Plant: Verification of Competency

VOCs:

In order to demonstrate competence, a person needs to be able to complete certain tasks or skills with a required level of proficiency.

A Verification of Competency (VOC) is an industry standard method that is often used to provide evidence of competency through the evaluation of an individual’s skills and knowledge against prescribed performance criteria.

A VOC is NOT training and assessment. To undertake a VOC, participants must provide their relevant licence or statement of attainment prior to assessment.

A VOC ensures that the licensed or qualified individual is aware of any changes that may have occurred in the industry and provides them with the opportunity to ensure that their skills and knowledge remain within the expected standard.

The importance of the VOC has become more prevalent in South Australia since the introduction of the new Work Health and Safety Act 2012. This Act together with the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012  places greater onus on employers and persons conducting a business undertaking (PCBUs), to ensure that all staff and contractors have the current knowledge and skill criteria relevant to their role in the workplace.

What this means for an employer:

It is now a legal responsibility for an employer or PCBU, to ensure that the knowledge and skills of those working on-site are up-to-date and compliant and that adequate training has been provided to minimise any risks to health and safety in the workplace.

In the unfortunate event that an accident occurs on your work-site, you will be required to provide evidence that you, as the employer, have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that your workers are working within current industry standards, with knowledge and skills which are up-to-date.

Employers must ensure that workers are competent to perform in their work roles, and not just holding the correct license. Gone are the days when a ticket, or previously gained qualification, could be used as an adequate measure of an employee’s ability to perform their tasks in a compliant manner. Employers now need to provide evidence that the individual has MAINTAINED their competency to the CURRENT industry standard; and this is where the VOC becomes invaluable.

Employers need to consider worker’s competency when:

  • An extended period of time has elapsed since the employee first received their ticket/licence of qualification.
  • Workers are performing tasks infrequently or when workers have resumed work after an extended period of leave.
  • New technology or equipment has been introduced onto the work-site.
  • New work practices and procedures have been implemented on the work-site.
  • New legislative or standard requirements are introduced.
What this means for the individual:

With current regulations placing a legal responsibility on employers to ensure that all workers on-site hold tickets/qualifications that are up-to-date and compliant, employers will no longer assume your old ticket or qualification demonstrates that you are competent to perform in your work role.

Employers require evidence that an individual has kept their skills and knowledge up-to-date to current industry standard. This means that many companies are now requiring any new workers or contractors, to provide a recent Verification of Competency, prior to hiring or having the individual work onsite.

Assessment and Course Delivery:

This course has assessments with both theory and practical components.

Photo identification must be provided on the day.

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Long sleeved hi-vis shirt (or long-sleeved shirt with hi-vis vest)
  • Enclosed safety shoes
  • Long pants
  • Appropriate weather attire – ie. hat, sunscreen, etc.
Costs:

Onsite training is priced on a case-by-case basis dependent upon location and machinery viability. Contact us directly for a quote for your VOC assessment.

Site requirements:
  • An area suitable for all participants to complete a theory assessment
  • Safe area for practical operation of machines where earth can be moved or excavated.
  • Dial Before You Dig plans obtained where any excavation work is required, and/or any relevant permits that may be required for machine work in practical area.
  • Machines in a safe and compliant condition. Please note, all machines are to be supplied by the client. If you are unable to access a machine, we are able to hire one for a further cost. 

Successful participants receive a Certificate of Verification of Competency.