WorkSafe WA inspection program looks at licences for forklift operators

WorkSafe WA has commenced an inspection program looking at high-risk-work licences for forklift operators in the manufacturing sector. The program will be conducted over the next six months in metropolitan and regional areas, focusing on ensuring that forklift operators in the industry have the relevant licences or certification.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said that the inspection campaign would initially coincide with an advertising campaign on high-risk-work licences: “WorkSafe will be running an advertising campaign from July to September aimed at reminding workers with certificates of competency that they may now need to have a high-risk-work licence.

“Many workers who operate forklifts, cranes, hoists or pressure equipment, or carry out scaffolding, dogging or rigging work must now have a licence for high-risk work to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to do the job safely.

“The inspection campaign will focus on raising awareness of the need for high-risk-work licences and ensuring that employers have the information required to comply with the laws.”

Workers with certification issued before 31 December 2001 must now have converted that certification to a national high-risk-work licence. By 30 June 2012, all relevant workers will need to have converted their certification.

During the program, inspectors will check whether forklift operators in the manufacturing sector have the relevant high-risk-work licence or current National Certificate of Competency to operate forklifts.

Inspectors will also make a number of checks on the forklifts in workplaces, including whether the forklift is in good working order, maintenance records, capacity charts and operators’ manuals, and whether the work area is organised for the safety of forklift operators.

“High-risk-work licences have existed since 2007, so I would expect employers to be aware of the need for workers to have them by now,” Lyhne added. “They are national licences, and so come with the advantages of both national consistency and portability, but - most importantly - high-risk-work licences ensure that workers have the skills and knowledge to perform tasks safely and competently.

“It is important to note that employers still have an overall responsibility to provide workers with appropriate information, instruction and training for each individual job.

“Proactive inspection programs such as this one primarily aim to raise awareness of hazards and provide employers with information, but inspectors will take enforcement action if necessary. We firmly believe that raising awareness with proactive campaigns is the best way in which to lessen the risk of work-related injury and illness.”

Further information on high-risk-work licences can be obtained from www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.