28.0 Training, certifications, and competency

28.1 Introduction to training, certifications, and competency

This section offers guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on how to make sure their workers have the right training, certifications, and competency.

All road and roadside workers should have the appropriate certifications, licences, and training in how to perform their job or task in a manner that is safe and healthy for them and others.

All road and roadside workers should also receive training in how to keep safe when working in the road or roadside environment.

Worker training requirements will depend on:

the level of risk their job involves
what industry or occupation-specific training requirements and certifications (including licences) are required
the knowledge, experience, and previous training of the worker.

28.2 Check workers have required certifications, licences, and training

PCBUs at the top of the contracting chain have a responsibility to make sure all workers have the appropriate training and certifications for the work they will be doing. This includes workers that may be several steps down the contracting chain.

Where reasonably practicable, arrangements should be made to specify and check these training, qualifications, and licensing/certification requirements at the planning stages of a project.

PCBUs should make sure workers meet industry training and certification requirements before they start work. They should check:

workers have the relevant temporary traffic management (TTM) qualifications before working as a traffic controller (TC)
workers have the appropriate licences and training to operate specific types of mobile plant (such as for tracks and rollers)
any industry-required health and safety, and site access training.

Only competent persons who have the relevant certifications for training others should provide training.

28.3 Check worker competency before work begins

Before starting work, all workers, including temporary workers, should be assessed on their current competence and experience, and what further training they may require. This is usually done by the site manager or someone the PCBU deems competent to make that assessment.

A competent person is someone who has the appropriate skills, training, knowledge, and experience to perform the task or role.

Having a current licence or certification is not always an indication of a worker’s actual level of competence when on the job. In some instances, workers may need further onsite training or retraining before starting work.

28.4 Supervise new or inexperienced workers

Supervision may be needed for new or inexperienced workers until they have shown they are competent to carry out the tasks unsupervised.

Experienced workers may also need to be supervised for new tasks or if they have not done that particular task in a long time.

28.5 Ongoing training

Workers should receive ongoing training, which may include:

refresher training when needed
training when new vehicles or plant, or new features are introduced
training when the work changes and the task needs to be done differently
when workers are due for recertification
when competence or qualification requirements change
continuing professional development.

Training needs should be monitored.

28.6 Keep a record of all training and certifications

Keep a record of all training that has been completed, and certifications and licences that have been issued for each worker.

Records should also include when refresher training or recertification is due. This will help make sure the most appropriate person is allocated a particular task and identify workers who need refresher training.

This information should be made available to others in the contracting chain that have a duty towards those workers (provided the worker has consented to this information being shared).

All storing of worker training information and sharing of that information is subject to The Privacy Act (external link)