WorkCover is reminding people that they can contact WorkCover to check the licence of anyone intending to carry out a WorkCover-licensed activity after a number of fake licences from government agencies were detected across the country.

The licences that WorkCover NSW administers certify that the people carrying out potentially dangerous work are properly trained and are designed to manage the risks to workplace health and safety, with some of them extending to community safety and national security.

These can include licences to operate explosive devices and carrying out fireworks displays, to operate heavy machinery, and to conduct asbestos removal.

It’s important that people have confidence before any potentially high-risk work takes place that those individuals conducting the work are properly trained and licenced.

The warning comes after a number of recent incidents involving people carrying fraudulent licences or documentation.

Fraud can, and is, carried out across Australia and not just at work. But WorkCover is aware of a number of cases currently being investigated and /or prosecuted throughout Australia regarding workplaces.

For example, nine fake high-risk heavy machinery licences have been detected in Western Australia and NSW, and in Victoria there is a matter before the courts relating to a person allegedly operating under a fraudulent high-risk licence.

In March this year WorkCover NSW also successfully prosecuted an asbestos/demolition licence holder under the Crimes Act 1900 for altering the expiry date on an out-of-date licence

If you have a concern about the licence of someone carrying out work for you , one of the quickest ways to confirm their certification is to give WorkCover a call on 13 10 50.