New AHP Program supports the implementation of rail safety worker health assessments
Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB) and Metro Trains Australia (MTA) have worked together to develop a new Authorised Health Professional (AHP) Program to manage and provide support for AHPs, as well as providing easy access to AHPs for Rail Transport Operators and rail safety workers.
The new AHP Program has been developed in consultation with the National Transport Commission to address issues raised in the recent review of the National Standard for the Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers (the Standard). It has also drawn on input from Rail Transport Operators and the Chief Medical Officers Council to ensure the program meets the needs of AHPs and industry.
What steps do AHPs need to take to continue to be trained and authorised to conduct rail safety worker health assessments?
The new AHP Program was launched in July this year ready for the introduction of the new Standard. There are steps AHPs need to take to ensure they are trained and authorised to conduct assessments under the revised Standard when it is due to be released later this year.
Current AHPs will need to undertake additional training and register with the new AHP Program portal. A new entry level training course will also be available when the Standard is released, ongoing eligibility to practice as an AHP under the AHP Program will require annual recertification.
What are the benefits of the new AHP Program?
The new AHP Program provides a central hub designed to:
- Facilitate training, certification and ongoing professional development for AHPs
- Provide AHPs with a range of resources to support their practice
- Provide a reliable, up-to-date and user-friendly directory of AHPs, accessible to Rail Transport Operators and rail safety workers.
These changes 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, please reach out to contact@ahpprogram.com.au.
