Free Skid-Steer Loader VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
Download our free Skid-Steer Loader VOC Template:
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Purpose of a Skid-Steer Loader VOC Document
Skid-Steer Loader VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in Skid-Steer Loader use. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness through effective training and competency procedures. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.
How to Use
This Skid-Steer Loader VOC should be completed by a competent person in consultation with the trainee who will use the plant.
This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that may need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
Skid-Steer Loader VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Skid-Steer Loader VOCs must be completed by someone who is familiar with operation of the piece of plant or equipment. This person should also be competent in training and assessment methods.
Legal Considerations
There is no specific legal requirement to complete a documented Verification of Competency (VOC). However, it is best practice, especially for larger companies. It can help meet general legal duties, including:
- s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
- s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
- s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
- s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)
The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must ensure workers are trained and have the appropriate skills to carry out a particular task safely.
FAQ
What is a skid-steer loader?
A skid-steer loader is a compact, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach various attachments. It operates using skid-steer steering, where wheels on each side turn independently to maneuver, making it versatile for construction, landscaping, and agricultural tasks in tight spaces.
What is a skid-steer loader used for?
A skid-steer loader is a compact machine used for material handling in construction, landscaping, and agriculture. It features lift arms and attachments for tasks like digging, lifting, and grading, valued for versatility and maneuverability in tight spaces.
What hazards are involved in skid-steer loader use?
Many hazards exist in skid-steer loader operation, for example:
- Rollover/Tipping Over
- Struck-By Accidents
- Pinching/Crushing
- Injuries
- Falls
- Collisions
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials
To mitigate these hazards, proper training, adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and thorough site inspections are essential.
Do you need a license to operate a skid-steer loader?
Legally, you only require a license to operate “high-risk plant” (usually). For other types of plant or equipment, the level of training provided should be suitable considering “the nature of the work, the nature of the risks and the control measures required” – WHS regulations s(39). That is, for plant that poses no or minimal risks, there may be very little training required. As the risks of the plant increases, the requirement for training also increases.
To demonstrate competence in skid-steer loader operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/RIIMPO318F.
Did you know?
Skid steer loaders, compact and maneuverable machines, have numerous applications and are widely used in Australia. These versatile vehicles are designed with a small frame and a set of durable wheels or tracks. Skid steer loaders feature a swiveling mechanism that allows them to turn within their own footprint, making them ideal for tight spaces and construction sites with limited access.
In Australia, skid steer loaders are commonly employed in construction, agriculture, landscaping, and other industries. Their ability to switch between various attachments, such as buckets, forks, and augers, makes them highly adaptable for tasks like digging, lifting, and transporting materials efficiently.
Article Sources and Further Reading
Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>