Monthly Archive for: ‘October, 2011’

White Card Western Australia

Posted Oct 16 2011 by in WA with 0 Comments

White Card Western Australia

Course transition arrangements

The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (1996) have changed to reflect the national approach to construction induction training endorsed by industry Australia wide.

The accreditation for the old construction induction training unit ‘51466 Course in Safety Awareness Training’ has expired on 31 August 2009.

From 1 September 2009 in Western Australia, national accredited unit of competency ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry’ is the only training unit that meets the regulatory requirements for general construction induction training.

Those people who have completed the old course ‘51466 Course in Safety Awareness Training’ will not have to repeat the training as it was also nationally recognised training, equivalent to the new unit of competency ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry’.

Who needs to undertake safety awareness training?

The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 set out mandatory requirements for the provision of construction safety induction training, for employees or self-employed people doing construction work at a workplace in Western Australia.

Construction induction training required by regulations is not designed to take place of work site and/or task specific inductions, training or supervision.

How long does the induction training last for?

Once training has been completed there is no mandatory requirement to repeat the training.

The national code of practice for construction induction training provides an option for repeat training:

  • if a person leaves the industry for more than two years, or
  • if the employer considers repeat training necessary
  • it also may be the case that some employers require repeat induction training as part of safety and health management processes.

Card transition arrangements

WorkSafe WA is moving to the ‘White Card’ design. The transition over to the White Card will begin when the current stock to old ‘Blue Card’ runs out. Those people who have completed the old course ‘51466 Course in Safety Awareness Training’ will not have to repeat the training as it was also nationally recognised training, equivalent to the new unit of competency ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry’. Old ‘Blue Cards’ are recognised under new system.

Online training

Online training is available through registered training organisations (RTOs) that have unit of competency ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry’ on their scope to deliver training in Western Australia.

Cards issued and recognised in Western Australia

Western Australia (WA)

  • Across all States and Territories, including WA, both old ‘Blue’ Cards and new ‘White’ Cards of WA cards issued through training providers are accepted by the regulatory authorities as evidence that induction training has been completed.
  • In NSW, only WA issued cards dated after 1 July 2009 will be recognised.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Cards issued in ACT are recognised in WA.

‘White’ cards issued with the ACT logo must include following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Card registration number
  • Registered Training Organisation number
  • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder.

New South Wales (NSW)

  • NSW ‘Green’ cards are no longer valid in NSW and are not recognised in WA.
  • The new NSW card, recognised by WorkSafe WA is uniquely numbered and carries the NSW WorkCover logo. The card must also include following information:
    • Date of issue
    • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder.

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Cards issued in the Northern territory are recognised in WA.
  • ‘White’ cards issued with the NT WorkSafe logo must include the following information:
    • Date of issue
    • Card registration number
    • Registered Training Organisation number
    • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder.

Queensland (QLD)

  • Queensland old ‘Blue’ card and new ‘White’ cards are recognised in WA.
  • The new ‘White’ cards with Queensland Department of Employment and Industrial Relations logo must include the following information:
    • Date of issue
    • Card registration number
    • RTO number
    • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder

South Australia (SA)

  • ‘White’ cards are issued by SafeWork SA and are recognised in WA.
  • ‘White’ cards are uniquely numbered and carry SafeWork SA logo.
  • ‘White’ cards must also include the following information:
    • Date of issue
    • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Tasmanian ‘White’ cards are recognised in WA.
  • ‘White’ cards issued by Workplace Standards Tasmania carry the Workplace Standards Tasmania logo and must include following information:
    • Date of issue
    • Card registration number
    • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder.

Victoria (VIC)

  • Victorian ‘Red’ cards are not recognised in WA.
  • New ‘White’ cards carry the WorkSafe Victoria logo and must include following information:
    • Date of issue
    • Card registration number
    • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder.

Local authorities

WorkSafe Western Australia

Westcentre, 1260 Hay Street West Perth WA 6005

Phone: 1300 307 877

Fax: 08 9321 8973

Web: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

Email: safety@commerce.wa.gov.au

 

 

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White Card Victoria

Posted Oct 16 2011 by in VIC with 0 Comments

White Card Victoria

Overview

In the construction industry, people work in a dynamic environment. Hazards and risks change frequently on a site as construction work progresses and as workers move from project to project. A large majority of the industry’s workforce is employed by sub-contractors who undertake work on many different sites managed by different contractors, and often within different sectors of the industry.

The instruction and training required to ensure people can work safely on construction sites needs to recognise the pattern of employment and the way the construction industry operates. Therefore, three (3) types of Occupational Health and Safety induction training are required:

  1. Construction induction training (formal class room training)
  2. Site induction (on the job training)
  3. Job specific induction (on the job training)

WorkSafe Victoria implemented National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work. Therefore, from 1 July 2008, construction induction training is delivered through national unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction industry”.

Construction induction training

Construction induction training aims to provide people new (or returning) to construction work with an understanding of:

  • Their rights and responsibilities under OHS law
  • Common hazards and risks in the construction industry
  • Basic risk management principles, and
  • The standard of behaviour expected of workers on construction sites.

Who needs to participate?

Employers must ensure that anyone employed to do construction work has completed construction induction training before they start work.

This is relevant for all persons involved in construction work, including:

  • Persons with control of construction projects (e.g. principal contractors, project managers, main contractors, builders, employers, self-employed persons)
  • Persons with control of construction work (e.g. employers, self-employed persons, principal contractors, main contractors, sub-contractors)
  • Persons carrying out construction work (e.g. employees, contractors, labour-hire workers)

It also applies to:

  • All persons who access operational construction zones unaccompanied or not directly supervised by a person who holds valid construction induction card
  • All persons whose employment causes them to routinely enter operational construction zones.

It also includes any employee who has not done any construction work in the past two (2) years, even if they have previously completed an induction.

There may be other activities that relate to construction work where general induction training may be necessary. The person in control of the construction project or work should determine this by examining:

  • The nature of the work to be performed and the level of risk associated with those tasks
  • The circumstances in which the work will be undertaken, e.g. the parts of the site that the person is required or permitted to access, the stage of construction during the period of such access and the level of direct interaction with the construction process, and
  • The level of supervision.

Who is NOT covered by the construction induction requirement?

The construction induction requirements do not apply to:

  • Visitors to the site provided that they are accompanied at all times by a person who has received construction induction training. Visitors include client and other people who are not involved in the construction work. The person accompanying the visitor must have the visitor in sight at all times, and must be able to intervene immediately if any health and safety incident arises.
  • People who are temporarily at the site to deliver plant, supplies or materials. If they are untrained, these people are only permitted to remain on the site for the time reasonably needed to make their delivery. Otherwise, they must be accompanied in the same way as other visitors. Persons whose employment causes them to routinely enter operational construction zones, such as a driver delivering concrete to different sites, are not part of the exemption and they should be trained.

Training provider requirements

Construction induction training can only be provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

RTO must have national training unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” on their scope of registration. Also, RTO has to be approved by WorkSafe Victoria.

Formal 6 hour face-to-face training is only accepted method of delivery in Victoria.

Online training is not permitted in Victoria.

Evidence of training

The employer must accept any of the following things as evidence that the worker has done construction induction training:

  • A ‘Red Card’ which shows that the person completed the previous Victorian Construction Industry Basic Induction Course, which existed before 1 July 2008
  • A construction induction card issued by WorkSafe following successful completion of induction training by an RTO
  • A construction Statement of Attainment issued by an RTO, pending processing of a construction induction card, or
  • Recognised evidence of construction induction training (e.g. a statement or card issued under similar requirements in another Australian state or territory)

Employers must ensure that a record is kept of the construction induction card of each worker employed by them. This record (which may be a photocopy on file) is to be kept for the duration of their employment.

Obtaining a Construction Induction Card

If a person carrying out construction work does not already have one of the forms of evidence listed previously, they must obtain a Construction Induction Card.

In order to obtain a Construction Induction Card, a person must:

  • Attend formal 6 hour face-to-face “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” training session delivered by Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
  • Successfully complete training and assessment requirements and receive ‘Statement of Attainment’ and “Certificate of Completion’ issued by Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
  • Within 8 weeks period, WorkSafe Victoria will process application and mail Construction Induction Card (‘White Card’) to participant.

‘Statement of Attainment’ can be used as an evidence of training and ‘Certificate of Completion’ acts as a temporary ‘White Card’.

As long as they have ‘Statement of Attainment” and ‘Certificate of Completion’, a person is can do construction work while waiting to receive their construction induction card.

Construction induction card validation period

Construction induction cards remain valid while the holder continues to do construction work. However, if a person does not do any construction work for two (2) years, their construction induction card becomes invalid.

Lost or stolen construction induction cards

WorkSafe will replace a lost, stolen or destroyed construction induction card if the holder provides a copy of their statement of attainment or other written evidence.

To arrange a replacement, contact WorkSafe Victoria Licensing department (Phone: 1300 852 562 Fax: 1800 060 72; Email: licensing@worksafe.vic.gov.au)

Temporary exemption

A person can do construction work for 28 consecutive days without being inducted if:

  • They have not done any construction work in the past two (2) years, and
  • The employer has arranged and paid for them to do construction induction training.

The purpose of the exemption is to enable a person to work while awaiting a training opportunity.

A person who has been exempted for 28 days must be directly supervised at all times and be given the information and instruction they need to work safely.

Construction Induction Cards issued and/or recognised in Victoria

All Construction Induction Cards listed below are recognised in Victoria and all other states and territories.

All Construction Induction Cards must include:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Signature of cardholder
  • Date of issue
  • Card registration number

Construction Induction Cards issued in ACT, NT and QLD must also include the RTO number.

WorkSafe Victoria recognises and accepts following Construction Induction Cards:

Victoria

  • The Victorian Construction Induction Card is issued by WorkSafe Victorian and has WorkSafe Victoria logo.
  • Victorian Red Cards (pre-1 July 2008) are still recognised in Victoria.

Queensland

  • The Queensland Construction Induction Card is issued by the Queensland Department of Employment and Industrial Relations and has the Queensland Government, Department of Employment and Industrial Relations logo.
  • Queensland Blue Cards are issued by online RTOs and are also recognised in Victoria.

Australian Capital Territory

  • The Australian Capital Territory Construction Induction Card is issued by the Office of Regulatory Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety and has the ACT Government logo.

New South Wales

  • The New South Wales Construction Induction Card is issued by WorkCover NSW and has the WorkCover NSW logo.
  • NSW Green Cards are no longer valid in NSW and are not recognised in Victoria.

Western Australia

  • The Western Australian Construction Induction Card is issued by WorkSafe WA and has the Western Australian Government logo.
  • Both versions of the Western Australian Construction Induction Cards are recognised in Victoria including those issued by online RTOs.

Northern Territory

  • The Northern Territory White Construction Induction Card is issued by RTO’s through NT WorkSafe and has the NT Government logo.

South Australia

  • The South Australian White Construction Induction Card is issued by SafeWork SA and has SafeWork SA logo.

Tasmania

  • The Tasmanian White Construction Induction Card is issued by Workplace Standards Tasmania and has the Tasmanian Government logo.

Local Authority

WorkSafe Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria Licensing Branch

GPO Box 4293 Melbourne VIC 3001

Phone: 1300 852 562

Fax: 1800 060 727

Website: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

Email: licensing@worksafe.vic.gov.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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White Card Tasmania

Posted Oct 16 2011 by in TAS with 0 Comments

White Card Tasmania

Overview

All Australian States and Territories are moving towards a uniform national approach to occupational health and safety. As part of this process, on the 19 August 2009, a National Code of Practice – Induction for Construction Work was approved for use in Tasmania.

What is the required training?

The Code requires successful completion of a national training unit of competency ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry’.

According to the National Code of Practice, there are three (3) parts to the national training unit:

  1. General Induction (classroom training)
  2. Site Induction (on the job)
  3. Task Specific Induction (on the job)

General Induction training provides workers with an awareness and understanding of:

  • The rights and responsibilities under health and safety laws
  • Common hazards and risks in the construction industry
  • Basic risk management
  • The standard of behaviour expected of workers on construction sites

Online training can be delivered under strict conditions.

Who needs to do induction training?

The code is relevant for all persons involved in construction work, including

  • Persons with control of construction projects (e.g. principal contractors, project managers, main contractors, builders, employers, self employed persons)
  • Persons with control of construction work (e.g. employers, self employed persons, principal contractors, sub-contractors)
  • Persons carrying out work on a construction site (e.g. employees, contractors, labour-hire workers)

Who will be exempt from induction training?

The National Standard for Construction provides the following exceptions where OHS induction training is not required:

  • Visitors to a construction site who are accompanied by a person who has received occupational health and safety induction training, and
  • Persons temporarily at a construction site to deliver plant, supplies, material or services where a risk assessment indicates that any risks to persons can be controlled through other measures (e.g. implementing visitor management plans, restricted access to low-risk areas, visitor sing-in/out procedures etc)

When the induction training should be completed?

  • Workers already in the construction industry as at 19/08/2009 with less than 5 years construction work experience have 12 months to complete the training i.e. 19/08/2010
  • Workers already in the construction industry as at 19/08/2009 with more than 5 years construction work experience have until the 1st January 2012 to complete the training before going on a construction site.

After the initial 2 year phase in period it is proposed that the code will be mandatory and audits will be conducted to check for compliance. Infringement notices may be issued if a breach is detected.

Obtaining a ‘White Card’

The Construction Induction training can only be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that has national unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” on their scope of training.

On completion of the training RTO will be required to forward to Workplace Standards Tasmania (WST) a list of successful attendees and payment for each card.

Once WST has received the list from the RTO, arrangements will be made for the cards to be printed and distributed to the successful attendees.

Replacement card

If person have lost or damaged construction induction card, person will need to complete the application form, and forward it to Workplace Standards Tasmania with the application fee.

‘Application for replacement of Lost/Damaged Construction Induction’ form can be obtained following this link.

Replacement cards will be charged at the same rate as for new cards, but will be the responsibility of the card holder to pay for the replacement and lodge request with WST.

Mutual Recognition of Interstate Induction Cards.

Mutual recognition arrangements between states and territories allow construction workers to move across boundaries without requirement of undertaking construction induction training in each jurisdiction.

Refer to the guidance note ‘Mutual Recognition of Interstate Induction Card’ for examples of induction cards that are recognised across jurisdictions. Workplace Standards Tasmania will deem these cards as equivalent to the Tasmanian construction induction scheme and accept them as proof of general induction in Tasmania as per the Tasmanian code.

To be recognised in Tasmania, person will need to:

  • Successfully complete the national training unit ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry’
  •  Hold a current and valid general construction induction card from another jurisdiction.

To obtain Tasmanian white card, person will need to undertake general induction training for construction work in Tasmania.

The recognition of white, blue, red and other construction induction cards only applies to general induction training for construction work. Principal contractors and employers must ensure that task induction and site-specific induction is undertaken as required by the Code.

Publications and Links:

  • National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work. Australian Safety and Compensation Council (2007) Available at:

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/244/InductionForConstructionWork_2007_PDF.pdf

website. Available at: http://www.wst.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/134424/GN010.pdf

 

 

 

 

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White Card South Australia

Posted Oct 16 2011 by in SA with 0 Comments

White Card South Australia

Card transition arrangements

All current South Australian Green Cards will be recognised in SA. As each Green Card expires, holders will be required to undertake additional training to satisfy Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work and obtain new White Card.

What is a White Card or White Card training?

White Card is a term used to describe the plastic card issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) indicating that a person has undertaken basic construction induction training – the course ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry’. Often, construction induction training is called ‘White Card training’.

People who enter construction sites in Australia must have undertaken construction induction or ‘White Card training’ and have evidence of their attendance from the course.

Can White Card training be done online?

The construction industry in South Australia, through the South Australian Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Committee, has expressed a strong view that online training is open to fraudulent activity and is not permitted in South Australia. SafeWork SA and the Minister of Industrial Relations’ Advisory Committee support the industry’s views and consider that permitting on-line training would be inconsistent with the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work. The Code states that the course ‘has a nominal duration of 6 hours face-to-face delivery’.

Will my ‘White Card’ that I got after doing on-line be recognised in South Australia?

Construction site managers in South Australia may choose to refuse entry to a person, or require a person to undertake further training if the person has not undertaken face-to-face training.

Does the requirement for a photograph to appear on a ‘White Card’ mean that ‘White Cards’ issued since it started in 2008 need to be reissued with a photograph?

No.

A photograph will appear on cards issued from 1 July 2011, previously issued ‘White Cards’ remain valid and should be accepted at any Australian construction site.

Will the new type of ‘White Cards’ expire?

No.

At this stage there is no requirement for a card to be renewed. However, card holders should note that an employer (or person in control of a site) can require a person to undertake refresher if they consider it necessary.

I’ve lost my ‘White Card’ that was issued before 1 July 2011. How do I get a replacement?

A person will need to contact the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) where the training has been completed and ask for a replacement card. The RTO will issue the new style ‘white card’ (with photograph) however the card will show the original date of issue. The RTO may charge a fee for the replacement of the card.

I’ve heard that there are different levels of induction training. What does this mean?

The Code of Practice for Construction Work describes three (3) types of induction training:

  1. 1.    General induction training

The course CPCCOHS1001A “Work Safely in the Construction Industry” also known as ‘White Card’ training. This is entry-level, basic construction safety training.

  1. 2.    Site specific induction training

Training organised by a particular employer or work site to provide participants with knowledge of health and safety issues and safe work practices specific to that site.

  1. 3.    Task specific induction training

This is training for a specific task or type of work, such as high risk construction work. This sort of training assists the participant to gain the knowledge needed to undertake a particular occupation safety.

In addition to holding a ‘White Card’ to show that a person has undertaken general induction training, an employer or person in control of a site may require that person to undertake site specific training and/or task specific training. Also, an employer is entitled to require a person to undertake refresher training if it is considered necessary.

Local Authority

SafeWork South Australia

Address: Level 4, World Park A, 33 Richmond Rd. Keswick (Coffey building)

Postal address: GPO Box 465, Adelaide SA 5001

Phone: 1300 365 255

Fax: (08) 8204 9200

Email: help@safework.sa.gov.au

Web: www.safework.sa.gov.au

 

 

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White Card Queensland

Posted Oct 16 2011 by in QLD with 0 Comments

White Card Queensland

National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work

All states and territories have agreed to implement “National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work” which has been declared by Safe Work Australia.

As a result, new nationally consistent approach to construction induction training has been given to workers across Australia. From the 1st of July 2009, states and territories amended their legislation to ensure that new approach meets the regulatory requirements.

The national code of practice replaces different state based systems with a single national approach. The code provides guidance on the recommended induction training required to ensure construction workers gain awareness and understanding of common hazards on construction sites and how they should be managed.

The code is supported by a national unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” in “CPC08 Construction, Plumbing and Integrated Services” training package which enables required training to be delivered through vocational education and training system by registered training organisations (RTOs).

National ‘White Card’

Under the old state-based system each jurisdiction with a regulatory requirement for construction induction training had a different type of general induction evidence card ranging from the ‘Blue Card’ in Queensland to ‘Green Card’ in New South Wales and ‘Red Card’ in Victoria.

Under the new system, states and territories will transform their old format to nationally agreed ‘White Card’ format which is recognised all around Australia.

Under the national code, people requiring a construction induction will need to have successfully completed this unit of competency and received a Statement of Attainment from the delivering Registered Training Organisation to receive a ‘White Card’.

Overview

From 1 July 2009 only the unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” meets the regulatory requirements for delivering General Construction Induction training. Previously accepted course “30215QLD Course in General Safety Induction (Construction Industry)” expired on 30 June 2009.

Card transition arrangements

Current Blue Cards are recognised under the new arrangements and do not have to be replaced. After 1 July 2009 all people who complete unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” will receive a new White Card.

New national “White Card” to replace “Blue Card”

Queensland made transition of General Induction evidence cards from the previously used “Blue Card” format to the nationally agreed “White Card” format. These numbered cards became available from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland in June 2009.

Who needs to participate?

Under the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008, all persons doing construction work in Queensland must have successfully completed a general construction induction course recognised by Queensland law before they start work in any construction activity.

Some of the examples of construction activities include:

  • Housing construction
  • Civil construction
  • Building
  • Demolition work
  • Carpentry
  • Bricklaying
  • Tiling

For further information on construction activities and more detailed explanation of the definition of construction work, please refer to the ‘What is construction work?’ section of the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website.

Legal requirements for principal contractors, employers and self-employed people

Queensland workplace health and safety laws require that:

  • Principal contractors sight a relevant person’s induction card or statement of attainment before they start construction work
  • Relevant people and workers cannot start construction work unless they hold general induction evidence.

General induction evidence is usually in the form of a general construction induction card issued by a registered training organisation (RTO) to the person who has successfully completed the course.

Failing to hold a general construction induction card

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland may issue notice for failing to hold a general construction induction card. The maximum penalty for not holding or sighting a general construction induction card is $3000 or 30 penalty units.

Getting a general construction induction card

A general construction induction card ‘White Card’ (previously known as a ‘Blue Card’) is issued to a person who successfully completed training in the unit of competency ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry’.

Upon successful completion of the course participants will be issued with a laminated card that will have a serial number and should contain participant’s signature and the date of the course.

The card ceases to be current if person have not carried out construction work for any consecutive period of two (2) years or more.

The construction induction card (White Card) provides proof of completion of OHS Construction Induction training.

What is involved in the general construction induction training?

General induction training aims to provide persons new (or returning) to the construction industry with a basic knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislative requirements, principles of risk management and the prevention of injury and illness in the construction industry.

General induction training provides workers in the construction industry with an awareness and understanding of:

  • Their rights and responsibilities under OHS law;
  • Common hazards and risks in the construction industry;
  • Basic risk management principles; and
  • The standard of behaviour expected of workers on construction sites.

Training delivery requirements

General induction can be delivered only be a Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that have unit of competency ‘CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry’ on the scope and accredited to deliver the training by the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

To find Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that can deliver general induction training, refer to the ‘Registered training organisations for construction safety induction’ section of the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website.

General induction is a structured training course that has nominal duration of 6 hours face-to-face delivery.

Queensland government also allows online training as one of the methods of delivery.

Mutual recognition of interstate induction cards

Queensland recognises construction induction cards from all state and territories. This means that interstate construction induction cards are recognised as evidence of meeting requirements for general health and safety induction training for construction work under the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008.

A person holding a current general construction induction card from another jurisdiction will not need to undertake general induction training for construction work in Queensland and will not need to obtain a Queensland construction induction card.

For more information about interstate cards, refer to ‘Mutual recognition of interstate induction cards’ section of the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website.

Local authorities

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Web: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

Workplace Health and Safety Infoline: 1300 369 915

Publications and Links

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/244/InductionForConstructionWork_2007_PDF.pdf

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White Card Northern Territory

Posted Oct 16 2011 by in NT with 0 Comments

White Card Northern Territory

Overview

The Northern Territory Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (the Code) commenced as an approved Code of Practice in the Northern Territory on 31 October 2009.

The Code provides practical guidance to employers in the construction industry to assist in fulfilling their obligations around worker inductions.

The instruction and training required to ensure people can work safely on construction sites needs to recognise the pattern of employment and the way the construction industry operates. Therefore, three (3) types of Occupational Health and Safety induction training are required:

  1. Construction induction training (formal training)
  2. Site induction (on the job training)
  3. Job specific induction (on the job training)

Under the Code, construction induction training is delivered through national unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction industry”.

Is it mandatory to have a white card in NT?

The NT White Card is mandatory as it forms the minimum acceptable requirements in meeting the employer’s obligations under the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations.

Construction induction training

Construction induction training aims to provide people new (or returning) to construction work with an understanding of:

  • Their rights and responsibilities under OHS law
  • Common hazards and risks in the construction industry
  • Basic risk management principles, and
  • The standard of behaviour expected of workers on construction sites.

Who needs to participate?

Prior to commencing construction work in NT, employers must ensure that all new workers have completed general induction training.

This is relevant for all persons involved in construction work, including:

  • Persons with control of construction projects (e.g. principal contractors, project managers, main contractors, builders, employers, self-employed persons)
  • Persons with control of construction work (e.g. employers, self-employed persons, principal contractors, main contractors, sub-contractors)
  • Persons carrying out construction work (e.g. employees, contractors, labour-hire workers)

It also applies to:

  • All persons who access operational construction zones unaccompanied or not directly supervised by a person who holds valid construction induction card
  • All persons whose employment causes them to routinely enter operational construction zones.

It also includes any employee who has not done any construction work in the past two (2) years, even if they have previously completed an induction.

There may be other activities that relate to construction work where general induction training may be necessary. The person in control of the construction project or work should determine this by examining:

  • The nature of the work to be performed and the level of risk associated with those tasks
  • The circumstances in which the work will be undertaken, e.g. the parts of the site that the person is required or permitted to access, the stage of construction during the period of such access and the level of direct interaction with the construction process, and
  • The level of supervision.

Who is NOT covered by the construction induction requirement?

The construction induction requirements do not apply to:

  • Visitors to the site provided that they are accompanied at all times by a person who has received construction induction training. Visitors include client and other people who are not involved in the construction work. The person accompanying the visitor must have the visitor in sight at all times, and must be able to intervene immediately if any health and safety incident arises.
  • People who are temporarily at the site to deliver plant, supplies or materials. If they are untrained, these people are only permitted to remain on the site for the time reasonably needed to make their delivery. Otherwise, they must be accompanied in the same way as other visitors. Persons whose employment causes them to routinely enter operational construction zones, such as a driver delivering concrete to different sites, are not part of the exemption and they should be trained.

Northern Territory White Card

Northern Territory white cards are issued by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

RTOs need to apply to NT WorkSafe to issue the NT white card.

NT white cards will be accepted by all jurisdictions, including NT WorkSafe as evidence that induction training has been completed.

NT white cards will have:

  • Date of issue
  • Card registration number
  • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder
  • Registered Training Organisation (RTO) number

How do I obtain a white card?

In order to obtain a Construction Induction Card, a person must:

  • Attend formal 6 hour face-to-face “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” training session delivered by Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
  • Once the training is successfully completed, the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) will be required to forward participant’s details to the Territory Business Centre (TBC) to print participant’s white card. TBC will print the white card on the advice provided by the RTO.
  • The RTO will collect and distribute the card to the participant.

If white card got lost or stolen, person needs to contact RTO that delivered the training for replacement card.

Training provider requirements

Construction induction training can only be provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

RTO must have national training unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” on their scope of registration. Also, RTO has to be approved by NT WorkSafe.

Formal 6 hour face-to-face training is only accepted method of delivery in Northern Territory.

Online training is not permitted in Northern Territory.

Mutual recognition of interstate induction cards

Mutual recognition arrangements enhance the capacity of construction workers to move across state/territory boundaries without the requirement to undertake construction induction training in each jurisdiction.

The construction induction card examples presented below are recognised as evidence of meeting requirements for general induction training for construction work under the Northern Territory Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work.

A person holding a current and valid general construction induction card from another jurisdiction will not need to undertake general induction for construction work in NT and will not need to obtain a NT white card.

NT WorkSafe will recognise these cards as equivalent to the NT construction induction scheme and accept them as proof of general induction in NT.

It is important to note the following:

  • A person should undertake construction induction training in their place of residence
  • The recognition of white, blue, red and construction induction cards only applies to general induction training for construction work. Principal contractors and employers must ensure that task and job-specific induction training is undertaken as required under section 43 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations of the Northern Territory.

Following cards are accepted from other states and territories:

  • Tasmania

Tasmanian cards are recognised in NT. White cards are issued by Workplace Standards and carry the Tasmanian Government logo. The cards include following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Card registration number including RTO number
  • South Australia

White cards are issued by SafeWork SA. White cards are uniquely numbered and carry the SafeWork SA logo. White cards also include following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder

As a transitional phasing in arrangement, all current SA Green Cards will be recognised in SA and NT. As each green card expires, holders will be required to undertake additional training to satisfy the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work and obtain a white card.

  • Queensland

Queensland white cards are recognised in NT.

The new Queensland white card has the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations logo and must include the following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Card registration number
  • RTO number
  • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder

Queensland blue cards continue to be valid and recognised in Queensland, therefore these cards are also recognised in NT.

  • Australian Capital Territory

ACT white cards are recognised in NT. The ACT white card has the ACT Government and the Department of Justice and Community logos and must include the following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Card registration number
  • RTO number
  • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder

Prior to 1 October 2009 no construction induction card scheme existed in ACT.

  • New South Wales

The new NSW card, recognised by NT WorkSafe is uniquely numbered and carries the NSW WorkCover logo. The card must also include the following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder

Recognition of old style NSW cards only applies to the white cards issued between 31/03/2004 to 31/08/2009. The older green cards, issued prior to 29 March 2004, are no longer valid in NSW and therefore not recognised in NT

  • Western Australia

WA cards are recognised in NT. White cards are issued by WorkSafe WA and carry the authority’s logo. The cards must include the following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Card number
  • Name and signature of the card holder

Western Australian (CSAT) cards are issued by the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission for Occupational Safety and Health. These cards are recognised by NT. The cards are uniquely numbered and include:

  • Date of issue
  • Name and signature of the card holder
  • Victoria

The new WorkSafe Victoria cards carry the WorkSafe Victoria logo and must include following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Card registration number
  • Name, date of birth and signature of the card holder

The Victorian red cards may not necessarily be red in colour but must be current and incorporate Victorian Foundations for Safety logo.

Victorian red cards must also include the following information:

  • Date of issue or completion
  • Name of the card holder
  • Name of the training provider who conducted the course

Local authorities

NT WorkSafe

GPO Box 1722 Darwin NT 0801

Phone: 1800 019 115

Fax: 08 8999 5141

Web: www.worksafe.nt.gov.au

Email: ntworksafe@nt.gov.au

 

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White Card Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Posted Oct 15 2011 by in ACT with 0 Comments

White Card Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Introduction

From 1 October 2009, the Work Safety Act 2008 protects the health, safety and wellbeing of residents at work in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This Act replaces the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989.

In May 2007, the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work was declared. This in turn lead to the development of a national competency unit CPCCOHS1001A, known as “Work Safely in the Construction Industry”, that has been incorporated into a broader Construction, Plumbing and Services Integrated Framework training package.

All other jurisdictions in Australia have either implemented or in the process of implementing this National Code of Practice.

The aim of the training is to provide persons working in the construction industry with a basic knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislative requirements, the principles of risk management and the prevention of injury and illness in the construction industry.

Please note that Construction induction cards, also known as ‘White Cards’, are recognised nationally. If a person already holds a construction induction card issued in another state or territory, there is no need to undergo further training. There is no need to transfer an existing ‘White Card’ to an ACT Construction Induction Card.

Overview

The commencement of the Work Safety Act 2008 (the Act) signals a new era for workplace arrangements in the Australian Capital Territory. The Act places a duty of care, irrespective of size, to provide workers with appropriate information, instruction, training or supervision to ensure that workers can catty out their work safely.

The construction industry involves people working in a dynamic and ever changing environment. Hazards and risks change frequently on a site as construction work progresses and as workers move from project to project.

A large majority of the industry’s workforce are employed as sub-contractors who undertake work on many different sites managed by different contractors and often within different sectors of the industry.

The instruction and training required to ensure people can work safely on a construction site needs to recognise the pattern of employment and the way the construction industry operates.

What does the legislation require?

The Work Safety Regulations requires that all persons on a construction site must complete Occupational Health and Safety induction training before they are present on the site.

It is an offence to allow worker or another person to be on a construction site without that worker or person first undertaking construction induction training. The maximum penalty is $2 000.

It is also an offence for person to be on a construction site without having undertaken construction induction training, with maximum penalty of $2 000.

Persons in the control of a construction project or construction work, such as principal contractors or project managers must ensure that everyone on the construction site has undertaken OHS induction training. This includes:

  • all persons who need to be on construction site, including site managers and supervisors, surveyors, labourers and trade persons;
  • all persons who access operational construction zones unaccompanied or not directly supervised  by an inducted person; and
  • all persons whose employment causes them to routinely enter operational construction zones.

The Regulation requires that after completing Construction Induction Training, a person applies to WorkCover for a Construction Induction Card as evidence of them completing the training.

What is a Construction Site?

The Regulation defines a construction site as a workplace at which construction work is carried out.

Construction work is further defined as being any work carried out on or near a construction site in relation to the construction of a structure. This includes:

i.         demolishing or dismantling all or part of the structure and removing from the site anything resulting from the demolition or dismantlement;

ii.         assembling prefabricated elements to form the structure or disassembling the prefabricated elements that formed the structure;

iii.         excavation, landscaping, preparatory work or site preparation carried out on the site.

For example, any site that requires a building approval or a demolition approval prior to work commencing is considered a construction site.

Are there any people exempt from Construction Induction Training?

Generally, the only person who exempt from undertaking Construction Induction Training will be:

  • visitors who infrequently visit construction sites, and who are accompanied by a person who holds a construction induction card. (A person who needs to visit sites regularly needs to undergo the training); and
  • a person temporarily at a construction site to deliver plants, supplies, materials where the delivery person is directed to an unloading process, and at all times remains close to delivery vehicle.

Site clerks and other administrative staff may be excluded provided they have very clear limitations on their movements and duties so that they do not enter general construction zone. They would have to have direct access and exit to their place of work and amenities.

Their duties would need to prohibit them from accessing the site proper, unless on the ‘rare’ occasion they do when they are accompanied by an induction card holder. If their duties routinely require them to access the site for any reason they are required to undergo the training.

Construction Induction Training: What is it?

Construction Induction Training is a nationally accredited competency unit “CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry”.

The competency unit is a formal face-to-face training program that provides workers in the construction industry with an awareness and understanding of:

  • their rights and responsibility under OHS law;
  • common hazards and risks in the construction industry;
  • basic risk management principles; and
  • the standard of behaviour expected of workers on construction site.

The unit of competency is approximately six hours in duration, and can only be delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that have the competency unit “CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry” on their scope of registration.

How does a person obtain a Construction Induction Card?

After successfully completing the Construction Induction Training, the RTO will issue the person with a Statement of Attainment. An application for a Construction Induction Card can then be made to the Office of Regulatory Services on the approved form and by paying the determined fee.

The application must be accompanied by Statement of Attainment for construction induction training issued by a Registered Training Organisation that is less than 60 days old. Identification must also be shown before a card can be issued. Some RTOs may apply on participant’s behalf.

Applications should be made by using a form which can be obtained from the Office of regulatory services or downloaded from their website (www.ors.act.gov.au).

Application for a new or replacement card can be made in person at the Office of Regulatory Services at 255 Canberra Ave Fyshwick or can be mailed to Office of Regulatory Services at GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601.

The Office of Regulatory Services will strive to produce new card and send it to the participant within 7 days of receiving a full application through the mail or via the RTO.

Replacement card can be produced and issued on the spot over the counter in the Office of Regulatory Services by completing an application form, producing appropriate identification and making a payment.

Whilst the application is being processed, the Statement of Attainment will be sufficient for a person to commence work.

If for any reason an application for Construction Induction Card is not approved, or the card is cancelled or suspended, the person must stop work immediately.

Is Induction Training all that is required?

OHS induction training on its own is not sufficient to fully discharge all legal obligations in relation to training. Other forms of training, instruction, information and supervision may be needed on a regular basis to ensure that skills and knowledge are up to date and to manage risk associated with the changing nature of the work and workplace.

Other training that is appropriate includes:

  • Site Induction, providing information and instruction to anyone engaged on particular site with knowledge of particular site with knowledge of the contractor’s rules and procedures for site safety, emergency management, the supervisory and reporting arrangements, and other site specific issues; and
  • Task-specific Induction, by providing information and instruction to anyone undertaking a particular construction activity of the risk factors and control measures relating to that risk.

Please note that Construction Induction Training is only one element of managing safety on a construction site. While induction training may help to reduce the likelihood of deaths and injuries resulting from a lack of awareness of typical construction hazards and risks, it is important to remember that it is an administrative control measure.

An effective safety management system should also include following:

  • management commitment;
  • identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks; and
  • employee involvement.

Management commitment to health and safety means that safety should be the employers or principal contractor’s priority and appropriate resources should be allocated, including those required for induction training and risk management.

A well designed safety management system can improve productivity, reduce incident and injury rates and create cost savings in relation to workers’ compensation.

Local authority

WorkSafe ACT

Address: 255 Canberra Ave Fyshwick ACT 2609

Postal address: GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601

Phone: (02) 6207 3000

Fax: (02) 6205 0336

Email: worksafe@act.gov.au

Web: www.ors.act.gov.au

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White/Green card New South Wales (NSW)

Posted Oct 13 2011 by in NSW with 0 Comments

Overview

From the 1st of September 2009, New South Wales (NSW) implemented the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (the National Code). As a result, national unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” replaced old General Construction Induction training.

The old accredited course “30215QLD Course in General Safety Induction (Construction Industry)” expired on 30th of June 2009. From the 1st of July 2009 only the unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” meets the regulatory requirements.

General induction training

General induction training is a nationally accredited competency unit “CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry” that aims to provide persons new (or returning) to the construction industry with a basic knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislative requirements, principles of risk management and the prevention of injury and illness in the construction industry.

General induction training provides workers in the construction industry with an awareness and understanding of:

  • Their rights and responsibilities under OHS law;
  • Common hazards and risks in the construction industry;
  • Basic risk management principles; and
  • The standard of behaviour expected of workers on construction sites.

It is required for people:

  • Carrying out construction work, including site managers, supervisors, surveyors, labourers and trades persons;
  • Who access operational construction zones unaccompanied or not directly supervised by an inducted person, and
  • Whose employment causes them to routinely enter operational construction zones.

Refer to the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work publication by Australian Safety and Compensation Council for more examples of persons who may or may not need general induction training and information about exceptions where OHS induction training is not required.

The card ceases to be current if person have not carried out construction work for any consecutive period of two (2) years or more.

The construction induction card (White Card) provides proof of completion of OHS Construction Induction training.

Other induction training obligations

In addition to the Construction Induction Card, employers and principal contractors must also ensure that workers receive:

  • Site induction training to provide information and instruction to anyone engaged on a particular construction site with a knowledge of the contractor’s rules and procedures for site safety, emergency management, the supervisory and reporting arrangements and other site-specific issues, and
  • Task specific induction training to provide information and instruction to anyone undertaking a particular construction activity of the risk factors and control measures relating to that task.

Site visitors must obtain permission to enter the site and be escorted by a person with a Construction Induction Card at all times.

Training requirements

To obtain the construction induction card (white card) person required to complete formal face-to-face six (6) hour training session.

As from the 1st of September 2009, Construction Induction Training is a national unit of competency and must therefore be conducted under the supervision of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that has unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry” on its scope of registration. Registered Training Organisation (RTO) has to be accredited by the NSW Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB) and approved by WorkCover NSW.

Follow this link to search for the Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that can deliver Construction Induction Training in NSW.

FAQs

Obtaining a Construction Induction Card

To attend training, a person required to contact a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and provide evidence of identity to the value of 100 points Common used evidence of identity documents include:

  • an Australian birth certificate and an Australian drivers licence, or
  • an Australian drivers licence, Medicare card, ATM card and a utilities bill.

Refer to the Evidence of Identity. Information sheet for employers and course participants publication by WorkCover NSW for more information about accepted forms of identification.

The RTO will have the approved application forms for a new card and will submit them to WorkCover NSW when person satisfactorily completes the training.

Replacing a Construction Induction Card

If a construction induction card has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, or if it contains a printing errors or was not received, complete the ‘Application to replace a WorkCover NSW OHS construction induction card, or pesticide or fumigant certificate of competency’ form and follow the instruction.

Follow this link to obtain a copy of the Application to replace a WorkCover NSW OHS Construction Induction Card, or pesticide or fumigant certificate of competency form.

Who is responsible for the issue of the Statement of Training (SOT) and Statement of Attainment (SOA)?

The nominated trainer delivering the unit of competency on behalf of the RTO will issue a Statement of Training (SOT) to participants who successfully complete the training, on the day of training. The SOT is valid for 30 days, while the RTO lodges the necessary details with WorkCover NSW, and WorkCover NSW processes the card. The RTO with the unit of competence on its scope of registration is responsible for the issuing the Statement of Attainment (SOA).

Who is responsible for issuing the Construction Induction Certificate in NSW?

WorkCover NSW is responsible for issuing the Construction Induction Certificate in NSW.

Is online training be available?

In order to protect the quality and integrity of General Induction training, WorkCover NSW approves only face-to-face training delivery method in NSW.

Card transition arrangements

Under the National Code, WorkCover NSW will continue to issue the Construction Induction Certificate (CIC card) to participants following successful completion unit of competency “CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry”.

The former NSW Construction Induction Cards, known as ‘Green Cards’ that are issued between 29 March 2004 and 31 August 2009, are recognised in all jurisdictions other than Western Australia. The new NSW Construction Induction Cards (White Cards) that are issued from 1 September 2009 are recognised throughout Australia.

In respect of the arrangements for existing construction induction certificate holders, the old CIC cards are recognised under the new system, as well as the construction induction cards issued by Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. This means that there is no requirement for a person who holds a valid NSW CIC card to have his/her card converted to a post 01/09/2009 issued CIC card.

  • Interstate cards

In addition to the WorkCover NSW Construction Induction Card, construction workers can work in NSW using valid Construction Induction Cards issued by all states and territories under the new National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work as well as the following induction cards issued under previous arrangements:

  • ‘Blue cards’ issued in Queensland,
  • ‘Red cards’ issued in Victoria, and
  • ‘Blue cards’ issued in Western Australia.

WorkCover NSW will only recognise cards issued by another state provided person lived in that state at the time the card have been obtained.

 

Local authorities

WorkCover NSW

Phone: 13 10 50

Website: www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

Email: contact@workcover.nsw.gov.au

Publications and Links

  • National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work. Australian Safety and Compensation Council (2007) Available at:

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/244/InductionForConstructionWork_2007_PDF.pdf

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