BSBWHS503

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the systematic management of work health and safety (WHS) risk.

It applies to individuals who provide specialised knowledge, systematic approaches and guidance to a range of personnel.

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 National 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:

  1. Access information and data to contribute to the systematic management of WHS risk
  2. Contribute to effective consultation and participation during all stages of risk management
  3. Contribute to establishing the context for risk management
  4. Contribute to risk assessment
  5. Contribute to risk treatment
  6. Contribute to monitoring, reviewing and recording risk management process

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • identify, interpret and apply information from a range of sources to contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a systematic approach to work health and safety (WHS) risk management
  • apply WHS Acts, regulations codes of practice and standards, including the Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
  • identify duty holders
  • explain the differences between a hazard and a risk and identify hazards and risks in the organisation
  • prepare an action plan to implement a systematic approach to WHS risk management
  • prepare positive performance indicators for evaluation of a systematic approach to WHS risk management
  • consult effectively with relevant stakeholders

Demonstrate knowledge of:

  • formal and informal communication and consultation processes, and key personnel related to communication, including duty holders
  • how the characteristics and composition of the workforce impact on WHS risk and the management of WHS with reference to:
    • communication skills
    • cultural background/diversity
    • gender
    • labour market changes
    • language, literacy and numeracy
    • structure and organisation of the workforce, for example part time, casual and contract workers, shift rosters, geographical location
    • workers with specific needs and limitations
    • workplace culture towards alcohol and other drug use
  • internal and external sources of WHS information and data, and explain how to access these sources
  • the limitations of generic hazard identification and risk assessment checklists, and risk ranking processes
  • the nature of workplace processes including work flow, planning and control and hazards relevant to the workplace
  • organisational behaviour and culture as it impacts on WHS, change and the work team
  • the key features of organisational WHS policies, procedures, processes and systems
  • other functional areas in the organisation that impact on the management of WHS
  • the key features of relevant commonwealth and state/territory WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidance material
  • the key principles and/or practices of:
    • a systematic approach to managing WHS
    • duty of care including concepts of causation, foreseeability and prevention
    • incident causation and injury processes
  • risk analysis and assessment techniques and tools, and their application and limitations
  • risk, as the effect of uncertainty, on objectives
  • the duty of persons conducting businesses or undertakings (PCBUs) in regard to risk management under WHS legislation
  • the sources of occupational disease and their prevention
  • standard industry controls for hazards
  • techniques, tools and processes for identifying and controlling health and safety hazards and risks including :
    • hazard and risk checklists
    • hazard hunts
    • job safety analysis
    • manifests and registers including dangerous goods, hazardous chemicals and plant
    • safe work method statements
    • surveys using questionnaires, interviews and other survey techniques
    • workplace inspections and walk throughs
  • the key features of the toxicology of hazardous chemicals and potential health effects in the workplace

Nominal Hours: 40