Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comments |
3 |
PSP12V1 |
Unit descriptor edited. |
2 |
PSP04V4.2 |
Layout adjusted. No changes to content. |
1 |
PSP04V4.1 |
Primary release. |
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the actions necessary to participate in the coordination and maintenance of the OHS program, taking account of the responsibilities for managing OHS.
It includes strategies, policies and procedures necessary to systematically manage OHS and its evaluation to ensure that the workplace is, as far as practicable, safe and without risks to the health of employees and others.
In practice, participation in the coordination and maintenance of a systematic approach to managing OHS may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as promoting ethical practice, using complex communication strategies, undertaking research and analysis, coordinating resource usage, promoting compliance with legislation.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to individuals with managerial responsibility for coordinating and maintaining an OHS program. It involves identifying the need for change, planning and implementing strategies, integrating OHS within other functional areas, and some evaluation of the OHS management function.
The unit may be undertaken in the context of an OHS management system (OHSMS) or other systematic approaches to managing OHS.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements are the essential outcomes of the unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1 Contribute to the strategic planning process |
1.1 Steps are taken to ensure that managers at all levels are aware of their OHS responsibilities and the role of OHS in the overall management approach. 1.2 OHS needs and priorities are determined in consultation with relevant managers and other workplace stakeholders and key personnel . 1.3 Recommendations are made for inclusion of OHS performance (including positive performance indicators ) in the organisation's business plan. |
2 Participate in the development of an OHS plan |
2.1 Potential motivators amongst stakeholders together with potential barriers to the implementation of a systematic approach to managing OHS are identified. 2.2 An OHS plan is developed, in consultation with workplace stakeholders, based on agreed priorities and with measurable outcomes. 2.3 Resources required for implementation of the OHS plan are identified. 2.4 Action plans with relevant responsibilities and time lines are developed. 2.5 Action plans are communicated to key personnel. |
3 Support the implementation of the systematic approach to managing OHS |
3.1 Knowledge of OHS management and OHS disciplines is applied, in consultation with stakeholders, OHS specialists and technical advisors , to the development of policies and procedures . 3.2 Support is provided to managers to meet OHS responsibilities and for the implementation of action plans. 3.3 Strategies are developed to effectively integrate OHS within other functional areas and management systems that impact on the management of OHS. 3.4 OHS training needs are identified and recommendations for delivery formulated. |
4 Provide advice to key personnel and stakeholders |
4.1 Objective advice is provided in an ethical and non-discriminating manner. 4.2 Situations are identified where OHS specialists may be required. |
5 Participate in monitoring OHS |
5.1 Implications for the management of OHS and proposed changes to the workplace are identified in consultation with stakeholders. 5.2 Implications for the management of OHS, external changes and changes to available information and data are identified in consultation with stakeholders. 5.3 Sources of workplace information and data are accessed as part of regular monitoring of OHS. 5.4 Achievement against action plans is monitored and plans updated as appropriate. 5.5 Action is taken to update systematic approaches to managing OHS, taking into account proposed changes. |
6 Participate in reviewing the management of OHS |
6.1 The effectiveness of systematic approaches to managing OHS is reviewed regularly. 6.2 Frequency, method and scope of review is determined in consultation with stakeholders. 6.3 Stakeholders have input to the review. 6.4 Targets for improvement in the management of OHS are identified and recommendations made for improvement. 6.5 Improvement strategies arising from the review are communicated to appropriate levels of authority through planning, documentation and implementation. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required skills : Look for evidence that confirms skills in:
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Required knowledge : Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:
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Evidence Guide
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the unit descriptor, performance criteria, The range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package. |
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Units to be assessed together |
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include:
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Overview of evidence requirements |
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment. |
Resources required to carry out assessment |
These resources include:
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Where and how to assess evidence |
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
Assessment methods should reflect but not exceed workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of individuals who might be disadvantaged. Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit must use authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses and may include a combination of two or more of:
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment. |
For consistency of assessment |
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments. |
Range Statement
The range statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The range statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance criteria is explained here. |
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Stakeholders may include: |
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Key personnel may include: |
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Positive performance indicators are: |
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Motivators include: |
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Barriers to implementation of a systematic approach to managing OHS may include: |
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A systemic approach to managing OHS involves: |
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OHS plan is: |
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Resources may include: |
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OHS specialists may be internal or external and include: |
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Technical advisors may include: |
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Policies and procedures may include: |
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Other functional areas and management systems may include: |
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Ethical advice means that: |
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Proposed changes to the workplace may include: |
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External changes may include: |
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Sources of workplace information and data may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
Competency field
Specialist Occupational Health & Safety