Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to work health and safety (WHS) issue-resolution processes, and to communicate their outcomes.
It applies to individuals who contribute to the resolution of WHS issues in the workplace 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
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Contribute to the development of WHS issue-resolution processes | 1.1 Identify relevant standards, WHS laws and organisational policies, procedures, processes and systems that apply to the resolution of WHS issues 1.2 Review sufficiency of existing issue-resolution processes and compliance with WHS laws and related documentation 1.3 Identify participants in the WHS issue-resolution process 1.4 Assist with identifying and documenting the legal rights, duties and responsibilities of relevant individuals and/or parties 1.5 Assist with identifying techniques and strategies that can be used to resolve WHS issues |
2. Contribute to the assessment of WHS issues | 2.1 Participate in identifying and assessing WHS issues within scope of own role 2.2 Provide support and advice to participants in WHS issue-resolution process as required and according to organisational policies, procedures, processes and systems 2.3 Assess and identify appropriate timeframes for the resolution of WHS issues, seeking assistance where appropriate 2.4 Contribute to the documentation of WHS issues 2.5 Seek feedback from required stakeholders to improve WHS issue-resolution processes |
3. Assist with communicating outcomes of WHS issue-resolution processes | 3.1 Analyse communication methods to determine most suitable method for distributing outcomes of WHS issue-resolution processes according to organisational policies, procedures, processes and systems 3.2 Assist with distributing the outcomes of WHS issue-resolution processes to relevant stakeholders according to selected communication method 3.3 Contribute to keeping records of WHS issue resolution-processes and outcomes |
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interprets relevant sections of WHS laws, workplace policy and procedures Interprets WHS documentation relevant to own role |
Writing | Uses structure and language appropriate to audience and context in plans, summaries, reports and advice |
Oral communication | Presents information, provides assistance and engages in discussions using language and non-verbal communication appropriate to audience and context Uses listening and questioning to clarify and confirm understanding |
Navigate the world of work | Adheres to legal and regulatory responsibilities, and organisational policies and procedures in relation to WHS role 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 an issue-resolution process Cooperates with others as part of WHS issue-resolution activities and contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability Plays an active role in group discussions and pays attention to perspectives of others when trying to reach agreement When unable to resolve an issue, seeks advice and assistance according to organisational policies and procedures |
Get the work done | Plans and implements tasks to achieve required outcomes Uses technology and programs to assist with planning, implementing and tracking progress Uses decision-making processes, setting or clarifying goals, gathering information and identifying and evaluating choices against a set of criteria in selecting means of communication |
Sectors
Regulation, Licensing and Risk – Work Health and Safety