This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the identification, review, development, implementation and evaluation of effective participation and consultation processes as an integral part of managing work health and safety (WHS).
It applies to individuals with responsibility for enabling people to be consulted about, and to participate in, WHS management and decision making across the organisation. These individuals will work in a range of WHS roles across all industries and apply a substantial knowledge base and well developed skills in a wide variety of WHS contexts.
NOTE: 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 the Model WHS Legislation has not been implemented RTOs are advised to contextualise the unit of competency by referring to the existing State/Territory OHS legislative requirements.
Topics:
- Identify the requirements for WHS consultation and participation
- Review existing WHS consultation and participation processes
- Develop WHS consultation and participation processes
- Implement WHS consultation and participation arrangements
- Monitor and evaluate WHS consultation and participation processes
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:
- implement the legal and organisational requirements for work health and safety (WHS) participation and consultation
- manage effective WHS consultation and participation processes including development, implementation, monitoring and review, in consultation with others
- review the effectiveness of existing WHS participation and consultation processes, identifying gaps and areas for improvement and positive performance indicators
- develop new or improved WHS participation and consultation processes that achieve required improvements and integrate with existing systems
- develop an action plan for implementation of new or improved WHS participation and consultation processes
- provide advice, support and monitoring to others during implementation of new or improved WHS participation and consultation processes and recommending changes to the plan as required
Demonstrate knowledge of:
- appropriate communication networks, processes and formats
- Commonwealth and state or territory WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidance material in general, and in particular the parts relating to:
- duties of PCBUs, officers, workers and inspectors
- duty holders
- consultation, participation and representation
- discriminatory, coercive and misleading conduct
- workplace entry by WHS permit holders
- formal and informal communication and consultation processes, and key personnel related to communication
- how the characteristics and composition of the workforce impact on WHS risk and the management of WHS, including:
- communication skills
- cultural background and diversity
- gender
- labour market changes
- language, literacy and numeracy levels of the workforce
- structure and organisation of the workforce, including part time, casual and contract workers; shift rosters; and geographical location
- workers with specific needs and limitations
- workplace culture in relation to alcohol and other drug use
- internal and external sources of WHS information and data, and how to access them
- key personnel, including change agents, within workplace management structure
- organisational culture as it impacts on the work team
- relevant organisational WHS policies, procedures, processes and systems
- the roles and responsibilities of individuals and parties under WHS legislation
- the training needs of health and safety committees, and health and safety representatives
Nominal Hours: 40
