Streamlined screening for the construction industry. White Card verification, drug testing, high-risk work licences, and police checks for commercial and residential building projects.
Overview
The Australian construction industry employs over 1.3 million workers and is one of the highest-risk sectors for workplace incidents. Safe Work Australia and state WHS regulators mandate comprehensive pre-employment screening to ensure every worker entering a construction site holds the necessary qualifications and clearances.
The Construction Induction Card (White Card — CPCWHS1001) is the baseline requirement for any person performing construction work. Beyond this, workers in high-risk roles must hold specific licences for operating cranes, scaffolding, rigging, and working at heights. Many principal contractors also require drug and alcohol screening and police checks as site entry conditions.
Refchecks helps construction companies, principal contractors, and labour hire firms verify White Cards, high-risk work licences, trade qualifications, and police checks in a single automated workflow — ensuring site compliance before workers arrive on day one.
Compliance
Every person performing construction work must hold a current Construction Induction Card (White Card). The card is nationally recognised but issued by each state or territory's WHS regulator. Workers must carry their card on site at all times.
SafeWork Australia / State WHS Regulators
Workers performing high-risk construction work — including crane operation, scaffolding, rigging, dogging, and work on pressurised equipment — must hold a High Risk Work Licence for the specific class of work being performed.
SafeWork Australia
Most principal contractors mandate pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing as a condition of site access. Testing typically follows AS/NZS 4308 (urine) or AS/NZS 4760 (oral fluid) standards.
Principal Contractors under WHS Regulations
Increasingly required for construction workers, particularly on government projects, infrastructure builds, and developments near schools or sensitive sites. Some states mandate police checks for specific construction licences.
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)
Licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, gas fitting) must hold current state-issued trade licences. Employers are required to verify licence status before allowing licensed work to be performed.
State Fair Trading / Building Authorities
Required Checks
FAQ
Related Industries
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