WorkCover FAQ's
During the course of our day we tend to be asked a number of recurring questions. To make things simpler we have listed them below and over time we will be adding additional questions.
In the meantime if there is something that you would like to know about please don't hesitate to call us on (02) 9622 6060 or click on the icon to email us
Can I proceed straight to an assessor for a high-risk work licence?
No. A licence applicant must engage with an RTO before proceeding to a high-risk work licence assessment with a WorkCover accredited assessor. The RTO will determine when the applicant is ready for assessment.
Can you undertake on the job training for your high-risk work licence?
Yes. Practical training (on-the-job) can be undertaken in the workplace as part of the productive work of the trainee, or in a training facility that includes a simulated work environment, or using a combination of both these training environments. The specific arrangements are contained within the training and assessment plan developed between the applicant and the RTO, or the employer and the RTO.
Can I continue to work under a logbook?
Under the new National Standard for "Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work" which was implemented on 1st September 2009, you may continue to work under a logbook system as long as it has been incorporated into structured training under the supervision of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
The RTO will provide you with a logbook once you have enrolled in a training course. The RTO will assess your skills and determine when you are ready to be assessed for your licence and will make arrangements with a WorkCover accredited assessor to do so.
Click on the following link to download the WorkCover Logbook Fact Sheet.
How long does my Certificate of Competency last?
A Certificate of Competency is valid for five years from the date that the card was issued.
How do I obtain a licence to perform high-risk work?
From 1 September 2009, registered training organisations (RTOs) will manage all of the training and assessment for high-risk work licences in NSW. The new licence will be called a National licence to perform high risk work (HRW licence), and will be recognised in all states and territories. National certificates of competency (NCOCs) are also recognised nationally, but will be replaced with the new high-risk work card at their five-year renewal date.
In order to obtain a high-risk work licence, applicants must;
- be at least 18 years of age (unless exempted by WorkCover NSW)
- be enrolled in a recognised course of training with an RTO
- truthfully complete the appropriate WorkCover licence application form
- be assessed by an accredited certificate assessor
- provide documentary evidence of competence
- pay the set fee.
How do I obtain a certificate of competency?
Applicants must:
be at least 18 years of age (unless exempted by WorkCover)
truthfully complete the appropriate WorkCover application form
be assessed by an accredited certificate assessor
provide documentary evidence of competence
forms will be provided by your accredited assessor at the time of your assessment.
What is documentary evidence of competency?
Documentary evidence of competency is a valid ‘Notice of Satisfactory Assessment’ issued by an accredited certificate assessor.
Can work be done without a certificate?
Practical experience is needed to enable trainees to learn how to operate industrial equipment safely. The best place to learn is on the job, under instruction from experienced operators. Uncertificated trainees are permitted to operate equipment provided they are under direct supervision and maintain a logbook.
The person directly supervising the operation must hold the necessary certificate or hold equivalent qualifications. A log book must be maintained as a record of training. Direct supervision generally means that the trainee is within sight and sound of the person supervising the work.
Are the national certificates recognised throughout Australia?
Nationally uniform Certificates of Competency issued by WorkCover are automatically recognised throughout Australia. Certificates do not have to be changed over to work interstate.
Nationally uniform certificates issued by another state certifying authority allow the holder to work automatically in NSW.
Although some States and Territories do not issue certificates for the operation of all classes of load shifting, certificates issued in NSW on a national card will be recognised as evidence of a person’s competency in this area. A person coming from a State or Territory which does not issue loadshifting equipment certificates must obtain a Certificate of Competency in NSW. This is achieved by undertaking an assessment with an accredited assessor.
Why are there photos on the new HRW licences?
Photographic licensing is aimed at reducing fraudulent copying and swapping of licences. Photographs ensures identity fraud does not occur and ensures people are not put at risk of injury because of someone attempts to carry out work under another person’s licence.
Why are the HRW licences being renewed every five years?
The National Standard requires licences to be renewed every five years. In doing so, occupational health and safety regulators are able to maintain current records on licence holders, which in turn makes compliance and enforcement activities more efficient, and allows for updates and important information to reach licence holders.
Can my old logbook be used as evidence of training?
An applicant may present ‘old style’ logbooks to an RTO as proof of training or on-the-job training. The RTO can assess these entries and the range of activities against the recognised training requirements in what is known as an application for recognised prior learning (RPL). If satisfied, the assessor will be booked for the licence assessment.
Can RPL be granted for HRW assessments?
RPL is unable to be granted for the licence assessment component. An applicant must either undertake training or meet the requirements prescribed within training components (as determined by an RTO) before proceeding to a licence assessment for high-risk work.
Can certificates be canceled or suspended?
Certificates of Competency can be canceled or suspended if:
- the holder is found to be no longer competent to do the work covered by their certificate
- the holder is convicted of an offence related to work covered by the certificate
- the certificate is gained using false or misleading information.
Certificates issued by WorkCover can be canceled or suspended by WorkCover.
Certificates issued by another state certifying authority may be canceled or suspended on advice given to the certifying authority by WorkCover. A NSW certificate may be canceled or suspended on advice received by WorkCover from another state certifying authority.
Before any of these things happen, a written notice will be sent out advising the holder of their rights. If a decision is taken to suspend or cancel a certificate, there is a right of appeal. Canceled NSW certificates must be surrendered to WorkCover within 14 days.