Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers applying principles of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the workplace and undertaking a safety risk assessment for the employee's area of responsibility.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to employees requiring additional OHS competencies beyond those inherent in their job.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 3 

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Apply principles of OHS in a workplace

1.1. Basic OHS principles of hazard identification, risk assessment and control are described.

1.2. Understanding of OHS legislation as it is applied in the workplace is demonstrated.

2. Carry out safety audit

2.1. Regular safety audits in the area of responsibility are carried out in accordance with appropriate OHS standards.

3. Identify health and safety improvements

3.1. OHS issues and suggestions for improvements are made to OHS Representatives and Committees as appropriate.

3.2. On the basis of safety audits or as required, hazards are identified and recommendations for their control are made.

3.3. Contributions to safety improvements are made using standard operating procedures.

3.4. OHS training needs are identified.

4. Follow requirements of enterprise OHS program

4.1. Requirements of the OHS program are satisfied within the area of responsibility. This includes for example, accident investigation and emergency procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• performing safety audits
• making safety improvements
• initiating OHS training
• meeting requirements of the OHS program and procedures in the individual's area(s) of responsibility
• reading and interpreting audit and safety-related documentation
• following audit and OHS procedures
• entering information onto audit reports and other relevant documents
• communicating effectively about OHS activities with workplace personnel

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• principles of hazard identification, assessment and control as applied to the workplace
• procedures for hazard identification, assessment and control
• application of OHS legislation in the workplace
• procedures for conducting safety audits
• safety standards applicable to the individual's area(s) of responsibility
• the frequency at which safety audits should be conducted
• procedures for implementing OHS improvements
• the means of rectifying given or identified hazards
• reasons for selecting the chosen means of rectifying the hazard
• the authority to whom recommended OHS improvements are to be reported
• procedures for making safety improvements
• requirement for OHS training in the individual's area(s) of responsibility
• objectives of OHS training
• procedures for initiating OHS training
• accident investigation procedures
• emergency OHS procedures
• the role of the individual in carrying out accident investigations and emergency procedures

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to undertake OHS activities in the workplace.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with undertaking occupational health and safety activities in the workplace or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment 

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Risk assessment 

Risk assessment is a process that involves:

• analysing the risk to identify influencing factors and the range of potential consequences
• assessing:

• the effectiveness of existing controls
• the likelihood of each consequence considering exposure and hazard level

• and combining these in some way to obtain a level of risk

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Occupational health and safety