In most cases, you need to complete face-to-face training to obtain a white card in Australia. Some states and regions accept white card online training. However, face-to-face training is required in most parts of the country. State and Federal regulators have worked very hard since 2019 to stamp out delivery of white card online. Please do not attempt to do an automated, anytime anyplace, online only white course, the risk is that the card will not be recognised and you will have wasted your money.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: COIVD-19 changes delivery of White Card – Live Webinars permitted with approval
In April 2020, Safework NSW and a host of other State Regulators made the decision that some RTO’s would be allowed to deliver the above course via webinar. In order for this to happen, the RTO delivering must be approved by their State Regulator. AlertForce has obtained approval to deliver the White Card via live webinar.
Why do you need the CPCCWHS1001 course?
CPCCWHS1001 is the unit of competency required to obtain a white card. The course is offered throughout Australia for everyone whose work requires them to enter a construction site. Work Health & Safety (WHS) inspectors can ask construction workers to show their cards during an inspection.
The white card replaces older state systems that included cards of varying colours, including blue, green, and red. Every state in the country now accepts the nationally recognised white card. Under the latest WHS Regulations, State regulators recognise White Cards from all around the country.
What Is the Training Requirement for Obtaining a White Card?
To obtain a white card, you first need to complete the CPCCWHS1001 course. It is offered through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) such as AlertForce. It can now be delivered via Live Webinar providing that the RTO is approved to do so.
The CPCCWHS1001 course includes basic eligibility criteria. Participants must be at least 18 years of age (for AlertForce courses) and provide 100 points of identification. Some of the documents used to verify your identity include:
- Australian driver’s licence
- Australian birth certificate
- Medicare card
- Utility bill
- ATM card
The Australian Skills Quality Authority oversees and regulates training organisation operations. The ASQA outlines the criteria for each training course, including the details for the CPCCWHS1001 course. RTOs must design their courses to follow ASQA guidelines.
How Is Training Delivered?
During normal times, the training is delivered through face-to-face training at RTOs. AlertForce now offers the training via real-time live webinars around the country. Employers may also contact AlertForce to arrange training for groups of workers.
Before 2019, several states and regions allowed you to get the white card online. As face-to-face training ensures that workers retain more information, you now need in-person training in most regions (or online via live Webinar)
In 2019, Queensland changed state regulations to stop accepting online white card training. The state has an exemption for those living 100 kilometres away from the nearest RTO. Other regions that allow online training include Tasmania and Western Australia.
Outside of the specified areas, you still need to enrol in a face-to-face course or online via live webinar. The training lasts for about one day and covers the learning outcomes of the CPCCWHS1001 unit of competency.
Why Do You Need to Complete White Card Training?
Previously known as construction induction training, white card training is mandatory for anyone who wants to carry out construction work. Along with general workers, the requirements extend to site managers, surveyors, and anyone who accesses operational construction zones.
The course is designed to save lives and prevent injuries. 3751 workers were fatally injured between 2003 and 2018. The course includes instructions for dealing with common construction site hazards to help reduce those numbers.
How Much Does White Card Training Cost?
The average cost of training varies throughout the country. It may cost less in some states compared to others. At AlertForce, the cost is $120 for face-to-face training.
What Are the Learning Outcomes for White Card Training?
White card training covers the identification of common construction hazards. Workers also learn basic risk control measures and how to identify procedures for dealing with emergencies. The course is comprehensive and includes the following sections:
- Identify health and safety requirements
- Identify hazards and risk control measures
- Identify health and safety reporting processes
- Identify emergency response procedures
The first section deals with the roles and responsibilities of duty holders. Workers learn more about the duty of care requirements of their employers. The course also covers construction safe work practices.
The second section covers the most common construction hazards and the basic principles of risk management. Common hazards include working at heights, moving objects, slips, falls, vibrations, and manual handling. The training gives workers the skills and knowledge for addressing these hazards.
The third portion of the training covers communication processes and reporting processes. This includes necessary health and safety documents and the roles of health and safety personnel.
The final section explains the procedures for responding to incidents. You may learn more about fire safety equipment and accessing first aid equipment.
According to the WHS Act Code of Practice for managing risks, there are four steps for risk management:
- Identify hazards
- Assess the risks
- Control the risks
- Review risk control measures
The third step involves the implementation of control measures, which typically follow the Hierarchy of Control:
- Elimination of hazards
- Substitution
- Isolation
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The first control measure is the most effective and the last control measure is the least effective. Whenever possible, workers should try to eliminate the hazard. When elimination is not an option, workers may find ways to substitute equipment or isolate the hazard.
Engineering controls and administrative controls are used to minimise exposure to hazards. This may include implementing time limits when carrying out work that involves hazards. Workers may also modify the environment to reduce risks, such as installing guard rails or hoists.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the least effective control measure. It is used when workers cannot avoid hazards. PPE may include a variety of safety gear such as harnesses or restraints.
What Accreditation Do You Get with White Card Training?
After completing the training course, you receive a statement of attainment. The statement provides proof that you have completed training. While you wait for the white card to arrive in the mail, you can present your statement of attainment.
The white card arrives in the mail. White cards have no expiry date. However, if you stop carrying out construction work for two years or more, you need to retake the course.
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