The “National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work” is expected to start late this year subject to government approval.

The changes are aimed at making high-risk work safer and training, assessment and licensing consistent nation-wide.

Olympic Dam vice-president of health, safety and environment, John Hatty, said BHP Billiton was happy to support changes that increased worker safety.

“We believe uniform national regulations are a good thing for safety in Australia. “Employees and employers will benefit from the assurance that competent people are completing work where the risk of injury or loss is high.”

He said BHP Billiton would ensure workers comply with the changes and it was working with Safework SA inspectors to ensure all the changes were made.

“We are confident that Olympic Dam will transition to the new licensing system with minimal disruption to either the operation or any employees and do so ahead of scheduled time-frames.

“We welcome the new licensing system and will ensure that our operations comply with them.”

Changes include a new license for high-risk workers - a small plastic card with photo identification, similar to a driver’s license, issued to be consistent and valid across Australia.

Unlike current competency certificates or old style “tickets”, the new license will require renewal every five years, at which time the license holder will need to provide evidence they have maintained their skills.

A person must be 18 or older to get a new national license. Operating a self-erecting tower crane and forklift will also be classed as high-risk.

At this stage no action is necessary, SafeWork SA will provide more detailed information on the changes before the start date. For more information visit www.safework.sa.gov.au or call 8303 9991.