High Risk Work Licence training under the microscopeWorkSafe has stripped a Perth assessor’s accreditation after he was found to have not properly assessed a number of licence applicants. The decision leaves 24 High Risk Work Licence holders assessed by him now having to repeat the training and licensing process.
Western Australian Government body WorkSafe has put on notice “non-compliant” assessors warning they will be found out, including those who train and assess High Risk Work licence holders such as those operating forklifts, cranes and hoists.
The Perth self-employed trainer and assessor had his accreditation for all classes of licence cancelled and is no longer able to conduct assessments for any class of High Risk Work Licence after he was found to have falsified documentation and gave misleading information.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North says: “This case has led me to warn other assessors that WorkSafe conducts regular compliance activities in the licensing area, and it is likely they will be caught if they’re not meeting the required standards”.
“Inadequate assessments are a serious issue and can lead to the loss of the assessor’s livelihood,” North continues. “It is of great concern that inadequate assessment can lead to workers being granted licences when they have not demonstrated that they can safely do the work, which can endanger lives.
“We work with other agencies – namely the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) in WA and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) nationally – to ensure that workers receive appropriate training for High Risk Work Licences.
“High Risk Work Licences are only issued to workers who have been appropriately trained and have the skills to perform high risk work safely and competently.”
North also encouraged employees with concerns about their training or assessment to contact WorkSafe. Individuals in Western Australia can also check if their High Risk Work Licence is current by visiting WorkSafe’s online search.
“It’s crucial that any worker who holds a High Risk Work Licence has been properly trained and assessed so they are not a danger to themselves or others in their workplace,” North continued.