Assessor Resource

PSPSOHS504A
Apply principles of OHS risk management

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to individuals with managerial responsibility for providing a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control, with the emphasis on elimination or, where this is not possible, minimisation of risk. It also includes conceptual models for understanding the nature of hazards.

In practice, applying the principles of OHS risk management may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as promoting ethical practice, using complex communication strategies, undertaking research and analysis, coordinating resource usage, promoting compliance with legislation, etc.

The unit provides the basis for the hazard-specific competencies PSPSOHS505A Manage hazards in the work environment and PSPSOHS506A Monitor and facilitate the management of hazards associated with plant.

The unit is underpinned by the units of competency PSPSOHS403A Identify hazards and assess OHS risks, and PSPSOHS404A Contribute to the implementation of strategies to control OHS risk.

A more advanced approach to risk assessment, which identifies the separate elements of risk analysis and risk evaluation, is provided in unit PSPSOHS603A Analyse and evaluate OHS risk.

This unit covers the knowledge and skills required to provide a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control, with the emphasis on elimination or, where this is not possible, minimisation of risk. It also includes conceptual models for understanding the nature of hazards.

In practice, applying the principles of OHS risk management may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as promoting ethical practice, using complex communication strategies, undertaking research and analysis, coordinating resource usage, promoting compliance with legislation.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the unit descriptor, performance criteria, The range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies

PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPSOHS505A Manage hazards in the work environment

PSPSOHS506A Monitor and facilitate the management of hazards associated with plant.

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

knowledge requirements of this unit

skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.

Resources required to carry out assessment

Resources essential for assessment include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the application of principles of OHS risk management

workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when applying the principles of OHS risk management.

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when applying the principles of OHS risk management, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

application of the principles of OHS risk management in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time.

Assessment methods should reflect but not exceed workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of individuals who might be disadvantaged.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit must use authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses and may include a combination of two or more of:

workplace projects

simulation or role plays

case studies and scenarios

observation.

portfolios.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

relating to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

communicating effectively with personnel at all levels of organisation and OHS specialists and, as required, emergency service personnel

preparing more detailed reports for a range of target groups including OHS committee, OHS representatives, managers and supervisors

managing own tasks within time frame

using consultation and negotiation skills, particularly in relation to developing plans and implementing and monitoring designated actions

contributing to the assessment of the resources needed to systematically manage OHS and, where appropriate, access resources

analysing relevant workplace information and data, and make observations including of workplace tasks and interactions between people, their activities, equipment, environment and systems

carrying out simple arithmetical calculations (e.g. % change), and produce graphs of workplace information and data to identify trends and recognise limitations

interpreting information and data to identify areas for improvement

using language and literacy skills appropriate to the workgroup and the task

using basic computer and information technology skills to access internal and external information and data on OHS

undertaking basic research to access relevant information and data

paying attention to detail when making observations and recording outcomes.

Required knowledge:

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

roles and responsibilities under OHS legislation of employees, including supervisors and contractors

legislative requirements for OHS information and data, and consultation

state/territory/Commonwealth OHS legislation (Acts, regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material) including prescriptive and performance approaches and links to other relevant legislation such as industrial relations, equal employment opportunity, workers compensation, rehabilitation etc

structure and forms of legislation including regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material

concept of common law duty of care

methods of providing evidence of compliance with OHS legislation

difference between hazard and risk

risk as a measure of uncertainty and the factors that affect risk

requirements under hazard specific OHS legislation and codes of practice

basic principles of incident causation and injury processes

characteristics, mode of action and units measurement of major hazard types

basic physiology relevant to understanding mode of action of physical, biological and chemical agents on the body and how they produce harm

hierarchy of control and considerations for choosing between different control measures, such as possible inadequacies of particular control measures

standard industry controls for a range of hazards

types of hazard identification tools, including JSA

limitations of generic hazard and risk checklists and risk ranking processes

principles and practices of systematic approaches to managing OHS

other function areas that impact on the management of OHS

internal and external sources of OHS information and data

how the characteristics and composition of the workforce impact on risk and the systematic approach to managing OHS e.g.

labour market changes

structure and organisation of workforce eg part-time, casual and contract workers, shift rosters, geographical location

language, literacy and numeracy

communication skills

cultural background/workplace diversity

gender

workers with special needs

benefits, limitations and use of a range of communication strategies and tools appropriate to the workplace

basic knowledge of organisational behaviour and culture as it impacts on OHS and on change

ethics related to professional practice

professional liability in relation to providing advice

knowledge of organisational OHS policies and procedures

nature of workplace processes (including work flow, planning and control) and hazards relevant to the particular workplace

language, literacy and cultural profile of the workgroup

organisational culture as it impacts on the workgroup

The range statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The range statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance criteria is explained here.

External sources of information and data may include:

OHS regulatory authorities

industry bodies

employer groups

unions

OHS specialists

legislation, codes of practice and standards

databases such as national and state injury data and National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS)

journals and web sites

manufacturers' manual and specifications

A hazard is:

a source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill-health, damage to property, damage to the environment, or a combination of these

Workplace sources of information and data may include:

employees

OHS representatives

hazard, incident and investigation reports

workplace inspections

minutes of meetings

reports

audits

material safety data sheets (MSDSs)

manufacturers' manuals and specifications

Stakeholders include:

managers

supervisors

health and safety and other employee representatives

OHS committees

employees

Key personnel may include:

managers from other areas

people involved in OHS decision making or who are affected by OHS decisions

OHS specialists may be internal or external and include:

ergonomists

engineers

occupational hygienists

toxicologists

organisational psychologists

workplace injury and return to work advisors

Workplace issues may include:

changes in work practice

changes in equipment, including technology

changes in work organisation, including contracting, hire arrangements, casualisation, supervisory arrangements, out workers, rosters, shift work, work hours and work relations

changes to legislation and standards

outcomes of court rulings

new knowledge on hazards

changes in social, political or community environment

Occasions when action for hazard identification is required include:

at design or pre-purchase of buildings, equipment and materials

commissioning or pre-implementation of new processes or practices

new forms of work and organisation of work

before changes are made to workplace, equipment, work processes or work arrangements

planning major tasks or activities, such as equipment shutdowns

following an incident report

when new knowledge becomes available

at regular intervals during normal operations

prior to disposal of equipment, buildings or materials

Tools may include:

job safety analysis (JSA)

audits

cause and effect diagrams

surveys

Task demands may include:

required precision or accuracy

machine pacing or time pressure to complete a task

physical or physiological demands

arousal and alertness

repetitive nature of task

Task environment may include:

lighting

noise

air quality

thermal

Agents may be:

chemical

physical

biological

ergonomic

psychosocial

Risk is:

the chance of something occurring that will result in injury or damage

measured in terms of consequences (injury or damage) and likelihood of the consequence

Factors contributing to risk may include those associated with:

equipment

work environment

work organisation

task

the individual/operator

frequency and duration of exposure

number of people exposed/ involved

Relevant standards may include:

legislation

codes of practice

Australian and industry standards

current practice in the industry

current knowledge related to the specific hazard and controls

Quality of control refers to:

the level and reliability of the control compared with the level of risk

Prioritisation may be done using:

standard ranking tools

specially designed tools

other recognised processes

Risk assessment includes identification of:

factors contributing to risk

current controls and their adequacy

discrepancy between current control and required standard

prioritisation or ranking of a number of risks, where appropriate

Hierarchy of control means developing risk controls within the following priority order:

eliminate hazards

and where this is not practicable, minimise risk by:

substitution

isolating the hazard from personnel

using engineering controls

using administrative controls (e.g. procedures, training)

using personal protective equipment (PPE)

Factors impacting on the effectiveness of controls may include:

language

shift work and rostering arrangements

literacy and numeracy levels

workplace organisational structures (size of organisation, geographic, hierarchical)

cultural diversity

training required

workplace culture related to OHS including commitment by managers and supervisors and compliance with procedures and training

A risk register may include all of the following:

a list of hazards, their location and people exposed

a range of possible scenarios or circumstances under which the hazards may cause injury or damage

the results of the risk analysis related to the hazards

possible control measures and dates for implementation

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
External sources of information and data are accessed to assist in identifying hazards. 
Workplace sources of information and data are reviewed to access and assist in identification of hazards. 
Input is sought from stakeholders, key personnel and OHS specialists. 
Formal and informal research is conducted to ensure currency with workplace issues. 
Occasions when action for hazard identification is required are defined, documented and communicated. 
Tools are sourced to assist in the analysis of identified hazards. 
Task demands and task environment are examined for impact on the person to identify situations with a potential for injury or ill health. 
Workforce structure, organisation of work and work relationships are examined to identify situations with a potential for injury or ill health. 
Work environment is examined for agents with a potential for injury or ill health. 
Input is sought from stakeholders to clarify and confirm issues. 
Factors contributing to risk are identified. 
Current risk controls for each hazard are identified. 
Adequacy of current controls (if any) is evaluated taking account of relevant standards and knowledge. 
Discrepancies between current controls and required quality of control are identified. 
Hazards requiring further control action are prioritised. 
Method and outcomes of risk assessment are documented. 
A range of control options is developed in consultation with stakeholders and taking account of the outcomes of the risk assessment and the hierarchyof control. 
Potential factors impacting on the effectiveness of controls are identified 
Advice is sought from OHS specialists and key personnel if required. 
Appropriate authority and relevant resources to initiate and maintain controls are identified and sought. 
Actions required to achieve change are identified and documented. 
Extent of change and reduction in risk as a result of controls is analysed. 
A risk register is established and maintained relevant to the workplace. 
Risk management procedures are documented and communicated as appropriate to stakeholders and key personnel. 
Outcomes of risk management processes are documented and communicated to stakeholders and key personnel as appropriate. 
Stakeholders and operational staff are involved in the risk management processes. 
Situations are identified where OHS specialists may be required. 
The effectiveness of the risk management processes is reviewed regularly. 
Frequency, method and scope of review are determined in consultation with workplace stakeholders and key personnel. 
Stakeholders and key personnel have input to the review. 
Areas for improvement in the risk management processes are identified and recommendations made. 
Action plans, including allocated responsibilities and time frames, are prepared for implementation. 
External sources of information and data are accessed to assist in identifying hazards. 
Workplace sources of information and data are reviewed to access and assist in identification of hazards. 
Input is sought from stakeholders, key personnel and OHS specialists. 
Formal and informal research is conducted to ensure currency with workplace issues. 
Occasions when action for hazard identification is required are defined, documented and communicated. 
Tools are sourced to assist in the analysis of identified hazards. 
Task demands and task environment are examined for impact on the person to identify situations with a potential for injury or ill health. 
Workforce structure, organisation of work and work relationships are examined to identify situations with a potential for injury or ill health. 
Work environment is examined for agents with a potential for injury or ill health. 
Input is sought from stakeholders to clarify and confirm issues. 
Factors contributing to risk are identified. 
Current risk controls for each hazard are identified. 
Adequacy of current controls (if any) is evaluated taking account of relevant standards and knowledge. 
Discrepancies between current controls and required quality of control are identified. 
Hazards requiring further control action are prioritised. 
Method and outcomes of risk assessment are documented. 
A range of control options is developed in consultation with stakeholders and taking account of the outcomes of the risk assessment and the hierarchy of control. 
Potential factors impacting on the effectiveness of controls are identified 
Advice is sought from OHS specialists and key personnel if required. 
Appropriate authority and relevant resources to initiate and maintain controls are identified and sought. 
Actions required to achieve change are identified and documented. 
Extent of change and reduction in risk as a result of controls is analysed. 
A risk register is established and maintained relevant to the workplace. 
Risk management procedures are documented and communicated as appropriate to stakeholders and key personnel. 
Outcomes of risk management processes are documented and communicated to stakeholders and key personnel as appropriate. 
Stakeholders and operational staff are involved in the risk management processes. 
Situations are identified where OHS specialists may be required. 
The effectiveness of the risk management processes is reviewed regularly. 
Frequency, method and scope of review are determined in consultation with workplace stakeholders and key personnel. 
Stakeholders and key personnel have input to the review. 
Areas for improvement in the risk management processes are identified and recommendations made. 
Action plans, including allocated responsibilities and time frames, are prepared for implementation. 

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PSPSOHS504A - Apply principles of OHS risk management
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