You cannot work on an Australian construction site if you haven’t obtained your all-important ‘White Card’, which indicates that you have undertaken general induction training for a construction site.
The requirements for these crucial plastic cards will vary between states and territories, so it is important you have, at the very least, a basic knowledge of how the White Card system works, so that you are prepared for any job opportunities on a construction site that may come your way.
White Cards are intended to ensure those individuals working within the construction industry have the knowledge required to work in the industry safely.
In order to earn your Card, you must be able to demonstrate a certain level of awareness with regards to health and safety, and an ability to accurately assess risk within a construction environment.
There are a number of training providers across the country who are authorised to deliver White Card training and assessments and then the actually issuing of the cards.
It is an offence for employers to allow anyone not in possession of a valid White Card to work on a construction site in Australia.
How do I obtain a White Card?
In order to be issued a White Card, applicants must have completed and been assessed on the required competency unit ‘ Work Safely in The Construction Industry (CPCCOHS1001A)’.
Upon successful completion of the course, which take, roughly, between two and six hours, depending on the tasks being completed, an authorised training provider will issue the card.
While White Cards are accepted across Australia in all jurisdictions, there are older cards, such as Queensland’s Blue Card, Tasmania’s Green Card and Victoria’s Red Card, which may still be floating around but have been phased out. So, before working on a construction site in a state other than the one where your White Card was originally issued, be sure to check that your card is valid there, either on your state’s government website or with your local White Card course provider.
Who needs to obtain a White Card?
White Cards are a requirement for anyone who is participating in construction work. So, it’s not just for labourers, but also site managers, surveyors and even those who are required to regularly spend time on active construction sites as part of their job.
Keep in mind, too, that it isn’t just those working on a live construction site that require White Cards. The safety training scheme may also apply to those performing renovations, carpentry, asbestos removal, concreting, plastering and structural steel erection, among other roles, so be sure to check with your industry body if you are required to obtain a White Card before commencing work.
Is there a minimum age for obtaining a White Card?
Anyone over the age of 14 years can obtain a White Card if they can pass the assessment.
How long is my Card valid for?
White Cards do not expire, however, if you have not worked within the construction industry for two more years, you must re-train to update your knowledge before working on a construction site.
For more information, visit:
- Victorian construction induction cards
- New South Wales Construction induction card
- Queensland Construction induction card
- Australian Capital Territory Construction induction card
- South Australia Construction induction card
- Tasmania Construction induction card
- Western Australia Construction induction card
- Northern Territory Construction induction card
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