• PSPSOHS508A - Participate in the investigation of incidents

Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PSPSOHS508A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Participate in the investigation of incidents

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPSOHS508A - Participate in the investigation of incidents
Description This unit covers participation in the planning, conduct and reporting of investigations of incidents which have resulted in, or have a potential to result in, injury or damage. Situations may range from relatively minor through to major incidents.In practice, participating in the investigation of incidents 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.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to individuals with managerial responsibility for occupational health and safety (OHS) who are required to participate in the investigation of incidents for prevention.It includes conducting an initial assessment of the situation, establishing the scope and legal parameters of the investigation, conducting a systematic analysis to identify underlying causes and actions for prevention and reporting on the outcomes of the investigation.The unit applies to both straightforward investigations as well as formal investigations of complex situations. Where the investigation is of a complex situation or the application of the skills and knowledge is in a larger organisation, procedures for incident investigation will exist. In smaller organisations there may not be existing investigation procedures and external OHS expertise should be accessed where required.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Specialist Occupational Health & Safety.
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Facilitate initial assessment of situation
  • Area is checked to ensure that it is safe and arrangements have been made to meet initial needs of those involved in the incident.
  • Integrity of the site and personnel is established and maintained in accordance with legal requirements and to ensure objectivity of information collected.
  • Statutory and legal obligations are identified and, if required, relevant government agencies advised.
  • Key personswithin the organisation are notified.
  • Factors affecting the complexity of the investigation are determined and notified.
  • Stakeholdersand interested parties are identified and notified as appropriate.
       
Element: Participate in the establishment of an investigation processes
  • Organisational policies and procedures for incident investigation are accessed and known.
  • Investigation team is convened appropriate to the level of the investigation.
  • Scope of the investigation is defined taking account of legislative requirements.
  • Involvement of interested parties is facilitated in accordance with legislative requirements.
  • Resources required to conduct the investigation, including the need for expert advice (if required), are identified and sourced.
  • Barriers to investigation are identified and addressed.
  • Action plans and time lines are developed by the investigation team.
       
Element: Collect information and data for analysis
  • Sources of information and data are identified and accessed.
  • Incident site, equipment and other evidence involved is inspected.
  • Gathering of information and data by others is facilitated.
  • Statements, photographs, measurements and documentary evidence are taken and recorded, taking account of objectivity, confidentiality and legal implications.
  • Site, evidence and all necessary documentation is appropriately secured.
  • Members of investigation team are appropriately involved.
       
Element: Analyse information and data gathered to identify immediate and underlying causes and practical prevention measures
  • Conceptual basis for the analysis is identified and understood by the investigation team.
  • Time line of events leading up to incident is constructed.
  • Causative event/s is researched.
  • Conditions and circumstances that contributed to the causative event are identified.
  • Intervention points on the time line for prevention are identified.
  • Strategies to prevent the re-occurrence of the incident are identified.
       
Element: Compile investigation report
  • Results of analysis are documented in a format to suit the required target audiences and legal requirements.
  • Report is phrased in objective terms and cites evidence and reasons for conclusions.
  • Report includes recommendations for prevention.
  • Following appropriate authorisation, relevant information and data is disseminated to key personnel, stakeholders and external agencies as appropriate.
  • Findings from the report are used to develop further prevention strategies.
       
Element: Facilitate initial assessment of situation
  • Area is checked to ensure that it is safe and arrangements have been made to meet initial needs of those involved in the incident.
  • Integrity of the site and personnel is established and maintained in accordance with legal requirements and to ensure objectivity of information collected.
  • Statutory and legal obligations are identified and, if required, relevant government agencies advised.
  • Key persons within the organisation are notified.
  • Factors affecting the complexity of the investigation are determined and notified.
  • Stakeholders and interested parties are identified and notified as appropriate.
       
Element: Participate in the establishment of an investigation processes
  • Organisational policies and procedures for incident investigation are accessed and known.
  • Investigation team is convened appropriate to the level of the investigation.
  • Scope of the investigation is defined taking account of legislative requirements.
  • Involvement of interested parties is facilitated in accordance with legislative requirements.
  • Resources required to conduct the investigation, including the need for expert advice (if required), are identified and sourced.
  • Barriers to investigation are identified and addressed.
  • Action plans and time lines are developed by the investigation team.
       
Element: Collect information and data for analysis
  • Sources of information and data are identified and accessed.
  • Incident site, equipment and other evidence involved is inspected.
  • Gathering of information and data by others is facilitated.
  • Statements, photographs, measurements and documentary evidence are taken and recorded, taking account of objectivity, confidentiality and legal implications.
  • Site, evidence and all necessary documentation is appropriately secured.
  • Members of investigation team are appropriately involved.
       
Element: Analyse information and data gathered to identify immediate and underlying causes and practical prevention measures
  • Conceptual basis for the analysis is identified and understood by the investigation team.
  • Time line of events leading up to incident is constructed.
  • Causative event/s is researched.
  • Conditions and circumstances that contributed to the causative event are identified.
  • Intervention points on the time line for prevention are identified.
  • Strategies to prevent the re-occurrence of the incident are identified.
       
Element: Compile investigation report
  • Results of analysis are documented in a format to suit the required target audiences and legal requirements.
  • Report is phrased in objective terms and cites evidence and reasons for conclusions.
  • Report includes recommendations for prevention.
  • Following appropriate authorisation, relevant information and data is disseminated to key personnel, stakeholders and external agencies as appropriate.
  • Findings from the report are used to develop further prevention strategies.
       


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

PSPSOHS504A Apply principles of OHS risk management

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 investigation of incidents

workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when participating in the investigation of incidents

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 participating in the investigation of incidents, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

participation in the investigation of incidents 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, assignment, 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 legally defensible 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

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

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

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

rights of OHS inspectors

requirements for record keeping that addresses OHS, privacy and other legislation

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

principles and practices of continuity and validity of evidence retention for potential legal action

requirements for reporting under OHS and other relevant legislation including notification and reporting of incidents

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

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

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 e.g. 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

ethics related to professional practice

knowledge of organisational OHS policies and procedures

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

formal and informal communication and consultation processes and key personnel related to communication

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.

Relevant government agencies may include:

OHS authorities

environment protection agencies

police and other emergency services

Key persons within the organisation may include:

senior management

OHS specialists within organisation

organisational legal advisor

union or staff association representatives

workgroup members

supervisors

personnel involved in incident/situation

employee assistance personnel

external specialist personnel and contractors

Complexity may be affected by:

legal implications arising from the incident or post incident related matters

involvement of external agencies

language competencies of parties involved

technical implications

seriousness of injury or other outcomes

conflict of interest issues

existence of secondary hazards

administrative implications

level of public or political interest

international conventions

number of other parties, including sub-contractors

Stakeholders and interested parties may include:

community

the organisation's board or advisory council

coroner

government agencies, including OHS and emergency service agencies

managers

insurance companies

employees and family members

politicians

workgroup members and people who may be exposed to similar situations

unions

employers

designers

manufacturers

suppliers and distributors

persons in control of workplaces

sub-contractors

importers

installers

media

Investigation team should include persons:

familiar with the task and the work environment

responsible for performance standards within the work environment (e.g. supervisor)

with OHS expertise

in OHS representative role

in authority in organisation such as company/organisational legal advisor and technical experts as required

Note: that different roles may be performed by the one person, especially in smaller organisations

Barriers to investigation may include:

changes to incident scene

length of time from when incident occurred/first identified

management and employee attitude including desire to protect self and others

political and community stakeholder sensitivity

time limits imposed

limited resources available

legal restrictions or limitations (temporary, short-term or long-term)

geographical location and/or accessibility

economic implications

condition of witnesses

cultural issues

language

availability of research data and analysis or testing equipment

availability of technical design information and data relevant to the investigation

lack of records

Conceptual basis for the analysis should:

emphasise analysis of the systems in place at the time of the incident

focus on the 'why' and 'how' rather than the 'what'

encourage an open minded, objective approach

not focus on individual behaviour or fault

Time line of events should:

extend back in time as far as required and not just focus on immediate events

Acausative event is:

the key event that resulted in the particular outcome/s of injury or damage

Condition is:

a permanent situation such as type of equipment, work practice, design of work environment

Circumstance is:

a short-term situation that is relatively unusual, such as a storm or when a key person is absent

Target audiences for the report/s may include:

board of management

senior managers

OHS committee

external agencies

police or coroner

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
Area is checked to ensure that it is safe and arrangements have been made to meet initial needs of those involved in the incident. 
Integrity of the site and personnel is established and maintained in accordance with legal requirements and to ensure objectivity of information collected. 
Statutory and legal obligations are identified and, if required, relevant government agencies advised. 
Key personswithin the organisation are notified. 
Factors affecting the complexity of the investigation are determined and notified. 
Stakeholdersand interested parties are identified and notified as appropriate. 
Organisational policies and procedures for incident investigation are accessed and known. 
Investigation team is convened appropriate to the level of the investigation. 
Scope of the investigation is defined taking account of legislative requirements. 
Involvement of interested parties is facilitated in accordance with legislative requirements. 
Resources required to conduct the investigation, including the need for expert advice (if required), are identified and sourced. 
Barriers to investigation are identified and addressed. 
Action plans and time lines are developed by the investigation team. 
Sources of information and data are identified and accessed. 
Incident site, equipment and other evidence involved is inspected. 
Gathering of information and data by others is facilitated. 
Statements, photographs, measurements and documentary evidence are taken and recorded, taking account of objectivity, confidentiality and legal implications. 
Site, evidence and all necessary documentation is appropriately secured. 
Members of investigation team are appropriately involved. 
Conceptual basis for the analysis is identified and understood by the investigation team. 
Time line of events leading up to incident is constructed. 
Causative event/s is researched. 
Conditions and circumstances that contributed to the causative event are identified. 
Intervention points on the time line for prevention are identified. 
Strategies to prevent the re-occurrence of the incident are identified. 
Results of analysis are documented in a format to suit the required target audiences and legal requirements. 
Report is phrased in objective terms and cites evidence and reasons for conclusions. 
Report includes recommendations for prevention. 
Following appropriate authorisation, relevant information and data is disseminated to key personnel, stakeholders and external agencies as appropriate. 
Findings from the report are used to develop further prevention strategies. 
Area is checked to ensure that it is safe and arrangements have been made to meet initial needs of those involved in the incident. 
Integrity of the site and personnel is established and maintained in accordance with legal requirements and to ensure objectivity of information collected. 
Statutory and legal obligations are identified and, if required, relevant government agencies advised. 
Key persons within the organisation are notified. 
Factors affecting the complexity of the investigation are determined and notified. 
Stakeholders and interested parties are identified and notified as appropriate. 
Organisational policies and procedures for incident investigation are accessed and known. 
Investigation team is convened appropriate to the level of the investigation. 
Scope of the investigation is defined taking account of legislative requirements. 
Involvement of interested parties is facilitated in accordance with legislative requirements. 
Resources required to conduct the investigation, including the need for expert advice (if required), are identified and sourced. 
Barriers to investigation are identified and addressed. 
Action plans and time lines are developed by the investigation team. 
Sources of information and data are identified and accessed. 
Incident site, equipment and other evidence involved is inspected. 
Gathering of information and data by others is facilitated. 
Statements, photographs, measurements and documentary evidence are taken and recorded, taking account of objectivity, confidentiality and legal implications. 
Site, evidence and all necessary documentation is appropriately secured. 
Members of investigation team are appropriately involved. 
Conceptual basis for the analysis is identified and understood by the investigation team. 
Time line of events leading up to incident is constructed. 
Causative event/s is researched. 
Conditions and circumstances that contributed to the causative event are identified. 
Intervention points on the time line for prevention are identified. 
Strategies to prevent the re-occurrence of the incident are identified. 
Results of analysis are documented in a format to suit the required target audiences and legal requirements. 
Report is phrased in objective terms and cites evidence and reasons for conclusions. 
Report includes recommendations for prevention. 
Following appropriate authorisation, relevant information and data is disseminated to key personnel, stakeholders and external agencies as appropriate. 
Findings from the report are used to develop further prevention strategies. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSOHS508A - Participate in the investigation of incidents
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PSPSOHS508A - Participate in the investigation of incidents

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: