Frequently Asked Questions
What is Verification Of Competency (VOC)?
VOC is a record of training that proves a person has passed tests of safety knowledge and demonstrated basic competency skills.
VOC should contain information including but not limited to; the date of training and testing, a description of the task, machine or equipment type, the identity of the person(s) who conducted the training and evaluations and what was covered in the programme and an expiry date.
Once a person has been properly trained including job and site specific training, a PCBU may then authorise that person to operate the specified equipment or carry out high risk tasks.
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Why don't you do unit standards?
VerifyME.kiwi courses, while similar in content, have no reference to unit standards and instead reference regulations, international standards, good practice and industry guidelines or codes (ACOP) where they exist.
Unit standards are generic and do not prove competency in the workplace. In fact the the terms "Competent" and "Not Yet Competent" were removed from workplace unit standards replaced with "achieved" and "not achieved".
VOC training aligns with Worksafe guidance which recommends that training should consider the workplace and the actual work done, be tailored and fit for purpose.
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Why should I train my workers?
The best reason to formally train workers is to improve workplace safety. We have a moral obligation to ensure workers don't injure themselves or others and statistics prove that properly trained and supervised workers do less harm and damage. As well as that, legislation requires that workers must be adequately trained and supervised. Failure of the PCBU to exercise due diligence can result in prosecution, fines and even imprisonment!
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What kind of training is required?
The HSWA requires that workers be "adequately trained". Formal knowledge of the hazards and risk, practical demonstration and eyes-on supervised training must be provided and documented for high risk work including all types of mobile plant. Prior to operating or working unsupervised in the workplace, the PCBU must evaluate the worker's ability to operate high risk equipment and/or carry out high risk work competently.
Supervisors and front line managers must also be trained so that they can recognise good practice.
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What type of documentation must I keep?
Once the PCBU is satisfied that a worker has been properly trained, they may then authorise that worker to carry out high risk work. High Risk work is work that can cause serious harm or death. For example, all mobile plant operations, work at heights and work in confined spaces is regarded as high risk because there have been many fatal accidents with this type of work.
VerifyME.kiwi provides VOC's and free SOP templates that you can modify yourself or pay us a small fee and we'll do it for you.
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What if my operator holds a licence endorsement?
The HSWA requires that all operators must be properly trained in the safe use of the equipment and unfortunately, holding a license endorsement does not certify this at all.Licence endorsements only cover skills related to driving on those places that are deemed to be a road by NZ Transport Agency (and enforced by NZ Police). Operating safely in a work environment with a wide range of tasks that have nothing to do with driving on a "road" is a whole different thing and falls under WorkSafe jurisdiction.
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How can I comply with the HSWA and regulations?
Training to a standard that meets or exceeds the requirements of the applicable safety law or regulations is often regarded as "compliance training". The HSWA and any applicable Codes, regulations or guidelines for the machine or job type must be taken into account when conducting training and competency evaluations.
Verification Of Competency (VOC) are issued as proof of training completed and records must be kept for future reference. Worksafe can check worker training records at any time and training documentation (or the lack of it) can be used as evidence in court.
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What if we use several different types of machine at our company?
By law, the PCBU must ensure that each worker is trained and evaluated for each specific type of machine or equipment that will be used. For example, someone authorised to operate a front loading rigid forklift may not have been trained to use a reach truck or articulated forklift. They are different machines with different risks and therefore require additional training.
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How often must refresher training be given?
For example, the forklift code of practice recommends a maximum period of three years but some organisations choose to do refreshers bi-annually or even yearly.
We recommend that refresher training be provided every two years or when:
• The worker has been observed to operate or work in an unsafe manner.
• The worker has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
• The worker has received an evaluation that reveals that the worker is not operating equipment properly.
• The worker is assigned to operate a different type of machine.
• A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safety.
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Is the VerifyME.kiwi training program approved by WorkSafe?
WorkSafe does not certify, accredit or approve any training programs or trainers. However they do approve Regulations, Code's of Practice and Guidelines that clearly describe the safe way to do things. VerifyME.kiwi training is designed in accordance with all relevant documentation. VerifyME.kiwi only uses experienced and qualified instructors.
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