NSW moves high-risk work licence applications online
19 May 2025•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
Workers can now apply for a High-Risk Work Licence online through Service NSW. The digital application and renewal process is intended to save time and money for construction workers, manufacturers and factory operators.
Applicants can submit their licence application through the Service NSW website, then attend a Service NSW Centre if they need a photo. NSW processes between 75,000 and 100,000 High-Risk Work Licence transactions each year.
The change moves licensing to the online Licence NSW platform, replacing older technology with a faster digital service and stronger security. The Minns Labor Government committed $62.5 million to the platform in the NSW 2024–25 Budget.
The investment also supports improved digital licences alongside upgrades to the Service NSW app and the delivery of a new Digital ID & Wallet. Digitising high-risk work licensing forms part of the NSW Digital Strategy’s productivity mission, which focuses on better service delivery, support for the local economy and increased productivity. Construction and trade work play a vital role in delivering infrastructure and housing.
SafeWork NSW requires a High-Risk Work Licence for operating machinery, scaffolding work and rigging. Licences must be renewed every five years. Current licence holders with a MyServiceNSW account can also add their digital licence to the wallet in the Service NSW app.
Licence holders will be notified by email or SMS that they can renew using the digital process. People who cannot apply or renew online can contact SafeWork NSW to discuss alternatives. Assistance with lodging a digital application or renewal is available on 131 050, with further licence information available through the Service NSW website.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said licence holders perform crucial work operating cranes, forklifts, hoists and rigs, and are essential workers on construction sites. She said digitising the process would save workers time and money and should benefit around 425,000 current licence holders in NSW.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib described the change as a further step in simplifying licence applications. He said the previous application and renewal process had been complex and time consuming, and faster digital renewals would help workers get on with their jobs.
Mr Dib said the government was examining a range of licences to improve how they are used and strengthen their security as part of modernising licensing platforms to better serve communities.
How Blue Safe can help: Our WHS platform helps businesses organise training records alongside their ongoing safety management activities. We provide tools to support record keeping as businesses review workers’ high-risk work qualifications. See Blue Safe WHS software