Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work in a manner that is healthy and safe in relation to self and others, and to assist in responding to incidents. It covers following work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures, instructions and requirements; and participating in WHS consultative processes.
The unit applies to those who require a basic knowledge of WHS to carry out own work in a defined context, under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility, in a range of industry and workplace contexts.
NOTES
1. The terms ‘occupational health and safety’ (OHS) and ‘work health and safety’ (WHS) are equivalent, and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where
2. The
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Operate safely in own work environment | 1.1 Identify organisational WHS policies and procedures that apply to own work setting 1.2 Carry out work tasks according to WHS instructions 1.3 Carry out pre-start systems and equipment checks under supervision and according to organisational policies and procedures 1.4 Participate in responding to incidents according to organisational policies and procedures |
2. Operate safely within requirements of own role | 2.1 Identify individuals and/or parties to whom queries and concerns about safety in the workplace should be directed 2.2 Identify existing and potential hazards relating to own role, and record and report them according to organisational policies and procedures 2.3 Identify and contribute to implementing WHS instructions and organisational policies and procedures specific to own work area 2.4 Identify and report incidents and injuries to required personnel according to organisational policies and procedures |
3. Participate in WHS consultative processes | 3.1 Contribute to workplace meetings, inspections, and other WHS consultative activities 3.2 Identify existing and potential WHS hazards and report them to designated persons according to organisational policies and procedures 3.3 Participate in actions to minimise or eliminate workplace hazards and to reduce risks |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and to:
actively participate in two different work activities that contribute to the health and safety of self and others
identify and report at least one hazard to designated personnel.
During the above, the candidate must follow required procedures and instructions relating to work health and safety (WHS) and incidents.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. This includes knowledge of:
organisational safety policies, procedures, instructions and requirements relating to own work role in relation to:
checking systems and equipment
conducting routine work operations
personal protective equipment (PPE)
recording existing and potential WHS issues
responding to and reporting incidents and injuries
responding to fires and incidents
meaning of commonly used hazard signs and safety symbols
duty holder responsibilities, as specified in WHS laws, including:
self and co-workers
persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs)
officers
others in the workplace
distinction between hazards and risks
WHS hazards that may be present in the workplace, including the harm they can cause and how this harm occurs
process of hazard identification and risk control.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must comply with WHS laws, and WHS legal responsibilities and duty of care required for this unit. It must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities undertaken by individuals carrying out WHS duties in the workplace, and must include access to:
organisational policies, standard operating procedures, and work instructions covered in the knowledge evidence
WHS laws relevant to performance evidence requirements
opportunities for interaction with others
workplace equipment and resources required for the performance evidence.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the assessor requirements in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
Reading | Identifies and interprets short and simple information in relation to WHS and incidents |
Writing | Uses structure and language appropriate to audience and context when giving factual information |
Oral Communication | Uses language and non-verbal communication appropriate to audience and context in descriptions, opinions and explanations Extracts meaning and main ideas from verbal descriptions, opinions and explanations |
Navigate the world of work | Follows WHS legislative requirements under supervision and with assistance Follows protocols and procedures relating to own role Seeks assistance from others when WHS issues are beyond scope of immediate responsibilities |
Get the work done | Plans, organises and implements routine tasks in order to optimise health and safety Selects and implements actions from predetermined procedures |
Sectors
Regulation, Licensing and Risk – Work Health and Safety