The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022 set out mandatory requirements for the provision of construction safety induction training, ensuring that general construction induction training (White Card) is provided to workers doing construction work at a workplace in Western Australia.
The training required by the regulations is not designed to take the place of work site or task specific instruction, training or supervision.
Across all States and Territories, including here in WA, the White Card is accepted by the regulatory authority as evidence that induction training has been completed.
This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about a white card course and how it helps you work safely in the construction industry.
Benefits of Getting a White Card to Work on a Construction Site
The requirements for construction induction training apply to construction work. The definition of construction work under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022 is very broad and picks up a wide range of activities.
Construction work is defined in regulations [Reg 289] as meaning:
any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure.
Without limiting the above meaning, construction work also includes the following:
- any installation or testing carried out in connection with an activity referred to in the meaning above;
- the removal from the workplace of any product or waste resulting from demolition;
- the prefabrication or testing of elements, at a place specifically established for the construction work, for use in construction work;
- the assembly of prefabricated elements to form a structure, or the disassembly of prefabricated elements forming part of a structure;
- the installation, testing or maintenance of an essential service in relation to a structure;
- any work connected with an excavation;
- any work connected with any preparatory work or site preparation (including landscaping as part of site preparation) carried out in connection with an activity referred to in the meaning above
- an activity referred to in the meaning above, that is carried out on, under or near water, including work on buoys and obstructions to navigation.
- It helps if you ever find yourself in an emergency on a construction site. If there is an accident or injury, workers with white cards will be given priority for medical treatment and evacuated from the site first. It could be a life-saving benefit, so it’s worth getting a white card, even if you’re starting your career.
- It helps you demonstrate personal awareness and responsibility in various contexts. Whether you’re working on a construction site, producing an architecture project, or volunteering as an aid worker overseas, having a White Card shows that you are committed to safety and aware of the dangers associated with specific jobs.
Everything You Need to Know About the White Card Course
Work health and safety training is a mandatory requirement for all construction workers in Australia. The White Card Course is the most common form of WHS training, and it covers the basics of risk management, injury prevention, and compliance with relevant legislation.
When Do You Need a White Card?
Anyone intending to work in a ‘construction’ trade position within Australia must hold a valid White Card as proof of having undertaken the mandatory General Construction Induction course. This essential document is legally mandated for entry onto any construction site. It provides peace of mind for site supervisors knowing that anyone allowed onto the premises understands the relevant safety protocols and practices.
Furthermore, for individuals looking to begin or advance their career in the construction industry, certification from a White Card Course will lend credibility to your knowledge and skill set.
It is essential to remember that WorkSafe authorities issue significant penalties if rules are broken by contractors and supervisors alike—ensuring everyone holds a current White Card can help avoid any issues going forward.
A person conducting a business or undertaking must not direct or allow a worker to carry out construction work unless the worker has successfully completed general construction induction training and, if the worker completed the training more than 2 years previously, the worker has carried out construction work in the preceding 2 years.
The person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure that the worker holds a general construction induction training card or if the worker has applied for but not yet been issued with a general construction induction training card, the worker holds a general construction induction training certification issued within the preceding 60 days.
Course Content
CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
This unit of competency specifies the mandatory work health and safety training required prior to undertaking construction work.
The unit requires the person to demonstrate personal awareness and knowledge of health and safety legislative requirements in order to work safely and prevent injury or harm to self and others.
It covers identifying and orally reporting common construction hazards, understanding basic risk control measures, and identifying procedures for responding to potential incidents and emergencies. It also covers correctly selecting and fitting common personal protective equipment (PPE) used for construction work.
WHS Legislative Requirements
The White Card course begins with a review of the relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation. It includes an overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which sets out the general duties of employers, employees, and other persons at the workplace.
Identification of Construction Hazards and Control Measures
The course’s second part focuses on identifying construction hazards and control measures. Students will learn to identify common construction hazards, such as electrical, manual handling, slips/trips/falls, and chemical hazards. They will also learn about effective control measures that can be used to minimise or eliminate these hazards.
WHS Communication and Reporting Processes
The third part of the course covers WHS communication and reporting processes. Students will learn the importance of effective communication about health and safety matters. They will also learn about the various channels through which safety information can be communicated, such as toolbox talks, safety alerts, tailgate meetings, and safety inductions. Additionally, students will learn about the incident reporting procedures that should be followed in the event of an accident or near-miss.
WHS Incident Response Procedures
The final part of the course focuses on WHS incident response procedures. Students will learn about the steps that should be taken to manage an incident on a construction site safely.
Prerequisites & Course Requirements:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Duration & Course Requirements
This course lasts 6 hours and requires classroom practical training to complete. To undertake the course, participants must wear full PPE (steel cap boots, long sleeve work shirt and long pants).
Additionally, it is recommended that participants bring along their own hard hat and gloves.
Furthermore, everyone attending must have a current Australian driver’s licence or Passport as a valid form of identification.
Certification
Upon completing the course, individuals are issued a Statement of Attainment and a Learning White Card from the relevant state or territory regulator. The award shows employers that individuals possess the necessary knowledge to perform their day-to-day duties safely and follow best practices. Along with gaining recognition across building sites within Australia, this certification gives holders the peace of mind of knowing they have attained the skills to work safely in any restricted area.
Learners who successfully complete this nationally recognised training will be awarded the statement of attainment: CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to Work Safely in the construction industry.
Construction Induction card or what is commonly called as “White Card”.
For How Long Is a White Card Valid?
It is important to understand that a white card does not have an expiry date. Even after being issued, it remains valid as long as you remain active in the construction industry.
That being said, we still recommend that you undertake a fresh white card course after two consecutive years of being absent from the construction industry. It is because safety practices and protocols can change over time, so you need to refresh your knowledge with new information and instructions.
To ensure your safety on worksites, you must keep up-to-date with industry standards and changes. By doing so, you can remain aware of all requirements for safe work on-site and help protect yourself, your team and your worksites.
Conclusion
Holding a white card demonstrates that you have completed the necessary training to work safely on construction sites. If you are planning to enter the construction industry, make sure you do your research and complete a White Card Course before beginning any construction job role.
About KI Group – Registered Training Organisation
KI Training and Assessing (RTO 52593) provides White Card Training.
Their training facility has recognised training that includes programs or training that leads to vocational qualifications and credentials recognised across Australia.
To get your white card, you can check our calendar for our next offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is in a White Card Course?
The White Card course provides participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work. Through this course, participants will understand and appreciate work health and safety (WHS) and its importance in the construction industry.
- The course also covers essential topics such as main duties under WHS legislation and guidelines, identification of workplace hazards and their associated risks, correct safety procedures on-site, and strategies to keep workers safe while working.
- Additionally, learners will cover important practical lessons. It includes how to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), become familiar with primary and secondary documents related to WHS regulations, understand different communication styles within a team environment, and know how to safely organise job tasks.
In most states and territories, face-to-face classes are offered alongside online white card course options, ensuring each participant is fully prepared for working in the construction industry. Whether it is completed through physical attendance or a digital platform, this course ensures employers have a fundamental level of understanding regarding workplace WHS obligations.
How Do I Get a White Card Certificate?
To obtain a White Card certificate in Australia, the most widely recognised proof of general construction induction training, you must apply through an accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and complete the one-day course.
After completing the course, the student will receive an interim White Card certificate that can be used immediately. The final official hard copyWhite Card certificate will arrive by post within 4 to 6 weeks from the completion date, stamping with its authenticity seal.
Is White Card Course Hard?
The White Card course is not difficult but requires a certain knowledge and understanding. It ensures that workers have the necessary knowledge to keep themselves and their colleagues safe on-site. The course covers construction safety basics, such as hazard identification, risk assessment, and safe work practices. The course also outlines protective actions when entering or working in a hazardous area.
Although the White Card training may not seem hard at first glance, those who commit to understanding its content well enough to complete it are sure to reap many rewards for their efforts.
How do I replace my Construction Induction Training Card?
You must first identify the Registered Training Organisation that issued you with your construction induction or blue card and contact them to have it replaced.
If the RTO is no longer operating, you will need to provide a statement of attainment (for course CPCCWHS1001) issued by the RTO and present it to another RTO who may be able to re-issue you a general construction induction card. Contact the RTO to discuss fee and application details.
If you cannot find your details, the name of the RTO, and cannot find your Statement of Attainment, you will need to undertake Construction Induction Training.
How to find the RTO where you did your Construction Induction Training
Use this link to enter your details
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/construction-induction-training-card-database-0
Welcome to the Construction Induction Card Database. Have you lost or damaged your Construction Induction (Blue/White) Card? Did you know you can ask the registered training organisation (RTO) that issued your card to provide you with a replacement.
Enter your personal details below to find out the name of the RTO that issued your card then contact them to ask them to issue you with a replacement card. The RTO may charge a fee for a replacement card.
Is my Construction Induction Training Card valid in other states?
In 2009 WorkSafe changed the design of construction induction cards from ‘blue’ to ‘white’ as a result of harmonisation of training across all States and Territories.
Across all States and Territories, including here in WA, both the ‘blue’ and ‘white’ types of cards are accepted by the regulatory authority as evidence that induction training has been completed.
Link to information sheet –
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/publications/construction-induction-training