CFMEU ACT welcomes the decision by Master Builders to drop a short-course in dogging that was designed to by-pass national regulations for licensed dogging in the industry.

“This was the only sensible course of action Master Builders could take, since their course for a ‘partial license’ in dogging does not comply with national safety and training laws, as WorkSafe ACT has pointed out, ” said CFMEU ACT Secretary Dean Hall.

Doggers work with crane operators to safely move large loads on construction sites and must be accredited. They have to complete a 22-unit course, which is equivalent to a Certificate 3 and carry licences and tickets to reflect their competencies.

“The CFMEU has received reports of workers on civil road and bridge projects engaging in risky dogging techniques, for example, using excavators to lay pipes into trenches, believing it was OK because it was a less risky operation,” Mr Hall said.

“Workers doing these short courses think they are accredited, but they are not.

“The courses don’t meet accredited high-risk licensing standards. These standards have been drawn up for a purpose: they are designed to deal with the risks on construction sites.

“Ignoring those standards – or watering them down – will only lead to more deaths and injuries. And workers dogging illegally could be prosecuted and fined.”

The Union accuses the MBA of driving down dogging standards in the Territory with these courses.

“Are the MBA and others offering ‘partial licensing’ courses prepared to accept responsibility for the injuries and possible deaths that may result from their partial training?” said Mr Hall.