What is Verification of Competency (VOC)?
Current industry regulations mandate that employers and persons conducting a business undertaking (PCBU) must ensure that their workers can clearly demonstrate their competency in performing job-related tasks involving plant equipment.
A Verification of Competency (VOC) is an assessment method used to confirm workers' abilities to operate equipment and fulfill their job responsibilities. Employers frequently use VOCs during pre-employment checks, site requirements, and contract negotiations. In many cases, a VOC is a prerequisite for individuals to be permitted on site.
Why do our operators need a VOC?
Safe Work Australia states that employers are now legally required to ensure that their staff's skills are current and comply with relevant standards while working on site. In January 2012, a new set of Workplace Health and Safety laws were introduced, putting more responsibility onto the employer to undertake 'all reasonably practicable measures to prevent the risk to health and safety occurring'.
A license or 'ticket' alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee that your workers can perform their tasks and operate machinery in accordance with regulations. In the event of an on-site accident, will you be able to show that you, as an employer, took all reasonable steps to ensure your workers' competency? Encouraging your employees and contractors to complete their Verification of Competency (VOC) training—ideally before starting work on site—will help you demonstrate that you have taken appropriate measures to ensure the health and safety of all workers.
Our workers already have a licence - do they still need a VOC?
Having a license or qualification does not automatically indicate current competency; however it is a requirement to be eligible for a VOC (Verification of Competency) assessment.
Individuals who have recently obtained their license or who received it many years ago might not be able to immediately prove their competency to industry standards without undergoing some basic refresher training and assessment. For instance, they may need to demonstrate a solid understanding of current regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to their work.
What about licences for earthmoving equipment, small cranes and other types of plant?
In the past, some states and territories issued licenses for certain types of equipment, but regulators stopped issuing these licenses in 2012. Currently, regulators only issue licenses for High Risk Work. Employers and Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) are responsible for ensuring that plant operators are competent, as far as reasonably practicable, in accordance with their Duty of Care obligations.
Although holding a previously accredited license for this equipment indicates that the operator received training and was assessed to meet the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) standards at the time, these standards have since been updated.
Therefore, an operator's old license or 'ticket' might not be sufficient to prove competency according to current industry standards. Many employers in various sectors, including mining, construction, and transport, now require adherence to updated industry standards. Often, this 'skills gap' involves a lack of familiarity with the latest Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations and their relevance to the operator's job role. This can be easily addressed through the DATS VOC process.
Current
How often does an operator need to verify competency?
It is advisable for workers to complete a VOC certification every 2.5 years to stay current with industry regulations, workplace safety standards, and any new technology or policies relevant to their job role at the time of assessment.
Can an operator work on site prior to completing VOC?
Yes. It is entirely reasonable and legally compliant to allow an operator to carry out their normal duties whilst undertaking VOC if the risk is assessed and an appropriate level of supervision is exercised. This is a standard industry practice during training and instruction, and is practiced across the country every day. Enrolment with an accredited Registered Training Organisation to complete VOC is formal evidence of the provision of information, instruction and training as required.
How is VOC conducted?
VOC is conducted onsite in a face-to-face setting. An assessor conducts theory and practical assessments with the student and upon successful completion, the student is issued with a VOC statement and wallet sized card.
