Verification of Competency (VOC) for Workplace Safety

A Verification of Competency (VOC) is an assessment used to confirm that a worker can safely operate equipment and perform tasks in the workplace.

VOC assessments are commonly used across high-risk industries to ensure workers remain competent, compliant, and capable of carrying out their duties safely.

Your workplace health and safety is important, but knowing where to start when assessing competency can be challenging.

At Safety ‘n Action, we provide tailored Verification of Competency (VOC) assessments across your operation. We can also deliver additional training where needed and recommend suitable courses from our comprehensive range of health and safety programmes.

Our team works with you to identify the right approach for your business, ensuring your workforce is assessed against real-world conditions and current best practice.

Every organisation is different, which is why our VOC solutions are flexible and designed to fit your specific requirements.

What is a Verification of Competency (VOC)?

A Verification of Competency (VOC) is an assessment used to confirm that a worker can safely and competently perform specific tasks or operate equipment in the workplace. VOC assessments are commonly used in high-risk industries to help employers ensure workers continue to apply safe practices after completing formal training.

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Why are VOC assessments important?

VOC assessments help businesses confirm that workers remain competent, compliant, and safe in real workplace conditions. They can identify skill gaps, unsafe habits, refresher training needs, and areas where additional support may be required before an incident occurs.

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What industries commonly use VOC assessments?

VOC assessments are widely used across industries such as construction, warehousing, transport, logistics, manufacturing, civil works, ports, infrastructure, forestry, and heavy industry where workers operate high-risk equipment or perform safety-critical tasks.

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What equipment can be assessed through a VOC?

Safety ‘n Action provides VOC assessments across a wide range of equipment and activities including forklifts, MEWPs, truck loader cranes (HIAB), wheels tracks and rollers, dogman operations, overhead gantry cranes, reach stackers, mobile plant, trailers, and heavy vehicle in-cab assessments.  Safety 'n Action can also create bespoke VOC assessments for clients upon request.

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Is a VOC the same as training?

No. A VOC is not formal training. It is an assessment process used to verify that a worker can safely apply their existing skills and knowledge in the workplace. If competency gaps are identified during the VOC, additional training may then be recommended.

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How often should a VOC assessment be completed?

There is no fixed legal timeframe for VOC assessments in New Zealand. Many organisations choose to complete VOCs every one to three years, after incidents, when introducing new equipment or staff, or when concerns arise around worker competency or safety performance.

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Can VOC assessments be completed onsite?

Yes. Safety ‘n Action can deliver VOC assessments onsite at your workplace or at one of our training centres nationwide. Onsite VOCs allow workers to be assessed in their normal operating environment using the equipment they use every day.

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What happens during a VOC assessment?

A VOC assessment usually includes practical observation, questioning, pre-start checks, hazard identification, equipment operation, safe work practices, shutdown procedures, and compliance with workplace procedures. The exact assessment depends on the equipment and work activity being assessed.

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Do workers receive documentation after a VOC?

Yes. Upon completion, Safety ‘n Action provides a VOC report outlining the worker’s demonstrated competency, areas assessed, and any recommendations for further training or reassessment if required.

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Can a worker fail a VOC assessment?

A VOC is designed to verify competency and identify areas for improvement. If a worker is unable to demonstrate safe and competent operation, recommendations may include refresher training, supervised practice, or reassessment before continuing certain tasks.

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What is a forklift VOC assessment?

A forklift VOC assessment verifies that a forklift operator can safely operate a forklift in workplace conditions. The assessment commonly includes pre-operational checks, hazard awareness, safe driving practices, load handling, parking, and shutdown procedures.

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What is a MEWP VOC assessment?

A MEWP VOC assessment confirms that an operator can safely operate a Mobile Elevated Work Platform while following workplace procedures, hazard controls, and manufacturer requirements. The assessment may include machine inspections, worksite assessments, emergency procedures, and shutdown processes.

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What is a Dogman VOC assessment?

A Dogman VOC assessment verifies that workers can safely sling loads, direct crane operations, communicate effectively with crane operators, and apply hazard controls in line with industry standards and Codes of Practice.

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Who should arrange VOC assessments?

VOC assessments are commonly arranged by employers, site managers, health and safety managers, transport managers, fleet managers, and operations teams responsible for ensuring workplace competency and compliance.

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Can VOC assessments help with health and safety compliance?

Yes. VOC assessments can support workplace health and safety systems by helping employers demonstrate that workers have been assessed for competency and are operating equipment safely within their role requirements.

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What are the benefits of regular VOC assessments?

Regular VOC assessments can help reduce workplace incidents, improve operator confidence, identify unsafe behaviours early, support compliance requirements, and ensure workers continue applying safe operating procedures in real-world environments.