White cards are certificates issued to construction workers in Australia as proof that they have undertaken the safety training approved by the government. White card training is mandatory for all construction workers in the country and anyone else who sets foot on construction sites, such as surveyors, site managers, and supervisors. To get a white card in Canberra or any other city in Australia, you must complete construction induction training from a Registered Training Organization. Getting issued a white card means you understand the health and safety precautions of workers on construction sites.
Is There a Need for a White Card?
The main purpose of white cards is to aid in maintaining safety in the workplace. SafeWork Australia reports that the construction industry ranks at number three for industries with the most yearly fatalities. One out of five accidents happen on construction sites. However, with the proper training, most of these accidents are avoidable. Training before getting a white card involves learning the foundation knowledge and skills to prevent accidents. It mostly entails assessments and reducing risks at all times.
Who Should Get the Training?
If there is any work you want to do in the construction industry, you should get white card training. This also includes individuals visiting the country with a working holiday visa. If you got your white card in a different region, you don’t need another one. Some states and territories recognize certificates issued in other regions. Some of the areas that accept certificates issued anywhere in Australia include
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
If you don’t own an induction certificate, it is wrong and illegal for you to be on a construction site. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation of 2017, white card training must be provided before anyone starts working at a construction site, and it must come from a registered training organization.
The Importance of White Card Training
The priority in construction work is usually safety, and white card training guarantees that you are aware of the safety regulations and hazards at the workplace. Lacking the necessary knowledge puts you and your colleagues in danger. Here are a few reasons why getting a white card is important.
- Legal Compliance – If you are a construction worker, having a white card is a legal requirement. The certification proves you to be efficient and capable of handling the equipment and safely conducting yourself at work.
- Health and Safety – It promotes a safe working environment for you and your colleagues. Accidents are less likely to occur when everyone knows the safety procedures and health hazards. Construction workers must know the safety protocols that reduce workplace accidents and promote a safety culture.
- Employability – Given that it is a prerequisite for employability, having a white card increases your chances of being hired. Employers will only go for workers who have completed the said training as it shows commitment to the safety of their workplace and colleagues.
- Risk Reduction – Most construction sites are dangerous, courtesy of the hazards. These include heavy machinery, heights, and hazardous substances, among others. The white card training equips the workers with the knowledge to mitigate and identify these risks effectively. Some essential topics include effective communication on site, hazard identification, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment.
Overall, white card training is crucial for prioritizing safety when it comes to safety in the construction place.
Conclusion
A white card is necessary if you want to enter the construction industry. It is beneficial not only to you but also to your colleagues. You will learn about ways to reduce risk and accidents that are likely to happen on the job, not just for your sake but also for your workmates. It is also a legal requirement as you will only get a job in construction if you have undergone the training.