How to Spot a Fake "Safe Pass" (and How to Automate Checks)

If you hire or manage workers on Irish construction sites, you already know the Safe Pass is non-negotiable. What's less obvious is how often forged or altered cards can slip through when you're busy, onboarding temps, or working across multiple subcontractors.

This guide explains the common red flags, what to ask for, and a simple, repeatable verification workflow. We'll also show how GetOversite can automatically check Safe Pass cards the moment they're uploaded, so your team spends less time on admin and more time keeping sites safe and compliant.

Quick refresher: what a Safe Pass is (and why it matters)

Safe Pass is a compulsory, one-day health and safety awareness programme for construction workers in Ireland. Employers and principal contractors typically require proof of a current, valid Safe Pass before admitting anyone to site. Accepting an invalid or fake card can expose you to safety risks, reputational damage, and potential enforcement action. In short: checking isn't optional—it's essential.

Goal: Build a verification process that is easy, consistent, and fast—no matter who's doing it or how busy the gate is.

The most common red flags of a fake Safe Pass

Use this list as a first-line screen before you spend time following up:

Mismatched identity details

• The name on the card doesn't match other onboarding documents
• The photo doesn't resemble the person presenting the card (age/appearance mismatch)

Obvious formatting issues

• Spelling mistakes, odd capitalisation, or inconsistent fonts
• Misaligned elements, fuzzy logos, or unusual colours/print quality
• Out-of-date branding or layout compared with current examples

Number/expiry anomalies

• Missing or malformed registration numbers
• Expiry date that doesn't make sense or is visibly altered

Suspicious images or screenshots

• Only a cropped phone screenshot is offered
• Edges or corners look edited; metadata stripped or inconsistent on image files

Reluctance to provide a clearer copy

• The worker or supplier avoids sending a full, legible front image when asked
• Unwillingness to consent to basic checks as part of site induction

Tip: Never accept an unreadable image. If you can't clearly read the name, number and expiry, treat it as not verified until you receive a proper copy.

A simple, repeatable Safe Pass verification workflow

Follow these steps to keep things fast and consistent across projects, main contractors and subs.

1) Collect the right evidence up-front

• Ask for a clear, front image of the Safe Pass card (not a cropped screenshot)
• Capture: full name, registration number, expiry date, and photo
• Confirm the person's date of birth on separate right-to-work/ID docs to help spot identity mismatches

2) Compare against known-good references

• Check the overall layout and branding against a current, legitimate example
• Look for consistent typography, spacing, logo placement, and clean print quality
• Ensure the name, number and expiry read cleanly—no smudges or overwriting

3) Validate the details

• Confirm that the name on the card matches the worker's other documents
• Verify that the expiry date is in the future and is formatted as expected
• Where needed, escalate to your HR/compliance contact to verify the training record with the official issuer or training provider

4) Record the check

• Store the card image, extracted details, who verified it, and the date/time of the check
• Set a reminder to re-verify before expiry or when cards are replaced

5) Move to spot checks and automation

• Use random spot checks on subcontractors' crews
• Introduce automated validation to remove human error and speed the gate

How GetOversite automates Safe Pass checks

Manual checks take time, and they're easy to get wrong on a busy morning. GetOversite streamlines the process:

Upload & capture

Your worker or supplier uploads a Safe Pass image during onboarding or at the gate. GetOversite extracts key fields—name, registration number, and expiry—and links them to the worker profile.

Format & consistency checks

The platform flags layout anomalies, typos, or mismatched identity details compared to what's in the worker's profile.

Expiry control

Automatic expiry tracking with proactive alerts means you won't be caught out by lapsed cards mid-project.

Audit trail

Every check is time-stamped with the uploaded image and the outcome—ready for client audits and principal contractor reviews.

Works at scale

Whether you onboard five workers a week or five hundred, GetOversite keeps checks consistent, traceable, and fast—no more spreadsheet chaos.

Bottom line: With GetOversite, Safe Pass verification happens as soon as a card is uploaded—reducing risk, stopping fakes early, and giving your team their mornings back.

The "Fake Safe Pass" checklist (print this)

Use this quick checklist at the gate or add it to your onboarding pack:

• ☐ Clear, full-card image provided (not a partial screenshot)
• ☐ Name matches other documents
• ☐ Face in photo matches person on site
• ☐ Registration number is present and legible
• ☐ Expiry date is valid and unaltered
• ☐ Branding/layout looks current; fonts and spacing look consistent
• ☐ No spelling errors or pixelation
• ☐ Details recorded in your system with date/time and verifier
• ☐ Expiry reminder set

Tip: Turn this into a one-page PDF and gate it as a download to capture email leads.

FAQs

Is a photo of a Safe Pass acceptable?

A clear, full-card image is fine for pre-screening and onboarding, but you should reserve the right to inspect the original card on day one.

What if the card looks fine but something still feels off?

Treat it as not verified and escalate. Ask for a clearer image, request supporting ID, or verify via your internal compliance contact and official channels.

How often should we re-verify?

At minimum, before the expiry date or when a worker changes employer or role. Automated reminders in GetOversite make this easy.

Can GetOversite check other credentials too?

Yes—employees and subcontractors can upload a range of credentials, and the platform applies similar capture, validation, and expiry tracking.

Compliance note (plain English)

This article is general guidance for site managers and employers. Always follow the latest requirements from the official Irish authorities and your principal contractor. When in doubt, verify directly with the issuer or your compliance lead.

Ready to stop fakes at the gate?

See how GetOversite automatically checks Safe Pass cards the moment they're uploaded.

👉 Book a 10-minute demo or start a free trial to test it with your next onboarding wave.