How Long Is A White Card Valid For
The White Card Validity is very important, as in Australia it means that you have completed construction induction training with a registered training organisation. In order to obtain White Card certification, you must complete a one-day face-to-face training course.
Holders of White Cards include but are not limited to site managers, supervisors, surveyors, labourers, and tradespeople. Everyone undertaking construction work in Australia must have a valid White Card, or they may face a penalty fine what jobs require a White Card to learn more.
If you undertake your White Card training course with an accredited Registered Training Organisation in Australia, your White Card will be valid in:
- ACT (Canberra)
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Fines For White Card Non-Compliance With WHS
The maximum penalty for exposing your workers to the risk of death or serious injury is substantial. It includes fines of up to$600,000 for an individual and $3 million for a Body Corporate and/or 5 Years in prison.
Following is a list of some of the regulations that a contractor may be fined for if they are caught, or reported with evidence, for failing to comply with Work, Health, and Safety Regulations.
On-the-spot fines issued on the worksite have larger maximum penalties if a case goes to court, typically in the range of $6,000 for an individual or $30,000 for a company.
- Reg 317 – Failing to ensure a worker has a White Card: – Max. Penalty, Individual – $3,600, Company – $18,000;
- Reg 150 – Electrical – Failing to Tag & Test Equipment: – On-the-Spot fine, Individual – $432, Company – $2,160;
- Reg 42 – Failing to provide first aid: – Max. Penalty, Individual – $6,000, Company – $30,000.
- Reg 46 – Failing to wear personal protective equipment: – On-the-Spot fine, Individual – $432, Company – $2,160;
- Intentional misuse or damage of equipment: – On-the-Spot fine, Individual – $432, Company – $2,160;
How Often Do White Cards Expire
At the time of writing in 2022, White Cards are one of the few cards that, once issued, do not require renewal. There are two exceptions to this.
- The holder of a White Card leaves the construction industry for longer than two years.
- The holder of a White Card is caught in a beach or violation of the conditions and has their White Card cancelled.
Any person in breach or failing to comply with White Card certification and practice will be required to retake the test and gain a new certification before they are permitted back on a worksite.
How To Check If My White Card Is Valid
There is no actual Valid Date on the White Card. A White Card Validity is deemed for the life of the cardholder so long as they haven’t had their card cancelled due to a safety breach or been out of the construction industry for over two years.
Your card is valid if you were issued with certification by the accredited Registered Training Organisation you completed the induction course with.
If you were not issued a White Card on the day, follow it up with your chosen RTO provider.
How Do I Renew My White Card
You do not need to renew your White Card once you have gained your initial certification from an accredited Registered Training Organisation.
If you have left the construction industry and been out of the game for two or more years, you must take a new White Card course and gain current certification before you can legally enter a worksite.
To renew an outdated or defunct White Card, you must pass the CPCWHS1001 Prepare To Work Safely In The Construction Industry course provided by accredited RTOs.
Please note that with the exception of WA, all states require the participant to attend face-to-face induction training on the day to verify identity and receive a certification of course completion. In most cases, your White Card will be given to you on the day, and you will leave with it in your pocket, ready to legally enter the worksite of employment.
Note: USI are mandatory prior to receiving certification. Without a USI, you cannot receive your White Card certification. Please see our article how to apply for a White Card.
The article covers USI’s and where and how to quickly and easily obtain one.
White Card Replacement
Workers on construction sites must have a SafeWork construction induction card, known as a White Card, on their persons at all times. Should it be required, you must be able to show your valid White Card upon request. Penalties apply if you cannot show your card on demand by a Site Manager or Safety Inspector.
If your White Card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you can order and pay for a replacement White Card online with the Registered Training Organisation your gained certification of the original White Card.
White Card Replacement SA & QLD
If you have changed addresses since the original card was issued, you must update your current address before requesting an online replacement White Card.
Your details must match those on the database to be issued. If your contact details have changed, you must complete the Update contact details form before you replace your White Card online, or it will be sent to the address on file.
Maintaining your current address in the database is the sole responsibility of the cardholder.
A fee will be charged for replacement White Cards by the issuing RTO.
The replacement White Card will be sent to your postal address as registered on the database.
Note: If your course was conducted on a Saturday, you will not get your card issued on the same day. Your White Card will be posted to you on the Monday morning once the verification process can take place within normal business hours by respective state government departments. Please ensure that you give your trainers your USI and current postal address before you leave the training venue. The onus is on you to ensure that information is in the trainer’s possession for swift and accurate delivery.
Related White Card Questions
We know you have other questions about White Cards. Follow the links for articles, What are White Cards, and What Does The White Card Course Teach. These articles will give you detailed information to assist you in understanding about White Cards and what includes in our courses.