Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
The model WHS laws include requirements for workers to complete specified training and assessment before they can undertake certain work or roles, including:
- First aid training
- Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training
- Construction Induction training (i.e. White Card)
- High Risk Work training and assessment
- Asbestos Assessment or Removal training, and
- WHS entry Permit Holder training.
The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly impacting the ability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver face-to-face training. Although WHS laws do not specify how training must be delivered, in practice, most WHS regulators require training be delivered ‘face-to-face’.
To address training impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, WHS regulators have agreed national guidance on WHS training and assessment, including delivery methods.
Changes in training delivery methods have been agreed for First Aid training, HSR training and Construction Induction (White Card) training.
No changes have been made to High Risk Work training and assessment, Asbestos Assessment or Removal training and WHS Entry Permit Holder training. Training and assessment must still be completed face-to-face, acknowledging this may not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can training be delivered?
Changes in training delivery methods have been agreed for First Aid training, HSR training and Construction Induction (White Card) training.
First aid training
No compliance action will be taken by WHS regulators in relation to the first aid training requirements in regulation 42 of the model WHS Regulations where first aid training is not available because of COVID-19.
The Australian Industry Skills Council has also released guidance on the delivery of first aid training.
Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training
HSR training may be delivered via Connected real-time delivery.
Construction Induction (White Card) training
White Card training may be delivered via Connected real-time delivery. Tasmania will continue to allow online delivery of White Card training. In Western Australia (WA), Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to deliver White Card training consistent with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 (Standards). During the COVID-19 pandemic, provided RTOs deliver White Card training to candidates located in WA in accordance with the Standards, there is no need to apply to WorkSafe WA in relation to connected real-time delivery.
RTOs may be required to apply for and obtain WHS regulator approval to deliver training via the connected real-time delivery method. Guidance for RTO proposals for connected real-time delivery can be found in fact sheet General Construction Induction (White card) Training – Guidance for RTO proposals for connected real-time delivery.
What is “connected real-time delivery”?
- Live video streaming/conferencing using platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Teams
- Involves real-time interaction between learner and trainer
- Provides for active participation of learners and trainers
- Verification of learner Evidence of Identity (EOI) can be done one-on-one (or face to face) via video conference
- Direct observation or verbal assessment can be undertaken for all assessment components.
Are there limitations on delivery of connected real-time training?
Training must involve real-time interactions between the learner and trainer and must include one-on-one (or face-to-face) training and assessment interaction. The training must not:
- be delivered entirely via an online learning management system through portals
- include a pre-training requirement
- include self-paced learning
- include pre-recorded trainer videos or teaching course content including educational videos showing workplaces (e.g. construction sites).
What about delivery methods for the remaining training and assessment?
There will be no change to the delivery method for the following:
- High Risk Work training and assessment,
- Asbestos assessment or removal training, and
- WHS entry permit holder training.
Training and assessment for these courses must be completed face-to-face, which may not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will all WHS regulators follow the agreed positions on training delivery methods?
The Commonwealth, state and territory WHS regulators are responsible for enforcing compliance with WHS training and assessment in their own jurisdiction.
Although national positions on the delivery of WHS training have been reached, some minor administrative variations may still exist between WHS regulators. You should contact your WHS regulator if you have any questions regarding the delivery of WHS training and assessment. If your business operates in more than one jurisdiction, you may need to contact more than one WHS regulator.
Find contact details for the WHS regulators.
Is it possible agreed training delivery methods may be revisited or change?
Yes. WHS regulators will continue to consult and adapt to changing circumstances based on Government directives and Health advice.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation for everyone. As a small business it is understandable you may have concerns about how to continue to meet your WHS duties at this time. There are a number of practical steps you can take to manage the risk of exposure to COVID-19 at your workplace and meet your legal obligations.
Here are some ideas to help you get started thinking about what you can reasonably do to keep people safe at your workplace.
For more WHS information and resources for small business, go to the COVID-19 Small business hub.
Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
The model WHS laws include requirements for workers to complete specified training and assessment before they can undertake certain work or roles, including:
- First aid training
- Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training
- Construction Induction training (i.e. White Card)
- High Risk Work training and assessment
- Asbestos Assessment or Removal training, and
- WHS entry Permit Holder training.
The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly impacting the ability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver face-to-face training. Although WHS laws do not specify how training must be delivered, in practice, most WHS regulators require training be delivered ‘face-to-face’.
To address training impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, WHS regulators have agreed national guidance on WHS training and assessment, including delivery methods.
Changes in training delivery methods have been agreed for First Aid training, HSR training and Construction Induction (White Card) training.
No changes have been made to High Risk Work training and assessment, Asbestos Assessment or Removal training and WHS Entry Permit Holder training. Training and assessment must still be completed face-to-face, acknowledging this may not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can training be delivered?
Changes in training delivery methods have been agreed for First Aid training, HSR training and Construction Induction (White Card) training.
First aid training
No compliance action will be taken by WHS regulators in relation to the first aid training requirements in regulation 42 of the model WHS Regulations where first aid training is not available because of COVID-19.
The Australian Industry Skills Council has also released guidance on the delivery of first aid training.
Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training
HSR training may be delivered via Connected real-time delivery.
Construction Induction (White Card) training
White Card training may be delivered via Connected real-time delivery. Tasmania will continue to allow online delivery of White Card training. In Western Australia (WA), Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to deliver White Card training consistent with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 (Standards). During the COVID-19 pandemic, provided RTOs deliver White Card training to candidates located in WA in accordance with the Standards, there is no need to apply to WorkSafe WA in relation to connected real-time delivery.
RTOs may be required to apply for and obtain WHS regulator approval to deliver training via the connected real-time delivery method. Guidance for RTO proposals for connected real-time delivery can be found in fact sheet General Construction Induction (White card) Training – Guidance for RTO proposals for connected real-time delivery.
What is “connected real-time delivery”?
- Live video streaming/conferencing using platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Teams
- Involves real-time interaction between learner and trainer
- Provides for active participation of learners and trainers
- Verification of learner Evidence of Identity (EOI) can be done one-on-one (or face to face) via video conference
- Direct observation or verbal assessment can be undertaken for all assessment components.
Are there limitations on delivery of connected real-time training?
Training must involve real-time interactions between the learner and trainer and must include one-on-one (or face-to-face) training and assessment interaction. The training must not:
- be delivered entirely via an online learning management system through portals
- include a pre-training requirement
- include self-paced learning
- include pre-recorded trainer videos or teaching course content including educational videos showing workplaces (e.g. construction sites).
What about delivery methods for the remaining training and assessment?
There will be no change to the delivery method for the following:
- High Risk Work training and assessment,
- Asbestos assessment or removal training, and
- WHS entry permit holder training.
Training and assessment for these courses must be completed face-to-face, which may not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will all WHS regulators follow the agreed positions on training delivery methods?
The Commonwealth, state and territory WHS regulators are responsible for enforcing compliance with WHS training and assessment in their own jurisdiction.
Although national positions on the delivery of WHS training have been reached, some minor administrative variations may still exist between WHS regulators. You should contact your WHS regulator if you have any questions regarding the delivery of WHS training and assessment. If your business operates in more than one jurisdiction, you may need to contact more than one WHS regulator.
Find contact details for the WHS regulators.
Is it possible agreed training delivery methods may be revisited or change?
Yes. WHS regulators will continue to consult and adapt to changing circumstances based on Government directives and Health advice.
Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
The model WHS laws include requirements for workers to complete specified training and assessment before they can undertake certain work or roles, including:
- First aid training
- Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training
- Construction Induction training (i.e. White Card)
- High Risk Work training and assessment
- Asbestos Assessment or Removal training, and
- WHS entry Permit Holder training.
The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly impacting the ability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver face-to-face training. Although WHS laws do not specify how training must be delivered, in practice, most WHS regulators require training be delivered ‘face-to-face’.
To address training impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, WHS regulators have agreed national guidance on WHS training and assessment, including delivery methods.
Changes in training delivery methods have been agreed for First Aid training, HSR training and Construction Induction (White Card) training.
No changes have been made to High Risk Work training and assessment, Asbestos Assessment or Removal training and WHS Entry Permit Holder training. Training and assessment must still be completed face-to-face, acknowledging this may not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can training be delivered?
Changes in training delivery methods have been agreed for First Aid training, HSR training and Construction Induction (White Card) training.
First aid training
No compliance action will be taken by WHS regulators in relation to the first aid training requirements in regulation 42 of the model WHS Regulations where first aid training is not available because of COVID-19.
The Australian Industry Skills Council has also released guidance on the delivery of first aid training.
Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training
HSR training may be delivered via Connected real-time delivery.
Construction Induction (White Card) training
White Card training may be delivered via Connected real-time delivery. Tasmania will continue to allow online delivery of White Card training. In Western Australia (WA), Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to deliver White Card training consistent with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 (Standards). During the COVID-19 pandemic, provided RTOs deliver White Card training to candidates located in WA in accordance with the Standards, there is no need to apply to WorkSafe WA in relation to connected real-time delivery.
RTOs may be required to apply for and obtain WHS regulator approval to deliver training via the connected real-time delivery method. Guidance for RTO proposals for connected real-time delivery can be found in fact sheet General Construction Induction (White card) Training – Guidance for RTO proposals for connected real-time delivery.
What is “connected real-time delivery”?
- Live video streaming/conferencing using platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Teams
- Involves real-time interaction between learner and trainer
- Provides for active participation of learners and trainers
- Verification of learner Evidence of Identity (EOI) can be done one-on-one (or face to face) via video conference
- Direct observation or verbal assessment can be undertaken for all assessment components.
Are there limitations on delivery of connected real-time training?
Training must involve real-time interactions between the learner and trainer and must include one-on-one (or face-to-face) training and assessment interaction. The training must not:
- be delivered entirely via an online learning management system through portals
- include a pre-training requirement
- include self-paced learning
- include pre-recorded trainer videos or teaching course content including educational videos showing workplaces (e.g. construction sites).
What about delivery methods for the remaining training and assessment?
There will be no change to the delivery method for the following:
- High Risk Work training and assessment,
- Asbestos assessment or removal training, and
- WHS entry permit holder training.
Training and assessment for these courses must be completed face-to-face, which may not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will all WHS regulators follow the agreed positions on training delivery methods?
The Commonwealth, state and territory WHS regulators are responsible for enforcing compliance with WHS training and assessment in their own jurisdiction.
Although national positions on the delivery of WHS training have been reached, some minor administrative variations may still exist between WHS regulators. You should contact your WHS regulator if you have any questions regarding the delivery of WHS training and assessment. If your business operates in more than one jurisdiction, you may need to contact more than one WHS regulator.
Find contact details for the WHS regulators.
Is it possible agreed training delivery methods may be revisited or change?
Yes. WHS regulators will continue to consult and adapt to changing circumstances based on Government directives and Health advice.