WHSQ and Queensland Police crackdown on forged licences

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s (WHSQ) Licensing Operations and Compliance (LOC) unit has recently acted on reports from several sources regarding suspected forged high-risk work (HRW) licences.

In response, WHSQ referred the matter to the Queensland Police Service for further investigation under section 271 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. It is illegal and unsafe to perform high risk work without a valid licence and penalties can include fines and criminal records.

Queensland Police have since advised that two individuals have been formally charged, while investigations into two other suspects are ongoing. One of the individuals is facing multiple charges under the Criminal Code Act 1899.

These developments highlight the importance of vigilance and that employers should verify licences. You can verify licences online via the WHSQ high-risk work licence register.

It is also good practice to always request to see the original physical HRW licence card. Electronic copies should not be accepted.

More information

If you ever have doubts about the authenticity of a high-risk work licence, please contact WHSQ on 1300 362 128 to speak with a customer service officer.