09:24 am, Tuesday 21 September, 2010
WorkSafe WA is gearing up for the changes in licensing requirements for high-risk workers by visiting construction sites starting October 1.
A new WorkSafe campaign will target people employed in rigging, scaffolding, forklift, dogging, hoist and crane operations.
Inspectors will visit metropolitan and regional WA construction sites to ensure stake holders know about the new licensing requirements for high risk construction jobs.
The regulatory changes were introduced in 2007 and will soon be taking full effect for people performing high-risk work.
According to WorkSafe’s Chris Kirwin, workers whose Certificate of Competency was issued before 2002 will no longer be permitted to work without a High-Risk Work licence.
He said a total phase out of Certificates of Competency will take effect on 30 June 2012, and the new licence will be required for all high-risk workers.
“Construction work is a high-risk industry so it is vital that anybody in these high-risk occupations has the appropriate training,” Mr Kirwin said.
“Under the licensing system we can be confident that high-risk workers will have achieved a minimum standard of competency and safety awareness.
“And because the licences are recognised throughout Australia, workers will be able to transfer between states more easily.”
Mr Kirwin said the campaign serves mainly as an information drive, but inspector will issue improvement notices if safety breaches are found.
Report by
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