OH&S Updates
Important worksafe changes 2010-2011
Changes to high risk licences
WAM Training have been advising clients of upcoming changes to courses for Worksafe High Risk Licences. The changes, which were to come into effect on 1 July 2010, have been postponed – it is believed until the end of the year. What this means is that all High Risk Licence courses will have a nominated minimum hours. For example the hours for a forklift will be 40, boomlift above 11m is 40hrs, dogging 80hrs. These courses will potentially have to be conducted over five or more days.
This means employers will definitely be seeking people with these qualifications and will generally give preference to someone with the apporpriate qualifications. This inceases the value of holding a range of high risk licences. The other consideration is that these courses will be longer and there will be an increase in costs.
For further information please call our office on 1800 143 343.
Compliance code: Prevention of falls in general construction.
Under a new compliance code for prevention of falls in the general construction industry 2008, work done above or below two metres now requires special training.
The training covers OH&S regulations for working at heights with ladder, scaffolding, trestles, elevated work platforms and working on roofs.
Below ground training covers rules and regulations for working in trenches and excavations.
The compliance code is not mandatory however the relvant duty holder must comply with at least a standard that meets or exceeds the code under the OH&S Act and Regulations.