Plans are in the pipeline to use online training - or e-learning - to develop an active and effective safety culture for the saleyard sector across Australia, says I&I NSW education officer Charlie Bell.

“A new online induction course - recognised across all saleyards - that is easily accessible anywhere, anytime is being developed,” said Mr Bell.

“It is part of a workplace safety system that recognises prior learning but at the same time aims to bring about a change of attitude towards risks and hazards.”

Mr Bell said safety is a major issue when large numbers of permanent, part-time and casual staff, transport operators, contractors, producers, agents and buyers visit or work with livestock and trucks in saleyards every day.

“A nationally-consistent system for induction for all these people is important in order to develop an appreciation of the principles of workplace safety.

“But delivering training to people in diverse and remote locations is a major challenge for saleyard operators.

“To meet the challenge the Australia Livestock Markets Association (ALMA) and Tocal College have started to develop this online OHS induction system.”

Mr Bell said the system would be hosted and operated by Tocal College and would be accessed through the ALMA web site and the web sites of individual saleyards.

“Candidates will register and enrol and be allocated a username and password.

“The system can then be accessed at any time and the candidate will be able to work through the training material and assessment as their own pace.

“The OH and S induction manual developed by the ALMA will form the basis for the online system.”

Mr Bell said the online assessment will be via a series of quizzes which will give candidates feedback while they work through the modules.

“Candidates will be required to meet the minimum pass requirement through the online system to progress to the next stage of assessment.

“They will be issued electronically with a certificate confirming that they have completed the online component of the induction training, and this will be sufficient to gain site access.

“Tocal College will also issue a wallet sized accreditation card as a convenient proof of competence.”

Tocal College will keep all records, keep a register of those who have completed the induction and issue Statement of Attainment for the Units of Competency.

Tocal College has been successful in gaining funding from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework to partially cover the cost of this project.

Tocal College is a Registered Training Organisation under Industry & Investment NSW and is a leader in providing training to the rural industries of Australia.

Contact Charlie Bell, Tocal, (02) 4939 8875 or charlie.bell@industry.nsw.gov.au