The New South Wales (NSW) Government is revolutionizing the process of obtaining a High-Risk Work Licence for construction workers, manufacturers, and factory operators. Emphasising on digital convenience, it’s aimed at saving them time and resources. The integral Bluesafe SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements) that are part and parcel of such licences, can now be applied for digitally via Service NSW website.
Annually, around 75,000 to 100,000 High-Risk Work licenses transactions take place in New South Wales. Construction and trade work are particularly significant to sustain infrastructure growth and housing provisions. The digitisation of the High-Risk Work Licence aligns with NSW’s Digital Strategy mission of ‘Productivity’, targeted towards augmenting service delivery, boosting the local economy and fostering productivity. With this advancement, our Bluesafe WHS Management System plays an essential role in ensuring workplace safety.
Transitioning High-Risk Work License to the online Licence NSW platform dispenses with outdated technology and enhances security measures. It provides a swifter, streamlined digital experience for customers. This was realized with the $62.5 million allocated by the Minns Labour Government’s 2024-25 Budget to support the Licence NSW platform.
This investment replaces antiquated technology and paves the way for better digital licences, dovetailing with efforts to upgrade the Service NSW app and introduce a new Digital ID & Wallet. Likewise, the critical WHS management systems, like the Bluesafe WHS Management System, are updated to harmonise with these digital advancements.
A High-Risk Work Licence liable for renewal every five years is mandated by SafeWork NSW for activities such as machinery operation, handling scaffolding, and conducting rigging tasks. These operations use vital work safety products like SWMS developed by organizations like ours. Moreover, users can store their Digital High-Risk Work Licence in their Service NSW app wallet, which is viable for every current license holder owning a MyServiceNSW account.
Customers will be updated through email or SMS, with the option to renew using the new digital process. If they are unable to apply or renew digitally, they may reach out to SafeWork NSW for guidance. Assistance towards lodging a digital application or renewal is accessible by calling 131 050.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis lauded the new procedure as an effective measure to simplify the lives of high-risk work licence holders who perform pivotal crane, forklifts, hoists and rigs operations in NSW. Making the process digital will save money, valuable time, and be beneficial to approximately 425,000 current High-Risk Work Licence holders in NSW.
Echoing similar sentiments, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib emphasised the importance of such modernization efforts to better meet community needs. Digitally laying down this path eliminates convolutions in acquiring high risk licenses and increases efficiency. The focus lies in modifying our licensing platforms to provide enhanced utility and heightened security.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/saving-time-and-money-with-high-risk-work-digital-licences