Rail Industry Worker Card Qld

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Carlito Roby

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Aug 3, 2024, 5:42:16 PM8/3/24

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The Rail Industry Worker (RIW) program provides a single online competency management system for Australian rail workers, making it easier for you to move from project to project, and across state borders.

RIW was developed by the ARA and is operated by our service provider Metro Trains Australia. Together, we are delivering a national approach to competency management to make it easier for rail organisations to meet the requirements of national rail safety law and regulations.

RIW has established national role matrices to outline the competencies required to hold certain roles. In most cases this process has simplified competency requirements and created more consistency across operators participating in the program.

There are four matrices that form part of the program: the national track and civil matrix; national plant matrix; national trades matrix; and national operator roles matrix. You can view the matrices here.

Our governance committees are made up of representatives from accredited rail transport operators, infrastructure organisations and principal contractor organisations. Our governance structure is divided into three functioning committees, each with a different purpose:

We represent more than 230 member organisations including passenger and freight operators, track owners and managers, suppliers, manufacturers, contractors and consultants. Members include listed and private rail-related companies, government agencies and franchisees.

The Australasian Railway Association acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Australia, and their continuing connections to the land, waters and communities. We pay our respects to them and to their elders past, present and emerging.

By law, every person working on the PTA network must be able to provide proof of currency of the required track access accreditation level. To meet this requirement all workers on the network must hold and carry a valid Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card.

RIW is a national competency management system for rail workers. It is owned by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and endorsed by all of its member organisations.The system is provided by Metro Trains Australia. More information about the program can be found on the RIW website.

The PTA acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

An RIW (Rail Industry Worker) card is a credential that is linked to your RIW profile. It serves as a means to verify and assure Network Operators, Principal Contractors, and other rail contractors that you possess the necessary fitness, qualifications, and competence to work within the rail industry. The RIW card allows you to gain access to a worksite by swiping it, where your RIW profile is instantly checked for compliance against the specific site requirements established by the rail Network Operator or Principal Contractor.

Your RIW profile is required to be managed by an employer who is registered in the RIW System. This employer could be the company you work for or, in the case of a sole trader, yourself. Your RIW profile serves as a repository for your competencies, qualifications, job roles, and rail health (medical) assessments.

You have the option to monitor your RIW profile using myRIW, where you can check the status of your current and expiring competencies, review the status of your rail health assessments, and also access information about your site access history. Furthermore, you can control which companies are authorised to view or manage your profile and access your details through the myRIW platform.

Obtaining a Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card is essential for several reasons, primarily focusing on safety, compliance, and access within the Australian rail industry. Here are key reasons why you need an RIW card:

In summary, having an RIW card is crucial for ensuring your safety, complying with industry regulations, gaining access to specific work sites, meeting job requirements, and establishing your qualifications within the rail sector. It not only enhances your employability but also contributes to a safer and more efficient rail network.

Getting your Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card involves a series of structured steps to ensure that you meet the industry's safety and competency standards. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to obtain your RIW card:

Complete the necessary training courses related to your designated role. Training typically includes safety awareness, specific job competencies, and other industry-specific modules (see below for further information). View Rail Courses here: >> Rail Courses

Schedule and undergo a medical assessment. The level of medical assessment required may vary depending on your role, with categories ranging from 1 to 3. This ensures you meet the health standards necessary for your position. Learn more here: >> Rail Workers Safety Medicals

Gather and submit all required documents, including certificates from completed training, proof of identification, and the results of your medical assessment. Ensure that your documentation aligns with industry standards.

Visit the official RIW system website or the website of the relevant accredited service provider. Complete the online application form, providing accurate and up-to-date information. Click here to view the RIW website: >> RIW

ATS is here to provide expert support throughout this process. Our team ensures that you navigate each step seamlessly, offering guidance on training requirements, documentation, and the online application process. Count on ATS to streamline your RIW card journey, enhancing your readiness and compliance in the dynamic rail industry.

For individuals intending to work within or in proximity to the Australian rail industry, holding an RIWC is typically a requirement. If you are planning to pursue a career in the rail sector and are seeking an RIWC, we recommend completing the following prerequisites within VICTORIA:

For a small monthly fee, GoRail can manage the RIW or RSW account for your company. We will send you a report every month so you will never have workers off the job due to forgotten expiry dates. Plus, we can go through the whole set-up process for new employees, so you can concentrate on the parts of your business that you do best. WIN/WIN!

The RIW portal can be a challenging site to navigate at times but with the help and guidance provided by Terina it made the whole process that much easier. I have found Terina to be very professional and she always goes that extra mile in providing assistance. I would highly recommend the GoRail service to anyone that is trying to navigate the RIW portal.

Owned by the Australian Railway Association (ARA), the RIW Program helps to make sure that Rail Organisations can easily see that workers meet the requirements to work safely. The RIW Program does this by keeping an electronic record of workers medical fitness, as well as their records of compliance with training and education.

If you have your virtual card and any approved job roles assigned, then you MAY be able to commence work. You will need to confirm with your Employer as they will need to clarify with their Contract Owner or Network Rail Operator contact if this is acceptable.

We will provide advice where we can, but it is always suggested that you confirm with your Employer, Contract Owners and/or Network Rail Operators what you require. The ARA and Rail Network Operators have job role competency matrices that must be adhered to and determine what you must hold to perform your work.

You can complete your SARC or RISI with GoTrain. For all Network Rail Operators there are specific inductions that they require you to do in addition to the SARC/RISI. We can provide advice as to how to access these for completion.

Dial 1300 698 158 and our friendly team will answer your questions and get your RIW/RSW Card application started today. Alternatively, send us an email at: gor...@gotrain.com.au or complete the enquiry form and we will get back to you soon.

By law, everyone working within a rail reserve must be able to provide proof of competency. As a member of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), John Holland has been working with the industry to develop a competency management solution for employees and contractors. The Rail Industry Worker (RIW) program provides a single nationally recognised competency management system for rail workers and is owned and endorsed by the ARA.

All contractors performing rail safety work on rail industry work sites across Australia hold a current Rail Industry Worker Card. In addition, they are expected to fulfil a minimum of one role with the associated competencies. These specific roles and competencies are outlined in the ARA National Matrices, available here.

The RIW website contains self-help quick guides and video walkthroughs, as well as a comprehensive FAQ section covering many topics. Meanwhile, the RIW Service Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1300 101 682 or emailing in...@riw.net.au.

The Rail Industry Worker program went live in March 2013 and has been endorsed by a number of major rail operators across the country. The program is owned and endorsed by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), of which Queensland Rail is a member, to provide a single national competency management system for everyone working in the rail industry. It meets regulatory requirements and complies with national rail safety laws.

If you intend to undertake rail safety work for Queensland Rail or the work you are contracted to perform (which may not be rail safety work) on behalf of Queensland Rail falls within the rail corridor, you will need to apply for a RIW card.