Before working in the construction industry, students must:

• complete work health and safety induction training
• obtain a general construction induction card (white card).
  • The training package mandates delivery and assessment via face to face or real time audio and visual media. The department recognises the validity of both forms of delivery and assessment. Schools are in the best position to understand the learning style of their students when determining the mode of delivery of the white card, ensuring the safety of the student is paramount.
  • Where a student has obtained a White Card issued by another state, the school must undertake additional actions to meet its duty of care obligations. 
  • A white card is not valid if the student has not undertaken work in the construction industry, such as workplace learning, in the 2 years since the white card was issued.

Where there is concern regarding the student’s ability to manage their own safety and the safety of others on a construction site, irrespective of holding a White Card, the school principal should not approve the activity. Ultimately, the school principal is responsible for meeting duty of care requirements. 

Workplace supervisors must carry out an induction for students, including training in procedures and how to manage site-specific risks. Handling and operating of all tools and equipment must be explained, along with associated risk management.

Some tools and equipment are prohibited, contact the school or EVET provider for further information.

Working with horses and livestock can be dangerous, no matter how experienced the student. Any workplace learning involving horses or livestock needs extreme caution.

Horses

Schools must comply with the following additional precautions for students working or riding horses during workplace learning.

• Host employers must follow the SafeWork NSW code of practice 'Managing risks when new or inexperienced riders or handlers interact with horses in the workplace'. Schools should keep records in accordance with the factors described in the code of practice:
  • Appendix B – assessing a horse
  • Appendix C – assessing a new or inexperienced rider or handler who will interact with horses in the workplace.

Livestock

Students must learn how to reduce the risk of Q fever infection and receive the NSW Health – Q fever fact sheet before attending.

Additionally, students must not be exposed to Q fever bacteria through:

• observing or assisting with animal birthing
• handling birth products
• cleaning up birth products and animal excreta
• handling an animal's carcass.

Students can't drive the cars or trucks of employers, clients or their own during workplace learning.

Quad bikes, 2-wheel motorbikes and farm vehicles

Schools and EVET providers must undertake the following precautions before students use farm vehicles, quad bikes or motorbikes.

• Students must successfully complete the appropriately accredited training course for the operation and maintenance of the machinery and equipment. This includes tractors, implements, equipment attached to a tractor power take-off, side-by-side utility vehicles and so on.
  • Students with a long record of safe use of quad bikes or motor bikes on farms might not need to complete accredited training. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis.
• Host employers complete a risk assessment to ensure the activity is safe for students. These are submitted to the school or EVET manager before workplace learning approval.
• Students must be closely supervised when using any vehicles, machinery or equipment.
• When riding quad bikes and motorbikes, students must be at least 16 and wear:
  • an approved helmet with strap fastened
  • eye protection such as goggles
  • hand protection such as gloves
  • a long-sleeved shirt and full-length pants
  • sturdy footwear such as boots.

Students with little or no experience mustn't operate vehicles, machinery or equipment unless the host employer has demonstrated substantial experience in providing quality training to manage the student under close supervision.

Golf carts

A risk assessment must be conducted prior to students driving golf carts. Students are to be closely supervised.