Part 6.5: WHS Construction Induction (White Card)

Regulatory citation: Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, Part 6.5, General construction induction training

What Is General Construction Induction Training?

Part 6.5 of the model Work Health and Safety Regulations requires workers who carry out construction work to complete general construction induction training, commonly known as white card training. The training is delivered by a registered training organization through the course Prepare to work safely in the construction industry, and gives basic knowledge of construction work, WHS laws, common construction hazards and how their risks can be controlled. Workers who complete it can obtain a general construction induction training card.

Why the White Card Matters

Construction sites expose workers to falls, moving plant, electricity, excavations and hazardous materials. The white card sets a minimum baseline of safety knowledge before anyone starts construction work. It does not replace site-specific or task-specific induction, training and supervision.

Core Obligations

1. Provide the Training (Regulation 316)

A PCBU must ensure general construction induction training is provided to workers who are to carry out construction work.

2. Don't Allow Untrained Workers on Construction Work (Regulation 317)

A PCBU must not direct or allow a worker to carry out construction work unless the worker holds a general construction induction training card, or a training certification issued within the preceding 60 days while a card application is processed.

3. Apply the Two-Year Rule

Cards don't have an expiry date, but a PCBU must not direct or allow a worker to carry out construction work if two years or more have passed since the worker last carried out construction work. In that case, the worker must complete the training again.

4. Recognize Interstate Cards (Regulation 318)

A valid card issued under a corresponding WHS law in another jurisdiction is recognized, as long as it has not been cancelled in the issuing jurisdiction.

5. Worker Duties (Regulations 326–327)

A worker carrying out construction work must keep their card, or their training certification while an application is pending, available for inspection. If a card is cancelled, the worker must return it as directed by the regulator.

Common Compliance Approaches

Check Cards at Site Induction

Sight and record each worker's card details during site induction, including subcontractors and labor hire workers.

Layer Site-Specific Training

Follow the white card with site and task inductions covering local hazards, emergency procedures and any safe work method statements.

Example: White Card Checks in Practice

A builder starts a three-storey residential project. During site induction, the site manager sights and records the white card for every worker. One new laborer has completed the course but is still waiting on their card, so the manager checks that the training certification was issued within the last 60 days. Another worker returning after three years in retail is asked to redo the training before starting construction work.

Related regulations: WHS SWMS for high risk construction work, WHS falls regulations, HSE CDM 2015.

Note: This summary is based on the model WHS laws published by Safe Work Australia. The model laws only take effect when a state or territory adopts them through its own legislation. All jurisdictions except Victoria have done so, with Western Australia adopting them from 31 March 2022, and some include local variations. Victoria has its own OHS laws. Always check the legislation and codes of practice that apply in your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a white card expire?

No. General construction induction training cards don't have an expiry date. However, if a worker hasn't carried out construction work for two years or more, they must complete the training again before doing construction work.

Is a white card from another state valid?

Generally, yes. Valid cards issued under a corresponding WHS law in another Australian jurisdiction are recognized, provided they haven't been cancelled.

Do workers need to carry their white card on site?

Workers carrying out construction work must keep their card available for inspection, and should be ready to show it to the PCBU or a WHS inspector on request.