Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

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

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. Participate in workplace hazard identification

1.1 Participate in selecting hazard identification methods suitable for the workplace, as appropriate

1.2 Use selected methods to identify, report and record hazards according to workplace procedures and WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice

1.3 Provide information and assistance to persons conducting hazard identification 

2. Participate in WHS risk assessment

2.1 Participate in selecting suitable risk assessment methods for the workplace, as appropriate

2.2 Use selected methods to assess and record risks according to workplace procedures and WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice

2.3 Provide information and assistance to persons conducting risk assessments 

3. Promote and support worker consultation and participation in hazard identification and risk assessment

3.1 Advise workers of, and consult them about, hazard identification and risk assessment activities according to workplace WHS consultation and participation policies, procedures and processes

3.2 Encourage workers to participate appropriately in these activities according to workplace WHS consultation and participation policies, procedures and processes

3.3 Advise workers of, and consult them about, the results and outcomes of these activities according to workplace WHS consultation and participation policies, procedures and processes

4. Participate in developing, selecting and implementing WHS risk controls

4.1 Obtain workplace records of the outcomes of hazard identifications and risk assessments, and use them to participate in developing risk control options 

4.2 Apply knowledge of WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, other sources of information and guidelines, and workplace policies, procedures and processes to identify duty holders 

4.3 Participate in selecting risk control options using appropriate criteria 

4.4 Identify and report factors impeding  successful implementation of selected risk controls

4.5 Participate in developing a risk control implementation and evaluation plan 

4.6 Provide information about the implementation and evaluation plan to individuals and parties 

5. Support effective worker consultation and participation in the risk control process

5.1 Advise workers of, and consult them about, developing risk control options, and selecting and implementing risk controls according to workplace WHS consultation and participation policies, procedures and processes

5.2 Encourage workers to participate appropriately  in these activities according to workplace WHS consultation and participation policies, procedures and processes

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

• collection of information about workplace hazards and participation in the identification of hazards in a workplace
• using hazard identification methods appropriately
• participating in risk assessments for hazards identified in the workplace
• participating in developing, selecting and implementing risk controls in a workplace
• knowledge of relevant commonwealth and state or territory Acts, regulations, codes of practice standards and guidance material.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• relevant information on WHS compliance requirements, such as:

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

• relevant internal and external data files
• appropriate computer resources needed to manage the identification and rectification of breaches in compliance requirements.

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:

• analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
• demonstration of applying hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control techniques in the workplace
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of consequences and likelihood of risks associated with hazards in the workplace
• review of research into WHS hazards and their associated risks
• review of information provided to individuals and parties about selected risk controls
• assessment of documentation completed when identifying hazards, assessing risks and developing risk control options.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

• other BSB07 WHS units.

Persons conducting hazard identification  and risk assessments  may include:

• health and safety representatives
• internal or external consultants and WHS specialists
• PCBUs or their officers
• WHS entry permit holders
• WHS inspectors
• workers
• workplace assessors with experience in language or disability issues.

Risk control options  may include:

• actions taken to eliminate risks entirely
• actions taken to minimise risks by:

• eliminating the hazard
• substituting the hazard with something safer
• isolating the hazard
• reducing the risk through engineering controls
• reducing the level of harm by improving administrative controls, such as changing policies, procedures and processes or providing training

• using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as:

• clothing and footwear
• face and eye protection
• hand protection
• head protection
• hearing protection
• respiratory protection.

Duty holders  may include:

• as specified in WHS Acts:

• PCBUs or their officers
• workers
• other persons at a workplace.

Appropriate criteria  may include:

• relevant sections of WHS Acts, regulations, and codes of practice
• other sources of information and guidelines
• workplace policies and procedures
• workplace conditions.

Factors impeding  may include:

• access to technology or information
• cultural differences arising from ethnic diversity
• geographic dispersal of workers
• lack of a systematic approach to managing WHS in the workplace
• lack of support from key management personnel
• language, literacy and numeracy levels of the workforce
• shift work and rostering arrangements
• unrealistic timeframes
• unsupportive workplace culture
• workplace organisational structures.

Implementation and evaluation plan  may include:

• how controls will be implemented and how factors impeding successful implementation will be addressed
• identifying who has the responsibility for implementing the components of the plan and evaluating risk controls
• timetable for implementing and evaluating risk controls.

Individuals and parties  may include:

• contractors and subcontractors
• external people and organisations
• health and safety committees
• health and safety representatives
• managers and supervisors
• PCBUs or their officers
• self
• unions
• WHS entry permit holders
• WHS inspectors
• WHS regulators
• workers.

Appropriate ways  to participate may include:

• briefings
• communicating with workplace parties
• education and training
• obtaining and communicating feedback on controls
• trialling new processes and/or equipment.