Construction workers in NSW and WA need a White Card — the general construction induction card issued after completing CPCWHS1001 'Prepare to work safely in the construction industry'. Tasks like operating forklifts, cranes and hoists, dogging and rigging also need a high risk work licence appropriate to the task. Traffic controllers need accreditation for the state where they work — NSW requirements in Sydney and WA requirements in Perth.
Tickets are how a site proves the people on it are trained for what they are doing. For builders, getting it wrong means stop-work notices, fines and — worst of all — injuries.
Here is a plain-English summary of the tickets you will see most on NSW and WA sites. Always check the current requirements with SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe WA and the relevant road authority for your specific task.
What Is A White Card?
A White Card is proof that a person has completed general construction induction training. It is required for anyone who carries out construction work in NSW and is recognised in every Australian state and territory.
A White Card does not expire, but if the holder has not carried out construction work for two consecutive years, they must complete the training again before returning to site.
Every construction worker Labour Pro Group places holds a current White Card.
Which Tasks Need A High Risk Work Licence?
High risk work licences (HRWL) are required for tasks where a mistake can be catastrophic: operating forklifts and order pickers, cranes and hoists, dogging, rigging, scaffolding and boom-type elevating work platforms with a boom of 11 metres or more. Licences are renewed every five years.
The table below lists the classes you will meet most often. A person training for a licence may only perform that work under direct supervision of a licence holder.
| Licence Class | Covers | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| LF | Forklift truck | Warehouses, yards, material handling |
| LO | Order-picking forklift | Warehouse picking at height |
| DG | Dogging | Slinging loads, directing crane operators |
| RB / RI / RA | Rigging (basic / intermediate / advanced) | Structural steel, precast, hoists |
| HP / HM | Personnel & materials hoist / materials hoist | Multi-storey construction |
| C2, C6, C1, C0, CN, CV | Crane classes by type and capacity | Lifts on site |
| WP | Boom-type EWP (boom 11m or more) | Work at height |
| SB / SI / SA | Scaffolding (basic / intermediate / advanced) | Erecting and dismantling scaffold |
What About Traffic Control, Confined Spaces And Heights?
Traffic controllers need the accreditation required in NSW for Sydney sites or WA for Perth sites. Confined space entry and working at heights are covered by nationally recognised training units rather than a licence, and many sites require them as a condition of entry.
Your site's safe work method statements (SWMS) and principal contractor rules decide exactly what is required. Share them with your labour hire provider when you book.
What Should You Check At Sign-In?
Sight the White Card and photo ID, check any HRWL class matches the task, confirm the licence has not expired, and record it in your site register. Do it every time, for every worker — including labour hire.
See our Site Induction Checklist for a full sign-in and induction routine.
Quick Answers
Does A White Card Expire In NSW?
No. A White Card does not expire, but a holder who has not done construction work for two consecutive years must complete the general construction induction training again.
Is An Interstate White Card Valid In NSW?
Yes. General construction induction cards issued in other Australian states and territories are recognised in NSW.
Do You Need A Licence To Drive A Forklift In NSW?
Yes. Operating a forklift requires an LF high risk work licence, or LO for an order-picking forklift.
How Long Is A High Risk Work Licence Valid?
High risk work licences are issued for five years and must be renewed before they expire.
Where To Next
General information only, current at the date above. Check requirements for your specific site with the relevant regulator.