Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 27 July 2006

Reminder on compulsory training for construction industry

WorkSafe has issued a reminder to workers in the construction industry that they need to complete an accredited safety awareness training course over the next six months.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today workers who do not complete a course this year will not be permitted to work in the industry.

“From January 1 2007, the law requires everyone in the construction industry to have completed an accredited safety awareness training program,” Ms Lyhne said.

“The new training is not intended to take the place of worksite-specific or task-specific training, and this will still need to be provided by the employer in order to fulfill their duty of care to provide a safe workplace.

“Workers who already hold an induction card for the construction industry – such as a “green card” – will still need to undergo the new compulsory training, but their induction cards will be recognised as valid through to January 1 2008, so they will have an extra 12 months in which to update their training.

“It is worth reminding the industry that this amendment to the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations actually came into effect in July 2005, but they have been given an 18-month period in which to acquire the training.

“After January 2007, it will be illegal for anyone to work in the construction industry without holding a green card or having done the training, and it will be illegal for an employer to employ any worker who has not undergone accredited safety training.”

Construction industry workers who are unsure of how the changes will affect them should contact their employer, union or WorkSafe.

Further information on the new construction industry safety awareness training can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777.