Regularly check licences

Employers need to check licences regularly.

SafeWork licence register

Following an amendment to the WHS Regulation in December 2017, the NSW Government implemented a register of high risk work, asbestos and demolition licence holders, and general construction induction training card holders. The register does not include holders of explosives and firework licences.

The register has been designed to make managing a business easier by allowing businesses and consumers to check the validity of workers’ licences/cards and make informed decisions regarding contractors they engage.

From 31 May 2018, the register will include the licence/card holder’s name, licence number and type, licence status, the licence expiry date (if any), licence conditions, prosecution summaries and information about any penalty notices issued to licence holders.

Only the penalty notices issued to licence holders by SafeWork NSW on or after 1 July 2018 will be published on the register. Licence holders should use this time to implement safe systems of work to ensure compliance with the work health and safety laws.

Please refer to the policy for publishing penalty notices for more information.

A person can request to have their information suppressed by demonstrating that its publication would impact their personal safety or well-being.

Checking a licence

Employers need to regularly check workers' licences to ensure the licence is valid.

You need to check that the licence:

  • has not expired
  • includes the relevant classes
  • has the correct photo and name of the worker.
An image example of high risk work licenses and what to look out for
Example of a high risk work licence and what to watch out for
Example image of high risk licences and what to look out for
Example of a high risk work licence and what to watch out for

Legally, workers must have their high risk work licence available for inspection at all times.

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