While the systems vary between nations, it’s fair to say that national licensing systems are integral to a country’s work structure and order.
Licenses such as this will ensure that workers are properly qualified to perform the jobs that they are tasked to do, ensuring public safety. Here’s what you need to know about Australia’s High-Risk Work (HRW) License.
What is the High-Risk Work License?
Safe Work Australia (SWA) developed the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, which dictates that workers involved in high-risk work activities need to have a HRW license
You will need to keep your HRW license with you for inspection at the worksite like you would with a driver’s license when you are driving. You will need a different type of license depending on the type of high-risk work activity that you will be doing.
Who Needs a High-Risk Work License
If you are involved in high-risk work activities such as scaffolding or when operating heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, hoists, pressure equipment and reach stackers, you will need a HRW license.
Your HRW license is valid across Australia, although you will need to transfer your license to a new state or territory if you were to move interstate permanently.
If you have any inquiries about your local licensing requirements, you need to contact your state or territory WHS regulator to ensure that you abide by any unique requirements that the area might impose.
Obtaining a High-Risk Work License
You need to be over 18 years old and be able to speak a reasonable amount of English to be able to communicate in a high-risk situation.
If you meet those requirements, you then need to undergo training sessions and assessments carried out by registered training organisations (RTOs) acknowledged by the National Register of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Safe Work Australia to obtain your HRW license.
Once you have passed your assessment, you will be given a Notice of Satisfactory Assessment (NSA) and a Tax Invoice, the latter of which is valid for 60 days upon issuing.
You will need to provide original identification proofs that include photo identification, full name, signature and date of birth worth 100 points, such as your driver’s license, a passport, birth certificate and an Australian Citizenship Certificate among other options. Upon producing these, your application can proceed.
Renewing a High-Risk Work License
Your HRW license needs to be renewed after five years. Shortly before it expires, you will receive a notification reminding you to apply for a license renewal.
Your renewal documents will be delivered to you, and you only need to ensure that they are filled out and dropped off at an Australia Post outlet.
You will have a 12-month window after your license has expired to renew your license before you need to retake the training and assessments.
You will not be permitted to perform any high risk work if you do not renew your license, so it’s best that you do so as soon as you receive the renewal reminder.
If you have any changes in your name, contact details or address, you will need to inform your local WHS regulator about it as well.
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