Every Registered Training Organisation approved by WorkSafe Victoria to assess high-risk work (HRW) licence classes — such as forklift, EWP, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, and crane operations — is required to undergo an independent annual compliance audit each year.
The audit must be completed and submitted to WorkSafe Victoria before 31 October each year. Failure to lodge on time can result in suspension or cancellation of your approval to conduct HRW assessments in Victoria.
What the audit covers
The annual WorkSafe Vic audit covers both the RTO and its approved assessors. It is conducted against the WorkSafe Victoria Guidelines and Requirements for Approved RTOs and Approved Assessors, the conditions of your WorkSafe Vic approval, and the relevant Standards for RTOs. WorkSafe Victoria also uses ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management — Principles and Guidelines as the recognised risk-management framework for assessing how RTOs identify, manage and review risk in their HRW assessment operations.
At the RTO level the audit examines:
- Your WorkSafe Victoria approval and the licence classes on scope
- Assessment tools, marking guides and mapping to the licensed units of competency
- Assessment records — including completed practical and knowledge assessments, video/photo evidence and third-party reports
- Plant, equipment and site suitability for each licence class
- Notification of assessments to WorkSafe (NAT forms) and issuing of Notices of Satisfactory Assessment
- Risk management, WHS controls and pre-assessment safety briefings
- Complaints, incident and non-conformance registers
- Record-keeping and retention against WorkSafe Victoria requirements
At the assessor level the audit examines:
- Each approved assessor's WorkSafe Vic approval status and licence classes
- TAE credentials, vocational competency and current industry experience
- Ongoing professional development and calibration between assessors
- Consistency of assessment decisions across the assessor cohort
Why RTO Intelligence
RTO Intelligence is an approved independent auditor for WorkSafe Victoria and is authorised to conduct the annual compliance audits required of RTOs holding WorkSafe Vic approval to assess high-risk work licence classes.
Our lead auditor is registered with WorkSafe Victoria, holds current TAE credentials, and has extensive experience across the licensed HRW units — meaning the audit is rigorous, defensible, and delivered in a way that also strengthens your ASQA compliance position.
We deliver:
- A full independent audit of both the RTO and its approved assessors
- The completed audit report in the format WorkSafe Victoria expects
- A prioritised rectification plan for any findings
- Direct support to close out non-compliances before the 31 October deadline
- Optional bundled review of your ASQA obligations for the same licensed units
When to book
We recommend booking your annual WorkSafe Vic audit between July and September to allow time to rectify any findings before the 31 October lodgement deadline. Late bookings can still be accommodated — but the closer to the deadline, the less room there is to address issues.
For more information or to book your WorkSafe Vic audit, call 1300 833 424 or book a discovery call.
WorkSafe Victoria Audits — FAQs
Who needs a WorkSafe Victoria annual audit?+
Every RTO approved by WorkSafe Victoria to conduct assessments for high-risk work (HRW) licence classes — including forklift (LF/LO), elevating work platforms (WP), scaffolding, dogging, rigging and crane classes — must undergo an independent annual compliance audit.
When is the WorkSafe Vic audit due?+
The completed audit must be lodged with WorkSafe Victoria before 31 October each year. We recommend booking between July and September so any findings can be rectified before the deadline.
Is RTO Intelligence approved by WorkSafe Victoria to conduct these audits?+
Yes. RTO Intelligence is an approved independent auditor for WorkSafe Victoria and our lead auditor is registered with WorkSafe Vic to conduct the annual compliance audit for RTOs holding HRW assessor approval.
What happens if we miss the 31 October deadline?+
WorkSafe Victoria can suspend or cancel your approval to assess HRW licence classes, which stops you issuing Notices of Satisfactory Assessment and can trigger ASQA scrutiny of your RTO registration.
What standards is the audit conducted against?+
The audit covers both the RTO and its approved assessors. It is conducted against the WorkSafe Victoria Guidelines and Requirements for Approved RTOs and Approved Assessors, the conditions of your WorkSafe Vic approval, and the relevant Standards for RTOs. WorkSafe Victoria uses ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management — Principles and Guidelines as the recognised risk-management framework for assessing risk management in HRW assessment operations.
Can you also audit our ASQA compliance for the same licensed units?+
Yes. Because the HRW licensed units sit on your RTO scope, we can bundle the WorkSafe Vic audit with an internal ASQA-style audit of the same units at a discounted combined rate.