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Registered Training Organisation. National Provider Number 31786

Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card)

DRA Safety Specialists would like to advise that we are now registered to deliver the new nationally agreed competency unit for general induction for construction work, CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card) which, from 1 July 2009 has replaced the old 30215QLD General Safety Induction (Construction Industry) training course, (Blue Card).

Under the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 any person undertaking construction work in Queensland must successfully complete a general safety induction course recognised by Queensland law before they start work in any construction activity.

Work is construction work if it is:

• work to erect, construct, extend, alter, convert, fit-out, commission, renovate, repair, refurbish, disassemble or decommission a structure, or part of a structure; or
• work connected with site preparation, excavation and landscaping for work mentioned in paragraph (a); or
• the assembly or installation of prefabricated components to form a structure, or part of a structure, for work mentioned in paragraph (a); or
• the disassembly of prefabricated components for work mentioned in paragraph (a) that, immediately before the disassembly, formed a structure or part or a structure; or
• an activity that is a prescribed activity

As a result of this definition, many workers are now required to hold a White Card if they perform any of these tasks.  This is particularly the case for some “repair” work which has traditionally been considered as maintenance work and now may be considered construction work.

From 1 January 2006, all people undertaking building work, housing construction, civil construction and demolition work must hold general induction evidence.

From 1 January 2007 people undertaking additional types of construction work such as fit outs, renovations, repairs or refurbishment and asbestos removal must hold general induction evidence.

From 1 July 2009, the General Induction Training course recognised by Queensland Government (and other states in Australia) is CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card)

A General Induction Card is issued to a persons who successfully complete the course CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry accredited under the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland may issue notices for failing to hold an induction card. The maximum penalty from 1 January 2009 for not holding or citing an induction card is $3,000 or 30 penalty units.

Who has to complete the course?

People undertaking construction work, including:

• workers
• employers
• self-employed people

For example, people involved in structural steel erection, carpentry, bricklaying, concreting, plumbing, electrical, painting, refurbishing, shop fitting, repairs, plastering, floor and wall tiling, roof tiling and the installation of floor coverings.

People undertaking repair work on fixed plant, ships or submarines do not have to complete the course.

The course outlines basic risk management along with safe work practices and an insight into Workplace Health and Safety Law.

Once completed, workers will have knowledge in:

• Hazard Identification
• Risk Management
• Construction Workplace Plans
• Work Method Statements
• Material Safety Data Sheets
• Emergency Procedures and Equipment
• Hazard and Incident Reporting
• Workplace Health and Safety Obligations.

To assist your organization meet your legal obligations, DRA now conduct White Card courses.  The duration is six hours and can be held at your site. Please contact our office for further details.