Australian workplace health and safety (WHS) regulations require employers and organisations to guarantee their employees are competent in their current roles, especially where tasks include high-risk work, like rigging.
Verification of Competency (VoC) assessments will ensure you comply with the WHS regulations and can make your worksite safer and more efficient.
Read on to find out how.
Understanding the Importance of Voc Assessments
Through VoC assessments, industries safeguard their workforce and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Why VoC Matters in High-Risk Work
These assessments help to maintain the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. When performing high-risk tasks, such as dogging and rigging, mistakes can lead to accidents, endangering lives and potentially causing substantial financial losses.
VoC assessments are a checkpoint to ensure workers have the skills and knowledge needed to work safely. By evaluating the competency of individuals, employers can be confident their workforce can handle the demands of high-risk tasks, reducing the risk of incidents and improving overall productivity.
The Role of VoC in Ensuring Safety and Proficiency
VoC assessments verify whether workers can apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. Using a combination of theoretical and practical evaluations, these assessments measure an individual’s competency.
National Standards and Recognition in VoC Assessments
With accredited assessments, organisations ensure they meet regulatory obligations and nurture a culture of continuous improvement within their industry
Adhering to Nationally Recognised Standards
Verification of Competency (VoC) assessments ensure workers have the skills and knowledge required for high-risk work. The assessments follow nationally recognised standards. These standards help ensure individuals assessed as competent have met a consistent level of proficiency, enhancing worksite safety and efficiency.
Accredited Assessments
The advantage of accredited assessments is they guarantee the individuals who pass these assessments have the skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties safely and efficiently.
The VoC Assessment Process
This evaluation process ensures a thorough and balanced assessment of each participant’s skills and knowledge:
Initial Requirements and Documentation
The Verification of Competency (VoC) assessment process begins with a review of the participants’ proof of their existing qualifications, such as a Statement of Attainment or a relevant licence to carry out high-risk work. These documents must be current and valid, to confirm previous training and accreditation.
Components of the VoC Assessment
The VoC assessment includes components designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills:
- Participants undergo a closed-book examination to evaluate their understanding of critical safety protocols, operational procedures, and industry regulations.
- The practical component of the VoC assessment involves hands-on demonstrations of the participant’s skills in real-world scenarios. Participants must demonstrate proficiency in executing tasks safely and efficiently.
Misconceptions About VoC Assessments
VoC assessments are not training sessions or replacements for formal qualifications but are essential tools for validating and maintaining competency over time:
VoC vs. Statement of Attainment (SOA)
The Statement of Attainment (SOA) is awarded upon successful completion of a training program. It certifies an individual has met the required competency standards for a particular unit or course of study.
Verification of Competency (VoC) is a process used to ensure an individual retains and can effectively apply these competencies in practical, real-world settings.
Common Misunderstandings and Clarifications
A VoC assessment is a validation of current competency status. This means individuals must already possess an SOA or equivalent certification before undergoing a VoC assessment.
VoC assessments are not a one-time requirement. Regular VoC assessments ensure workers’ skills remain current and aligned with evolving industry standards and practices.
The Path of Skill Progression in Rigging Through VoC
Some of the skills and competencies to be verified in rigging, from dogging to advanced rigging, include:
- Dogging: Basic Skills and Knowledge
- Directing crane operations and slinging loads, calculating load weights and inspecting lifting equipment. Knowledge of lifting configurations and capacities helps ensure loads are moved without incident.
- Basic Rigging: Key Competencies
- Installation of precast concrete panels and crane loading platforms, erecting structural steel and static lines. Safe operation of hoists, winches, and sheaves.
- Intermediate Rigging: More Complex Tasks
- Individuals erect cranes and tilt panels, manage dual lifts, and perform demolition work.
- Advanced Rigging: Mastering the Craft
- Setting up prefabricated scaffolds and span ropes, plus the operation of derricks, gin poles and shear legs.
Ensuring Safety Through VoC Assessments
By implementing VoC assessments, employers demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, avoiding the legal risks and potential liabilities associated with non-compliance. This also enhances the organisation’s reputation for high safety standards.
This continuous focus on safety encourages workers to remain vigilant and conscientious, ultimately reducing the likelihood of accidents and incidents. This can lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce, with employees feeling valued and supported in their roles.
Continuous Improvement and Support in VoC Assessments with KI Training and Assessing
Running regular VoC assessments, either in house or site-based, we make sure your resources have the skills and knowledge you need!
Handling “Not Yet Competent” Outcomes
Where participants do not meet the required proficiency levels, resulting in a “Not Yet Competent” outcome, this should be viewed as an opportunity for growth. Participants receive a comprehensive analysis of their performance, identifying specific areas where skills and knowledge need enhancement. This constructive feedback will guide participants towards achieving the necessary competencies.
We conduct Verifications of Competency for all high risk work licences plus mobile plant operators. These are based on the National requirements and are conducted by assessors holding the relevant licence to be verified.
Get in touch today to boost your worksite safety, efficiency and productivity: