Competency Structure: the card system

Cards are issued to employees in accordance with the level of health and safety training they have achieved. They are used to demonstrate that a predetermined training level has been attained. The training 'route map' is set out in schematic form - click here to download.

Card issuing and employee record keeping are undertaken by Operate Safe. Issue of Induction Cards is based on notifications received from employers; issue of higher level cards is based on notification from NZQA that appropriate unit standards have been obtained.

An outline of the different levels is as follows:

The Red Induction Card is for all permanent onsite employees. It is issued on completion of the Site Safe Civil Passport, the employer's company induction (download checklist form here) and any specific site and/or work task inductions. Trial of a co-branded Operate Safe/SiteSafe Red Card is underway and will be launched when the trial is complete. Employees who are not required to hold a Bronze Card must renew their Red Card every two years, as well as attending a bi-annual one day Health & Safety Update Course.

The Red Card does not need to be renewed for employees already holding the Bronze Card, or for those currently studying for Bronze, nor for employees of ACC WSMP Tertiary Accredited contractors undertaking the necessary in-house or external H&S training to meet the ACC requirements. They are, however, required to undertake the five modules of the in-house Operate Safe Health & Safety Update Course every two years. This may be reviewed as part of any ACC WSMP Tertiary requirements. Employers download Red Card application form from here.

The Bronze Card is for those permanent employees who are responsible for plant or machinery; who work on their own or in remote locations; or who lead small work teams. Qualifying involves obtaining specified minimum Unit Standards (totalling 20 Credits), described as the Limited Credit Programme (LCP). Much of the training (in some cases all of it) can be undertaken on-site, using workbooks that will be issued to employers. Employees are also required to undertake the five modules of the in-house Operate Safe Health & Safety Update Course every two years. This may be reviewed as part of any ACC WSMP Tertiary requirements. Employers download Bronze Card application form from here.

The Silver Card is for forepersons, supervisors and plant operators who have responsibility for a site and for other employees, and who have already obtained a Bronze Card. Qualifying for the Silver Card involves obtaining specified minimum Unit Standards totalling 54 Credits, which is the minimum required to achieve the Level 3 National Certificate). Employees are also required to undertake the five modules of the in-house Operate Safe Health & Safety Update Course every two years. This may be reviewed as part of any ACC WSMP Tertiary requirements. Employers download Silver Card application form from here.

Development is currently underway for the Gold Card, which will be required by senior/management level staff with H&S responsibilities. Details will be posted on this website as soon as they are available.

Training Guidelines for the card system are contained in a downloadable PDF. Any further enquiries should be made to Operate Safe, either by email or by phoning 04 471 1184.