White Card – Working in the construction industry in Australia

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A White Card is a mandatory certification in Australia designed to ensure workplace health and safety and reduce the risk of accidents in the construction industry.

If you plan to work in Australia’s civil engineering and construction industry, you must obtain a White Card.

A White Card is a physical card that signifies an individual has completed a White Card training course and is aware of the occupational safety principles and practices when on-site. This training equips workers with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage workplace hazards, respond to emergencies, and maintain a safe work environment.

Also known as a Construction Induction Card, White Cards are valid in all Australian States and Territories. You are not allowed to work on-site without the White Card. If an accident occurs on-site and you do not hold the card, you will not get covered by any insurance.

Why is it important to get a White Card?

The purpose of the White Card is to enhance workplace health and safety in the infrastructure industry across Australia. Completing the White Card training course before commencing work on-site is a legal requirement. Failure to possess a valid White Card will result in penalties and fines.

Being on-site is hazardous, with risks of injuries, falls, machinery accidents, and other incidents, so receiving a certified White Card is important. White Card holders are more likely to be aware of potential dangers and take appropriate precautions, reducing the likelihood of accidents in the construction industry.

Who can get a White Card?

Anyone visiting or working on a construction site in Australia must obtain a White Card. This includes Engineers, Surveyors, Contractors, Project Managers, Supervisors, Apprentices, Architects, Welders, Crane Operators, Electricians, and visitors.  

This applies even if you’re a temporary construction worker or an individual with years of experience working on-site overseas.

White Card Training Course

White Card training covers critical safety information, such as hazard identification, risk assessment, emergency procedures, and safe work practices. The course requires the individual to demonstrate awareness and knowledge of health and safety to prevent harm to yourself and others.

The unit of competency ‘CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely’ specifies the training required before undertaking construction work.

Basic reading and oral skills are required to complete the course.

The course covers:

  • Health and safety requirements for on-site construction work
  • Health and safety communication and reporting processes
  • Emergency response processes
  • Construction hazards and risk control measures
  • High-risk work license requirements
  • Recognise and understand symbols and signage commonly used
  • Listening and reading simple safety instructions written in English  
  • Problem-solving skills

You will also learn and become familiar with the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) used on construction sites. Remember that you will be required to showcase your ability to wear the following pieces of PPE during the course:

  • Hard hat
  • Eye protection
  • Ear protection
  • High visibility retro reflective vest

If you pass the course, you will be issued a temporary certificate and receive the card in your mail.

What will I need to complete the course?  

  • Unique Student Identifier (USI): This is your lifelong individual education number in Australia. It can be created online for free. Australian Government – Register for a USI
  • Three forms of identification: one photo document and two documents with your name on it 

White Card Training Providers

Blue Dog Training and Express Online Training (EOT) are reputable Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), and individuals can choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.

The course delivery depends on your location due to differing legislation requirements for each state. However, all white cards will be nationally recognised and accepted in all states and territories across Australia.

Blue Dog Training

Blue Dog Training provides multiple delivery options, including in-person, online, and virtual classroom sessions via Zoom. Please note that the availability of these options may vary based on your location.

This is only applicable to individuals who reside in Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania. Fees vary from $59 to $109 depending on what state you will take the training course in.

Click here to find out more information about Blue Dog Training.

Express Online Training (EOT)

Express Online Training (EOT) is another reputable RTO and allows participants to complete the White Card training course online, depending on which state you reside in.

EOT White Card courses are available to engineering and construction professionals in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania.

Fees for each state:

  • New South Wales – AUD $220
  • Queensland – AUD $250
  • Western Australia – AUD $39
  • Tasmania AUD $39

Click here to find out more information about Express Online Training.

Click on the state you reside in for more details about obtaining your White Card.

White Card Replacement

If you have lost, damaged, or had your White Card stolen, contact your registered training organisation (RTO). They can issue a replacement White Card with national recognition throughout all Australian states and territories.

White Cards in Australia do not come with an expiration date and remain valid unless you have not engaged in construction work for more than two years. So, keep your construction skills sharp and stay safe on-site!

Can I get my White Card Online?

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