unfortunate instances.

The Road Ahead

Whether you’re Emily, storming her way through a new field, or someone looking for a job change, or simply someone interested in the construction industry, the journey to becoming a licensed dogger is more accessible than ever before. The booming construction industry provides ample opportunities to evolve into a critical player in the infrastructure development narrative.

Arming yourself with the right training, guidance, and confidence is an investment in your future. Your dogging license is not just a document; it is a testament to your ability, preparation, and commitment to safety.

And, remember, the world of dogging isn’t an arena dominated by men. Emily’s dogging journey is an inspiring validation of gender equality in Australia’s construction industry. If you share Emily’s determination and ambition, the towering cranes and the busy construction sites are waiting to welcome you aboard. 

Always remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Your Dogging Licence equips you with both.

Turn your potential into action by enrolling in our Dogger Course today. Visit our website,  email us general course enquiries or call us at 02 4201 0418 to kick start your journey in the field of high-risk operations.

Achieve more, become more with Achieve Training Services
Your gateway to becoming a skilled dogger.
To Your Success
The Team at Achieve