Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with BSB07 Business Training Package version 7.0.

Replaces and is equivalent to BSBCMN311B Maintain workplace safety.

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Assist with incorporating WHS policies and procedures into work team processes

1.1 Use WHS legislation  as the basis for meeting the health and safety requirements of a small work team

1.2 Assist in providing and clearly explaining information to the work team about the organisation’s WHS policies, procedures, programs and legislative requirements , including the legal duties, powers, rights, obligations and responsibilities of individuals and parties inside and outside the workplace

1.3 Assist in regularly providing and clearly explaining information to the work team about identifying hazards  and the outcomes of risk assessment 

2. Support participative arrangements for managing WHS

2.1 Implement and monitor organisational consultative procedures  to facilitate participation of the work team in managing work area hazards

2.2 Promptly deal with issues raised through consultation according to organisational procedures for issue resolution

2.3 Encourage and assist work team members to contribute to managing WHS

2.4 Engage with individuals and work teams to identify and implement improvements in managing WHS feedback

3. Support the organisation’s procedures for providing WHS training

3.1 Provide advice on WHS training needs  of individuals and the work team

3.2 Provide advice on strategies and opportunities for developing work team’s WHS competence

3.3 Provide coaching and mentoring assistance  to work team members to support the effective development of individual and team WHS competence

4. Participate in identifying hazards, and assessing and controlling risks for the work area

4.1 Provide advice on hazards in the work area  according to organisational policies and procedures, and WHS legal requirements

4.2 Support the implementation of procedures to control risks  using the hierarchy of control and according to organisational procedures and WHS legal requirements

4.3 Identify and report inadequacies in existing risk control measures according to organisational procedures, the hierarchy of control and WHS legal requirements

4.4 Accurately complete and maintain WHS incident records in the work area according to organisational procedures and WHS legislative requirements

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• implementing organisational management systems and WHS procedures in own work area
• understanding of and meeting WHS legal and organisational requirements as they apply to own work area and job role
• knowledge of procedures for identifying hazards in the work area
• knowledge of procedures for assessing and controlling risks to health and safety associated with those hazards according to organisational WHS procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• safety processes relevant to the area of work
• relevant information and documentation on compliance requirements, such as:

• organisational policies and procedures, standard operating procedures and plans
• relevant Acts, regulations, codes of practice, licensing requirements and standards

• relevant internal and external information
• appropriate office equipment and resources used in the identification and rectification of WHS compliance breaches.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of documents on WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards, policies and procedures developed and communicated to workers
• analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
• demonstration of applying WHS legislation
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of research and data-collection methods to obtain evidence of compliance with WHS legislation
• assessment of duty of care arrangements.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

WHS legislation  may include:

• WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice
• components of Acts and regulations, such as:

• dangerous goods
• environmental protection
• equal opportunity and anti-discrimination
• industrial relations
• privacy
• workers’ compensation.

WHS policies, procedures, programs and legislative requirements  may include:

• consultative arrangements for workers in the work area
• emergency plan and procedures
• first aid provision, and medical practitioner contact and attention
• hazard reporting procedures
• incident investigation
• plant and equipment maintenance and use
• procedures for hazard identification
• procedures for risk assessment, and the selection and implementation of risk control measures
• purchasing policy and procedures
• safe operating procedures and instructions
• site access and egress
• transport and storage of dangerous goods
• use and care of personal protective equipment
• use and storage of hazardous substances
• WHS arrangements for on-site contractors, visitors and members of the public
• WHS audits and safety inspections.

Individuals and parties  may include:

• contractors and subcontractors
• customers
• persons conducting businesses or undertakings (PCBUs) or their officers
• workers
• other persons at a workplace
• WHS entry permit holders
• WHS inspectors
• WHS regulators.

Methods for identifying hazards  and risk assessment  include:

• as specified in WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice
• checking equipment before and during work
• consulting work team members
• housekeeping
• reviewing records, for example:

• equipment maintenance
• hazardous chemicals, including labels and safety data sheet (SDS) register, and dangerous goods storage list
• injury
• training plan

• workplace inspections in area of responsibility.

Organisational consultative procedures  may include:

• attendance of health and safety representatives at management meetings
• counselling and disciplinary processes
• early response to worker suggestions, requests, reports and concerns put forward to management
• formal and informal meetings
• health and safety committees
• other committees, for example planning and purchasing.

WHS training needs  may include:

• coaching, mentoring and/or supervision
• formal and informal learning programs
• internal and external training programs
• personal study.

Coaching and mentoring assistance  may include:

• explaining and clarifying
• presenting and promoting a safe workplace
• problem solving
• providing encouragement
• providing feedback to another team member
• respecting the contribution of all participants and giving credit for achievements.

Hazards in the work area  may include:

• anything that has the potential to cause harm
• as specified in WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice
• blocked exits
• ergonomically unsuitable workstations and task design, for example:

• repetitive work
• poor lighting or glary surfaces
• non-adjustable work surfaces and seating

• internal or external threat of occupational violence or bullying
• lack of adequate storage
• reliance on low order control measure (such as personal protective equipment) to reduce worker risk exposure, instead of controlling the hazard itself
• slippery and uneven floors
• unguarded and poorly maintained machinery and equipment
• unlabelled chemicals and substances
• untidy or noisy work areas.

Procedures to control risks  may include actions, such as:

• as specified in WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice
• application of the hierarchy of control, namely:

• eliminate the risk
• reduce or minimise the risk through:

• engineering controls
• administrative controls
• personal protective equipment

• regular consultation with workers.