Unethical Assessments = Loss of Licences
WorkSafe issued a warning to assessors, industry and the general public! A Perth assessor had his High Risk Work Licence accreditation cancelled for not properly assessing license applicants. In addition, he is disqualified from reapplying for accreditation for two years.
As a result, a total of 24 High Risk Work Licence holders have had one or more classes of their licenses cancelled and need to repeat the training and licensing process.
WorkSafe WA
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North warned assessors they would be found out if they did not conduct assessments properly.
“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,” Ms North said.
Ms North also reminded industry that;
“Employers also have a duty of care under workplace safety legislation to provide workers with the relevant site-specific and machinery-specific training.”
High Risk Work Requires a Licence
Licensing applies to anyone required to engage in “high risk” work including forklift trucks, scaffolding, rigging, the use of cranes, hoists and pressure equipment. Most Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and assessors will provide professional training and assessment. If you are seeking a quality provider to train your staff, it is advisable to conduct some research.
Pre-requisite
Candidates must be assessed as competent in a Unit of Competency (UOC) related to a high risk work licence. RTO’s deliver these UOCs in accordance with either the Australian Skill Quality Authority (ASQA) nationally or the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) in Western Australia.
Signs of Quality Training Providers
- Small groups produce better outcomes.
- Look for an RTO that limits class size to a minimum.
- Realistic challenges during practical training and assessment.
- Training quality is not compromised during on-site training.
- Fewer classes on scope indicates a more focused approach.
- Terms and conditions clear and reasonable.
- They don’t charge for extra materials.
- The RTO requires each trainee to complete a valid Learning, Literacy and Numeracy skill test (unaided) prior to enrolment into a course. Result from the LLN indicate whether or not the candidate has the necessary skills to complete the course.
- Quality reviews on Google, Reddit and others (good and bad).
How We Can Help
Above all, Onsite Forklift Licencing understand the importance of quality training and assessment. Contact us today via our website, info@onsiteforliftlicencing.com or phone direct on 0422 086 968 for information on obtaining a forklift licence for at your site or a dedicated training facility in Maddington.
Gil Deane.