12 Nov 2024
New edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers introduced
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has achieved a significant milestone this month with the introduction of the new edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers (the Standard).
The revised Standard incorporates the latest evidence and expert advice to guide rail transport operators in managing the risks posed by the ill-health of rail safety workers. The new edition came into effect on 11 November 2024.
According to the new Standard only Authorised Health Professionals (AHPs) trained in the new Standard and registered as AHPs with the new AHP Program can conduct health assessments.
The review of the Standard provided an opportunity for RISSB and stakeholders to assess the AHP Program and improve the program’s overall quality, assurance, governance and information accuracy. RISSB launched the new AHP Program back in August in preparation for the introduction of the new Standard.
Trained and registered AHP’s can now manage their own data in the new system, meaning that rail industry workers and rail transport operators can easily search for trained and registered AHP’s to perform health assessments for rail safety workers.
This significant milestone was achieved through the close collaboration of NTC, Metro Trains Australia (MTA) and RISSB over the last 12 months, with input from Rail Transport Operators and the Chief Medical Officers Council (CMOC), to ensure the program meets the needs of AHPs and industry.
The AHP Program review also provided an opportunity to improve the quality, consistency and access of the training provided to AHPs. RISSB has since developed a new eLearning online portal for new AHPs in collaboration with NTC, MTA and CMOC which will launch in early December 2024.
What are the benefits of the new eLearning online portal for AHPs?
The new portal provides a more accessible and effective training solution for AHPs and is supported by CMOC. It is designed to:
- Provide consistent, high-quality training for all AHPs entering the program.
- Be easy to access using a user-friendly and interactive training platform.
- Be completed at a time and location that suits AHPs.
- Enable the training modules to be updated in line with technical developments and user feedback.
What steps do new AHPs need to take to be trained and authorised to conduct rail safety worker health assessments?
- Register to attend a briefing session with a Chief Medical Officer.
- Register and pay for the AHP Program Membership.
- Complete the online onboarding training and assessment.
- Update your details and become listed on the AHP list.
- Renew your membership every year and complete the annual online assessment.
The changes to the AHP Program and the training provided to AHPs are designed to ensure the rail industry’s approach to rail worker safety remains contemporary and supports the highest levels of safety for industry.
For more information about the program and fees, click HERE or reach out to contact@ahpprogram.com.au.