The VFF Grains Group is urging farmers to complete a survey on telehandlers use in agriculture.
The VFF Grains Group has worked with Worksafe and the Telescopic Handlers Association of Australia to develop the survey to inform future licensing requirements.
“Telehandlers have become an increasingly popular method of safely moving hay on Victorian farms, however regulation has not kept up with modern farming practices,” said Ash Fraser, VFF Grains Group President.
Whilst approximately 77% of telehandlers are now sold to the agriculture sector, training is still largely targeted at the construction industry.
Under the current laws, Victoria is one of only 2 states in Australia to require a crane license to operate a telehandler with a capacity of three tonnes or more with forks and as of January 2020, farmers will also be required to attain a dogging license.
“The current licensing regime is expensive, time consuming and does little to specifically improve capability around the use of telehandlers on farms. We need fit for purpose training that assists farmers to safely and efficiently use telehandlers in an agricultural setting” Mr Fraser concluded.
Media Contacts:
Ash Fraser, VFF Grains Group President, 0418 176 764
Grady Powell, VFF Stakeholder and Advocacy Manager, 0456 960 243