BSBWHS607A - Apply ergonomics to manage WHS hazards and risks
Assessor Resource
BSBWHS607A Apply ergonomics to manage WHS hazards and risks
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: May 2024
This unit applies to people who manage WHS hazards and risks and who need to consider the role ergonomics plays in this process. Working with ergonomists may be required as part of this role.
The unit applies to people who apply advanced practical knowledge to coordinate, facilitate and maintain the WHS program within an organisation.
NOTE: The terms Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) are equivalent and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the National Model WHS Legislation has not been implemented RTOs are advised to contextualise the unit of competency by referring to the existing State/Territory OHS legislative requirements.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply ergonomics to manage work health and safety (WHS) hazards and risks.
This unit addresses the principles, processes and methods of ergonomics and their application to the management of WHS hazards and risks. It enables improved management of WHS through an understanding of how ergonomics contributes to WHS management; the appropriate application of ergonomics principles, processes and methods; and working with ergonomists and other specialists.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applying ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the assessment of a range of WHS hazards and risks, and in the development and evaluation of risk controls
applying ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities
working with specialists to manage WHS hazards and risks
knowledge of current approaches to and developments in ergonomics in the workplace.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a workplace
relevant legislation, standards, guidelines, information and data
reports from other parties consulted in developing ergonomics interventions.
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
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of onthe-job performance by the candidate
observation of presentations
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of ergonomics principles, processes and methods applicable to the management of WHS hazards and risks, and WHS-related planning and design activities and processes
written examples and reports on the review and outcomes of ergonomics recommendations made to manage WHS risks and hazards and to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS609A Advise on the application of safe design principles to control WHS risks.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills
analytical skills to:
identify areas for WHS improvement
analyse relevant workplace information and data, and make observations of workplace tasks and interactions between people, their activities, equipment, environment and systems
contribute to the assessment of resources needed to manage WHS and where appropriate access these resources
contribute to the strategic WHS performance of the organisation
communication skills to:
conduct effective formal and informal meetings and communicate effectively with personnel at all levels of the organisation, and with external parties and individuals
use language appropriate to the work team and the task
write policies, procedures and plans
consultation and negotiation skills to:
develop plans
implement and monitor designated actions
information technology skills to access and download internal and external information and data on WHS
organisational skills to manage own tasks within a timeframe
project-management skills to achieve continuous improvement and to action processes about WHS matters
research skills to:
access relevant WHS information and data
identify areas for improvement
interpret information and data
pay attention to detail when making observations and recording outcomes
use information and data-gathering techniques, such as brainstorming, polling and interviewing.
Required knowledge
application domains of ergonomics
broad overview of the knowledge base, skills, methods, techniques, expertise, roles and functions of ergonomists
ergonomics as the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theoretical principles, data and methods to design in order to optimise human wellbeing and overall system performance
ergonomics principles, processes and methods applicable to the management of WHS hazards and risks, and WHS-related planning and design activities and processes
ergonomics-related content of applicable WHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice and other documents, such as policies, standards, guidance publications and alerts issued by the relevant WHS regulators
general principles and processes of ergonomics
risk management as a duty of persons conducting businesses or undertakings (PCBUs) or their officers under WHS legislation
scope and broad content of Australian and international ergonomics standards
systems and systems concepts as used in ergonomics.
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.
WHS hazards and risks may include:
bullying
fatigue
hazardous physical and/or mental workloads
lighting
manual handling
noise and infrasound
plant-related hazards and risks
psychosocial hazards
shift work and extended shifts
vibration
work stress
workplace layout hazards.
WHS-related planning and design activities and processes may include:
work and workplace systems
workstations and work areas
jobs and tasks
physical and psychosocial work environments
shift work and general work rosters
workplace policies, procedures, processes and structures
workplace communications systems and processes
WHS management systems
information technology systems
plant, equipment and tools, including their specification and acquisition
specification and acquisition of services
maintenance processes and procedures.
Other relevant documents may include:
policies
standards
guidance publications
alerts issued by the relevant WHS regulators.
Specialists may include:
designers
engineers: design, acoustic, safety and mechanical
health professionals
manufacturers and suppliers of workplace goods and services
professional ergonomists.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Use workplace WHS information to identify WHS hazards and risks
. Apply knowledge of ergonomics principles, processes and methods to identify workplace WHS hazards and risks whose management could include the application of ergonomics
Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the assessment of WHS hazards and risks
. Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the development of risk controls
. Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the evaluation of risk controls
Identify WHS-related planning and design activities and processes
. Identify opportunities for the application of ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities
. Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities
. Review and evaluate enhancements to WHS-related planning and design activities
Ensure ergonomics activities comply with all applicable WHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice and other relevant documents
Ensure ergonomics activities comply with relevant workplace processes, procedures, standards and systems
Apply appropriate ergonomics principles, processes and methods according to available resources and own role, responsibilities, skill and knowledge
Seek advice, support and input from specialists where necessary and appropriate
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
BSBWHS607A - Apply ergonomics to manage WHS hazards and risks
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Assessment Record Sheet
BSBWHS607A - Apply ergonomics to manage WHS hazards and risks
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