Free Verification of Competency (Order Picker) Template

Purpose of the Free Verification of Competency (Order Picker) Template

This Free Verification of Competency (Order Picker) Template provides a structured framework for assessing and confirming that a worker can operate an order picking forklift safely and competently in your specific workplace. Holding a High Risk Work Licence (LO class) is the first step, proving a worker has met the national standard.

A VOC goes further by verifying their ability to apply that knowledge to the unique equipment, environment, and procedures of your site. It is a critical tool for any Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to meet their primary duty of care obligations under WHS legislation.

Using a standardised template helps ensure that assessments are conducted consistently and fairly for all operators. It creates a documented record of the assessment, which is essential for demonstrating due diligence.

This process helps identify any gaps in knowledge or skill, allowing for targeted retraining before an incident occurs. While this document is specific to order pickers, similar principles apply to other equipment, as shown in our Verification of Competency for a Rough Terrain Forklift.

How to use the Free Verification of Competency (Order Picker) Template

Using this template involves a straightforward process. First, download the document in your preferred format (DOCX for easy editing or PDF).

The next and most critical step is customisation. You must adapt the content to align with the specific make and model of order picker used on your site, the layout of your warehouse or facility, your documented safe work procedures, and any specific hazards present.

The assessor should use the customised checklist to observe the operator performing tasks, from pre-start checks through to operational manoeuvres and shutdown procedures.

The assessment should include both a theory component to test knowledge and a practical observation to verify skills. The assessor documents their findings directly on the form, noting areas of competence and any areas requiring improvement.

Upon completion, the form should be signed by both the operator and the assessor, and a copy should be retained in the worker's training file.

Please note: This template provides a solid foundation, but it is essential that you customise it to reflect the specific order picker models, workplace environment, policies, and procedures unique to your organisation. For guidance on tailoring safety documents to your specific needs, you may consider engaging specialist WHS consulting services.

When to use it

A Verification of Competency is not a one-time event. It should be integrated into your safety management system and conducted at several key points. Common triggers for conducting an order picker VOC include:

• Pre-employment or prior to starting: To ensure a new worker is competent on your specific equipment before they begin work unsupervised.
• Post-incident: As part of an investigation following a near miss or incident involving an order picker to identify and correct any unsafe behaviours or knowledge gaps.
• Introduction of new equipment: When a new make or model of order picker is introduced, even experienced operators should be assessed on the new machine.
• Observed unsafe behaviour: If a supervisor or manager observes an operator performing a task unsafely or deviating from procedure.
• Periodic re-assessment: As part of a scheduled competency review program (e.g., every 2-3 years) to ensure skills remain current.

Integrating VOCs into comprehensive WHS management systems ensures a proactive approach to risk management, rather than a reactive one. This systematic process helps maintain a high standard of safety and operational discipline across your workforce.

Who should use it

This template is designed for use by individuals responsible for workplace safety and operator competence. This typically includes:

• Supervisors and Line Managers: Those who directly oversee order picker operators and are responsible for their day-to-day safety.
• WHS/OHS Managers and Advisors: Safety professionals responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring safety procedures and compliance.
• Trainers and Assessors: Internal or external personnel tasked with conducting training and competency assessments for plant and equipment.

Crucially, the person conducting the VOC must be competent themselves. This means they must possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience with the specific order picker to make an informed judgement about the operator's abilities.

They should be familiar not only with the machine's operation but also with the principles of competency-based assessment. This same principle applies when assessing operators on other types of specialised machinery, such as that covered in the Verification of Competency for a cherry picker.

By systematically verifying skills for different types of equipment, such as with a mini excavator VOC template or this order picker form, organisations build a robust framework for plant safety. For a wider range of checklists and forms, you can browse our complete free WHS resources library.