Information for high risk work licence applicants

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This page answers the most common questions asked by high risk work licence applicants.

When will my application be finalised

Application processing times vary depending on the volume of applications being received and the completeness of the application submitted.

If your application is missing details or does not meet the required standard you will receive an email and or text message from a licensing officer. Please ensure you monitor your messages, including junk mail folders, for any messages. 

Can I work while my application is being considered?

The answer is usually yes. You can work while your high risk work licence application is being considered if you meet the requirements detailed below. 

New high risk work licence

If you have applied for a new high risk work licence you can begin work in the licence class you have applied for if:

  1. Your application was accepted (payment of the application fee has been made/taken), and
  2. You have been issued with both a Statement of Attainment and Notice of Satisfactory Assessment for the VET course relevant to the class of high risk work you are applying for, and
  3. The date of issue for both the Statement of Attainment and Notice of Satisfactory Assessment is no more than 60 days before the date your application was accepted.

If your application is refused you must stop work under that class of licence within 28 days of being notified of the refusal.

Add a class to an existing high risk work licence

If you have applied for a new class of high risk work licence you can begin work in the new class if:

  1. Your application was accepted (payment of the application fee has been made/taken), and
  2. You have been issued with both a Statement of Attainment and Notice of Satisfactory Assessment for the VET course relevant to the class of high risk work you are applying for, and
  3. The date of issue for both the Statement of Attainment and Notice of Satisfactory Assessment is no more than 60 days before the date your application was accepted.

If your application is refused you must stop work under that class of licence within 28 days of being notified of the refusal.

Renew a high risk work licence

If you apply to renew your high risk work licence before it expires you can continue to work until you are advised of the outcome of your application, even if your licence expires.

Renew your interstate high risk work licence in WA

If you apply to renew your interstate high risk work licence in WA and you apply before it expires, you can continue to work until you are advised of the outcome of your application, even if your licence expires.

Probity questions 

The Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 required high risk work licence applicants to disclose information about any current or previous licences held anywhere in Australia. The following information is provided to help applicant to answer these questions correctly. Answering yes to these questions does not necessarily mean the application will not be granted. Answering the questions falsely or inaccurately will result in the application being refused or any licence granted as a result may be cancelled. 

Do you have a high risk work licence with the same class/es you are applying for in another State/Territory in Australia?

The legislation prohibits a person from holding duplicate high risk work licences in two different states/territories. A high risk work licence from another state or territory can be used in WA or it can be transferred to WA using the Interstate Transfer application form.

Have you ever been convicted or found guilty of any offence under Work Health and Safety legislation in Australia?

Offences are not limited only to those related to high risk work. Any conviction you disclose will be considered along with any supporting information you can provide in support of the application. Things that may be considered include the seriousness of the offence, and how long it has been since the offence.

Have you ever entered into an enforceable undertaking under Work Health and Safety legislation in Australia?

An enforceable undertaking is a legally binding agreement between a person or business and the WorkSafe regulator where the person agrees to do certain things in order to comply with the law. Enforceable undertakings are an option for significant matters where there are reasonable grounds for believing the person or business is willing to cooperate and rectify the situation without the need for litigation.

Have you ever been refused a high risk work licence in Australia?

Any refusal you disclose will be considered along with any supporting information you can provide in support of the application. Things that may be considered include the seriousness of the circumstances that led to the refusal, and how long it has been since the refusal.

Have you previously held a high risk work licence in Australia?

If yes:

  • were any conditions imposed on the licence?
  • was that licence suspended or cancelled?
  • were you disqualified from applying for any licence?

Any conditions, suspension, cancellation or disqualification you disclose will be considered along with any supporting information you can provide in support of the application. Things that may be considered include the seriousness of the circumstances, and how long it has been since you last held a high risk work licence. If your previous licence had no conditions, was not suspended or cancelled or if you have not previously been disqualified then your application will not be affected.

If you answered yes to any of the above question you will need to provide details including which state or territory and when and attach to your application.

Application guide

An applicant guide has been published to give more detailed information to help applicants

Application guide - Application for high risk work

 

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