Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply the principles, processes and methods of ergonomics to work health and safety (WHS) risk management, and to the enhancement of WHS-related planning and design activities and processes.
The unit applies to those who manage WHS risks and who need to consider the role ergonomics plays in this process. These individuals will apply advanced skills and knowledge to coordinate, facilitate and maintain the WHS program in an organisation. This role may involve working with ergonomists or human-factor specialists.
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.
3. Ergonomics applies theories, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimise human wellbeing and overall system performance.
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. Apply ergonomics to WHS hazard identification | 1.1 Identify and evaluate relevant WHS laws, organisational policies and procedures relating to ergonomics 1.2 Interpret workplace WHS information and data to identify WHS hazards relating to ergonomics 1.3 Apply knowledge of ergonomics principles, processes and methods to identify workplace WHS hazards |
2. Use ergonomics to address WHS risks | 2.1 Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the assessment of WHS risks 2.2 Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the development of risk controls 2.3 Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the evaluation of risk controls |
3. Apply ergonomics in WHS-related planning and design activities | 3.1 Analyse WHS-related planning and design activities and processes 3.2 Assess opportunities to apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities 3.3 Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities 3.4 Review and evaluate enhancements to WHS-related planning and design activities according to organisational policies and procedures |
4. Ensure that ergonomics activities are compliant and appropriate | 4.1 Review ergonomics activities to confirm their compliance with applicable WHS laws and other relevant documents 4.2 Review ergonomics activities to confirm their compliance with relevant organisational processes, procedures, standards and systems 4.3 Apply appropriate ergonomics principles, processes and methods according to available resources and own role, responsibilities, skills and knowledge 4.4 Seek advice, support and input from specialists as required according to organisational policies and procedures |
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 | Identifies, interprets and analyses legislative and organisational texts relevant to ergonomic activities |
Writing | Communicates information about ergonomic principles, processes, and methods, matching style of writing to purpose and audience Drafts and develops required documents using appropriate vocabulary, grammatical structures and organisational conventions |
Oral communication | Uses questioning and active listening to seek information and confirm understanding |
Navigate the world of work | Identifies own responsibilities regarding ergonomic activities in WHS compliance contexts Keeps up to date on changes to WHS laws relevant to own role and responsibilities, and considers their implications when negotiating, planning and undertaking work Contributes, as appropriate, to the work of others in the immediate work context when applying ergonomics |
Interact with others | Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols to build and maintain relationships with external people who can provide specialist support |
Get the work done | Uses logical planning processes and understanding of context to identify where ergonomics can be applied in the workplace Sequences and schedules activities, monitors implementation and manages relevant communication Uses systematic and analytical processes in non-routine situations: sets goals, gathers relevant information, identifies and evaluates options against agreed criteria, and seeks input and advice from others before taking necessary action Identifies the potential of new approaches in applying ergonomics to enhance work practices and outcomes Uses digital systems and tools to access, record, organise, analyse and display information |
Sectors
Regulation, Licensing and Risk – Work Health and Safety