Can you spot a falsified license?

 
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Falsified licenses present a serious issue within the industry as untrained workers are a risk to not only themselves but those around them if they inadequately carry out work or engage in unsafe practices. High risk work classes include: rigging, dogging, scaffolding, cranes and hoists, concrete placing booms, boilers and other pressure equipment, and fork-lifts.

Warnings have been issued by WorkSafe WA to remind businesses to check high-risk licenses before engaging the license holders.  WorkSafe WA Commissioner Ian Munns stated WorkSafe WA have seen licenses that “had been altered to include classes of high-risk work for which the license holder had not been trained… Upon investigation, it was found that the license that had been issued was only for one class of high-risk work, not the five it showed”. The license holder was caught when applying for a license transfer from WA to NT.

Here’s what you can do to check whether the license is falsified:

  1. Always sight the original license card
    It is not only highly recommended but imperative to the safety of your business that you are able to examine an original copy of the license. Sometimes an emailed, scanned or texted photograph of the license can be a sign of tampering or falsification of qualifications. A visual examination of the original can also allow you to see clearly any mistakes or inconsistencies that have been made if alteration has occurred.

  2. Look out for general inconsistencies
    Many falsified licenses have different sized fonts where the additional text has been added. Some also include commas when legitimate licenses do not. By generally looking closer at the license one can often pick out falsified information.

  3. Check the WorkSafe WA registration data base
    WorkSafe WA have provide a license and registration database that is linked here. You can confirm the details on a high-risk work license in their database.

It’s important that you report falsified licenses when you see them. WorkSafe WA advise that all cases of fraud should be referred to the relevant Police authorities.

Would you be able to spot a falsified license? Don’t put your business and workers at risk; check licenses and other qualifications. For businesses assessments tailored to your company and operations, contact us. Our iSafe Assessments identify areas of risk so you can see where to improve and where you may be exposed.

Alicja Gibert