There is no effect on high risk work licences. These changes only affect high risk work assessor accreditations.  

A review of the legislation, and practices in all other Australian jurisdictions, has identified that high risk work assessors should only be able to conduct assessments for the classes of accreditation shown on their accreditation document.

Previously assessors have been able to conduct assessments for the classes shown on their accreditation and any ‘encompassed (hierarchical) classes. The following table shows the previously encompassed classes:

Please refer to the Learn about high risk work licences page for further information about classes of high risk work. 

Effect on existing assessors

All existing assessors will have their accreditations updated to show that they hold the previously encompassed (hierarchical) classes. This will mean that they can continue to undertake assessments for these classes.

For example, an assessor who held only class SA will have their accreditation updated to show they hold classes SB, SI and SA.

Replacement accreditation documents, and assessor ID cards, will be issued (free of charge) to reflect the classes that are being added. Cards will be issued gradually over 2-3 months from October 2024.

Effect on new applicants

HRWL holders applying to become an assessor, or to add a class to an existing accreditation, are required to apply for each class individually. For example, a person who would like to assess SB, SI and SA will need to apply for all three classes.

The training and assessment qualification requirements for becoming an accredited assessor have been updated. HRWL holders applying to become an assessor is now required to provide evidence of completing either:

a) TAE40122 or TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (or an equivalent successor),

Or

b) TAE40110 or TAA40104 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and evidence of completing additional units TAEASS502 and TAELLN411.

Evidence of holding this qualification is required to be provided with the application in the form of a copy of a statement of attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

This change does not effect existing accredited assessors. 

HRWL holders applying for accreditation are required to provide evidence of suitable experience working in the class of high risk work they are applying for accreditation in.

The previous experience requirements for accreditation were ‘a minimum of three (3) years of verifiable, regular, recent and varied industry operational work experience’.

The new experience requirements are shown below.

Existing accredited assessors are required to maintain their competency in each class of high risk work they are accredited for. The evidence requirement for maintenance of competency to renew are:

a) The assessor has completed a minimum of 9 assessments, in each class, over the term of the accreditation (last 3 years). The number of assessments completed will be checked by licensing officers using data from high risk work applications.

Or

b) If the assessor has not completed 9 assessments, they will be required to provide the same evidence of experience as a new applicant, with their renewal application.

Accreditation classes will only be renewed where suitable evidence of maintenance of competency is provided.

Note: A group assessment with more than one candidate will be counted as one (1) assessment for the purposes of this requirement. 

The WorkSafe Commissioner is proposing to apply new standard conditions which will apply to all high risk work assessor accreditations.  The proposed new standard conditions are published here: Conditions of accreditation.

Effect on existing assessors

Existing assessors have been notified of the intention to amend the conditions which apply to their accreditation. Assessors can make a submission about the proposal which will be considered before a final decision on changes to conditions is made. Submissions can be emailed to WorkSafeRegistration@demirs.wa.gov.au

If conditions are amended assessors will be issued with a new accreditation document which will show a single condition stating:

“You are required to comply with all conditions contained within the document titled ‘Standard High Risk Work Assessor Accreditation Conditions’ published on the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website’, as amended from time to time.”

A maximum of three classes can be applied for at any one time. This limit has been introduced to ensure that all applications can be processed as quickly as possible.

The limit applies to applications for a new accreditation and applications to add classes to an existing accreditation. 

The proposed new conditions include a requirement to notify WorkSafe before any assessment is conducted. Notifications will be required to be made online using a form that will be published if the conditions are approved.

For information on notification requirements, refer to online forms.

If you require more information or support regarding completing a notification, email worksafe.assessors@demirs.wa.gov.au or call the WorkSafe Contact Centre on 1300 307 877 (during office hours).

The requirement to notify WorkSafe of an assessment has no effect on Licensing Services processing a high risk work licence application or accepting the associated NOA.