Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in the processes of work health and safety (WHS) hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control. It includes participating in worker consultation and support to contribute to a healthy and safe workplace.
The unit applies to those who assist with identifying workplace hazards and assessing and controlling WHS risks as part of their WHS responsibilities, which are in addition to their main duties.
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 model WHS laws have not been implemented, registered training organisations (RTOs) are advised to contextualise this unit of competency by referring to existing WHS legislative requirements.
2. The model WHS laws include the model WHS Act, model WHS Regulations and model WHS Codes of Practice. See Safe Work Australia for further information.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Participate in WHS hazard identification in the workplace | 1.1 Participate in selecting hazard identification methods for the workplace according to organisational policies and procedures 1.2 Use selected methods to identify, report and record hazards according to organisational policies and procedures, standards and WHS laws 1.3 Provide information and assistance to required personnel during hazard identification process |
2. Participate in WHS risk assessment | 2.1 Participate in selecting suitable risk assessment methods for the workplace according to organisational policies and procedures 2.2 Assess and record risks using selected methods according to organisational procedures, standards and WHS laws 2.3 Provide information and assistance to required personnel during risk assessment process |
3. Contribute to developing and implementing WHS control measures | 3.1 Obtain organisation records of the outcomes of hazard identifications and risk assessments, and use them to participate in developing risk control options 3.2 Identify duty holders according to WHS laws and organisational WHS policies, procedures, processes and systems 3.3 Participate in selecting risk control options using criteria agreed to by work team, and according to organisational policies, procedures, processes and systems 3.4 Identify and report factors impeding successful implementation of selected risk control options to determine potential control measures to be implemented 3.5 Review and document potential control measures for compliance with relevant WHS laws 3.6 Contribute to developing a risk control implementation plan according to the hierarchy of control measures 3.7 Provide written information to individuals and duty holders to facilitate implementation of reviewed control measures |
4. Contribute to consultative arrangements for hazard identification and risk assessment activities | 4.1 Assist engaging work team in hazard identification and risk assessment according to organisational WHS consultation and participation policies, procedures and processes 4.2 Respond to issues raised according to organisational procedures and processes 4.3 Develop plan to encourage others to participate in hazard identification and risk assessment activities, according to organisational policies and procedures |
5. Contribute to consultative arrangements for implementing control measures | 5.1 Assist with implementing consultative processes that engage work team in developing and implementing control measures, according to organisational WHS consultation and participation policies, procedures and processes 5.2 Respond to issues raised according to organisational policies and procedures for issue resolution 5.3 Promote worker participation in arrangements for implementing control measures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interprets and identifies information from WHS laws, workplace policies, procedures and records |
Writing | Uses structure and language appropriate to audience and context in plans, reports and general advice |
Oral communication | Presents information and assistance using appropriate industry-specific vocabulary Uses listening and questioning to clarify and confirm understanding |
Navigate the world of work | Follows regulatory responsibilities, and organisational policies and procedures in relation to WHS responsibilities Keeps up to date with changes to WHS laws, and organisational policies and procedures relevant to own role |
Interact with others | Identifies what to communicate and to whom in a range of contexts Cooperates with others as part of WHS activities and contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability Shares information and resources, offers assistance voluntarily and provides feedback when requested Plays an active role in group discussions, paying attention to perspectives of others and encouraging participation |
Get the work done | Plans and implements tasks to achieve required outcomes Uses decision-making processes, setting or clarifying goals, gathering information and identifying and evaluating choices against a set of criteria in the WHS risk-management process |
Sectors
Regulation, Licensing and Risk – Work Health and Safety