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Tradies have it tough.Taxing their bodies day in and out, working in all weather conditions and with a constant focus to deliver to tight deadlines. The trades manager carries the biggest load of all with a duty of care and detailed procedures for all the trades in their team.
In Tradies National Health Month, we want to raise awareness of key workplace challenges with a focus on work health and safety. In this blog we are featuring Kineo channel partner; the health and safety training people, AlertForce with a focus on the dangers of working with Asbestos and Silica.
AlertForce is an award-winning RTO that specialises in compliance training for WHS and occupational health and safety (OHS). AlertForce has itsown learning content and delivers training face-to-face as well as offering a blended solution. Their online library carries additional titles from Kineo’s off the shelf course library.
Tradie compliance training essentials for work continuity in ACT
AlertForce is currently supporting construction workers that operate in ACT with training to meet heightened compliance measures that come into effect in 2023, so that trades can continue to work onsite safely.
Many tradies need to complete Verification of Competency Courses online and update their ‘White Card’ - otherwise known as Construction induction training. The white card is nationally recognised, with course material to ensure competency for the state of ACT.
Other training requirements that will require mandatory completion in ACT include the following topics:
Silica Awareness
Over 2 million tradies are exposed to silica each year in the workplace. Silica is a chemical compound formed from silicon and oxygen atoms. There are two forms of silica: hazardous crystalline and non-hazardous amorphous. Crystalline silica dust exposure carries associated health risks, and it is vital that comprehensive training is conducted to be able to identify products that contain silica, how to handle them with clear workplace practices including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Asbestos Awareness
Asbestos remains a hidden threat in buildings and homes throughout Australia. Its use is banned, due to the fibres that can be inhaled that carry high risk of a lung disease known as asbestosis, yet it remains in existing buildings such as in walls, insulation, and other building materials.
According to Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, A 'person conducting a business or undertaking' (PCBU), usually the employer, has the primary duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) to ensure the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace, to a practical extent. PCBUs have an obligation to ensure that all workers that could encounter asbestos fibres or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) undertake a suitable course in asbestos awareness. Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials is a specific mandatory training program for Plumbers and Electricians working in the ACT.
Hazardous materials training for Australia wide based learners
For other states in Australia digital awareness training is largely suitable. Kineo Courses Asbestos Awareness in the Workplace elearning provides an awareness of the dangers posed by asbestos. It explains where asbestos risks might occur in the workplace and some of the controls used to minimise and eliminate these risks.
Co-created with Greencap this 50-minute course is aimed at individuals that are responsible for the management of asbestos in the Australian workplace. The learning aims to protect workers from asbestos exposure to protect building occupants and others at the workplace.
Completing this course does not equate to either of the asbestos removal licences but provides the fundamentals of best practice management.
Asbestos Awareness has useful resources for tradies working on residential sites to protect their health and wellbeing. With 1 in every 3 Australian homes containing asbestos tradies are likely to come across it every day of their working lives. We like the Asbestos Awareness tradie 20 point safety check as a regular reference tool to accompany workplace training.
Additional tradie workplace course titles developed to minimise workplace injuries include the likes of Working Safely with Hazardous Chemicals and Confined Spaces Hazard Guide
Stronger together for tradie safety and workplace compliance
Working with our partners we aim to deliver a comprehensive learning solution for PCBUs like you.
Browse our entire course library or use the search bar to find the courses you need to meet your workplace requirements. We’re here to help if you need further assistance with finding what you need for your tradie workplace learning journey.
