WorkSafe and the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) of Western Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that allows the sharing of information on High Risk Work Licence training.
It is WorkSafe’s responsibility to ensure that licensed persons are trained to a level that enables them to conduct activities safely.
The TAC regulates registered training providers that deliver nationally-recognised vocational training to domestic students in the State.
Acting Commissioner at WorkSafe, Sally North said the MoU provided for communication and co-operation between the two bodies with the aim of improving the quality of vocational training for workers.
“It allows for the sharing of information on training providers registered with the TAC that provide High Risk Work Licence training,” Ms North said.
“TAC and WorkSafe have not previously been able to share specific information, so this MoU will potentially help both Agencies identify anyone who is not properly assessing licence applicants.”
She said WorkSafe audited the assessors who carried out the training, and this process had, in the past, led to the discovery of assessors who had awarded licences to workers who had not demonstrated they could do the work in a safe and proper manner.
“WorkSafe has increased compliance activities, and with the addition of this new MoU, it’s even more likely that assessors will be found out if they do not conduct assessments properly,” Ms North said.
“The potential repercussions of inadequate assessments are serious — from the loss of the assessor’s livelihood to a significant number of workers who have been granted licences when they have not demonstrated they can safely do the work, which can endanger lives.”
Chair of the TAC, Anne Driscoll said the MoU would provide opportunities for the two regulators to work together to improve the quality of training and assessment outcomes in WA and contribute to safe workplace practices for graduates.
