The White Card
The White Card shows a worker has completed general construction induction training, the unit CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry. Under the model WHS Regulations, a business must make sure a worker has done the training before they carry out construction work.
The card itself does not expire, but a worker who completed the training more than two years ago and has not done construction work in the past two years must do it again before returning to site.
High risk work licences
A business must not direct or allow a worker to carry out high risk work unless the worker holds the licence for it, or is training under the supervision of a licence holder. Licences are issued by the state or territory regulator, recognised across Australia, and generally valid for five years. The classes a builder sees most are:
- scaffolding: basic (SB), intermediate (SI) and advanced (SA)
- dogging (DG) and rigging: basic (RB), intermediate (RI) and advanced (RA)
- forklift (LF) and order-picking forklift (LO)
- boom-type elevating work platform with a boom of 11 metres or more (WP)
- cranes, including tower (CT), self-erecting tower (CS), vehicle loading (CV), non-slewing mobile (CN) and slewing mobile (C2, C6, C1 and C0)
- hoists (HP and HM), concrete placing boom (PB) and reach stacker (RS)
Trade licences and first aid
Electricians, plumbers and gasfitters hold licences issued by the state, each with its own renewal date. First aiders are commonly refreshed in Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) every three years and in CPR every year, as the national first aid Code of Practice recommends.
Tracking it without a spreadsheet
A licence photo in a folder does not stop an expired operator walking on site. What works is a record against the worker, with the expiry date, checked at the gate.
WHSComply keeps each worker's White Card, licences and tickets on their profile, checks them at sign-in, and sends alerts at 90, 60, 30 and 7 days before anything expires.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a White Card expire?+
No, but under the model regulations a worker who has been out of construction work for two years, and trained more than two years ago, must complete the training again.
How do we check a licence is genuine?+
Most regulators offer an online licence check by number. Record the check against the worker's licence so it does not have to be repeated on every project.
Can a worker operate plant while training for a licence?+
Only under the supervision of someone who holds the licence, and in line with the regulator's training requirements. Record who is supervising.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the WHS regulator in your state or territory, or your own adviser.