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 BSBOHS508B Participate in the investigation of incidents.

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. Ensure initial responses to the incident are properly carried out

1.1 Prepare and implement a workplace procedure for incident  investigation

1.2 Ensure site of the incident is safe and secured and that the immediate needs  of those involved in the incident are met

1.3 Ensure WHS legislative requirements  are met

1.4 Ensure other actions are performed to meet requirements of relevant workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems

2. Develop an investigation plan

2.1 Apply knowledge of WHS legislation  and workplace policies, procedures and systems to assist with identifying duty holders  and ensure requirements of WHS legislation and workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems are met by the investigation plan

2.2 Form an appropriate investigation team

2.3 Define the scope and purpose of the investigation and ensure they are appropriate to the scope and nature of the incident

2.4 Ensure participation of, and consultation with, individuals and parties  as part of the planning process and specify agreed participation and consultation processes to occur during all phases of the investigation

2.5 Identify, document and obtain necessary resources to conduct the investigation, including expert advice if required

2.6 Identify, address and document barriers to investigation 

2.7 Ensure planning includes agreed timelines, objectives, responsibilities, roles, documentation, actions and outcomes

3. Collect information and data

3.1 Identify and access sources of information and data

3.2 Inspect incident site, equipment and other evidence, and document outcome of inspection

3.3 Gather information and data in ways that ensure objectivity, confidentiality, validity and accuracy

4. Analyse information and data gathered to identify immediate and underlying causes and practical prevention measures

4.1 Ensure investigation team understands, identifies and applies the conceptual bases for the analysis 

4.2 Construct timeline of events  leading up to the incident

4.3 Investigate key events, conditions and/or circumstances that together resulted in the incident

4.4 Develop actions, interventions and practical measures to prevent the re-occurrence of the incident and to address root causes 

4.5 Specify recommended actions, interventions or measures, and plans for their implementation and evaluation

5. Compile and communicate investigation report

5.1 Prepare a report on the investigation, phrasing it in objective terms

5.2 Cite evidence and basis for conclusions and recommendations

5.3 Communicate the report to individuals and parties as appropriate

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

• investigation of WHS incidents in a systematic manner
• initial assessment of the situation and the establishment of an investigation plan
• recommendations arising from the investigation
• identification of immediate and underlying causes, and construction of a timeline of events leading up to the incident with intervention points on the timeline for prevention and a root tree analysis.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• workplace documents and case studies and, where possible, real situations
• office equipment and resources
• other personnel involved in investigations.

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
• assessment of written reports on incidents
• demonstration of techniques used to conduct WHS incident investigations
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• observation of performance in role plays
• observation of presentations
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of requirements for reporting under WHS legislation, including notification and reporting of incidents
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace
• evaluation of area checks after an incident
• scoping of the investigation
• recording of documentary evidence
• research of causative events.

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.

Incident  includes:

• accidents
• incidents as referred to in WHS legislation
• major to minor incidents resulting in:

• major to minor injuries and diseases
• major to minor damage to property, equipment, work processes or the environment

• near misses, where no injury or damage occurs.

Immediate needs  may include:

• first aid
• emergency evacuation and medical treatment
• counselling and other personal support.

WHS legislative requirements  may include:

• complying with specific requirements of WHS legislation relating to incident and incident notification, such as:

• for registered major hazard facilities
• reviewing general workplace management measures and specific hazard control measures following a notifiable incident
• preserving incident sites
• complying with non-disturbance notices.

WHS legislation  may include:

• Acts
• regulations
• codes of practice.

Duty holders  may include:

• as specified in WHS Acts:

• persons conducting businesses or undertakings (PCBUs) or their officers
• workers
• other persons at a workplace.

Individuals and parties  may include:

• community
• contractors
• coroners
• designers
• government agencies, including WHS and emergency services agencies
• importers
• installers
• insurance companies
• internal and external specialists
• managers and supervisors
• manufacturers
• media
• occupational health and safety professionals
• organisation’s board
• PCBUs or their officers
• suppliers and distributors
• union representatives
• worker assistance personnel
• workers and family members.

Barriers to investigation  may include:

• availability of required resources, information and data, for example in relation to specific workplace issues, such as substance abuse
• availability of witnesses
• cultural issues
• language
• legal restrictions or limitations (temporary, short-term or long-term)
• length of time from when incident occurred or was first identified
• location and/or accessibility of site
• management and worker attitude, including desire to protect self and others
• political and community stakeholder sensitivity
• time limits imposed
• unsecured incident site.

Conceptual bases for the analysis  includes:

• adopting an open-minded and objective approach
• analysing policies, procedures, processes and systems in place at the time of the incident
• focusing on the how, what and why of the incident
• not focusing on individual behaviour or fault
• using applicable models of causation and occurrence.

Timeline of events  may include:

• events and processes that extend back in time as far as required to identify root causes
• not just focusing on recent and immediate events and processes.

Root causes  may include:

• workplace:

• policies
• procedures
• processes
• systems.