Assessor Resource

SITXOHS005A
Establish and maintain an OHS system

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes a complex business management skill for those working within the service industries and applies to the full range of industry sectors and environments.

Under OHS law, all organisations are responsible for providing and maintaining a safe workplace. Whether micro, small, medium or large, they must ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees and the safety of people, other than their workers, who may be present in the workplace. In the service industries, the workplace would include any location where the business operates and 'others' would include customers. In large organisations, the responsibility for establishing and maintaining the OHS system might be undertaken by a specialist OHS practitioner. In the service industries, the majority of businesses are small to medium and OHS management is undertaken by managers who fulfil a range of diverse business management duties.

This unit applies equally to both specialist and generalist personnel. It applies to senior personnel who operate autonomously, have responsibility for others and are responsible for making strategic decisions regarding establishing and reviewing OHS management practices in the organisation. This would include senior managers and owner-operators.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and sustain effective, professional and contemporary OHS management practices. It focuses on the establishment and review of systems, policies and procedures designed to ensure a safe workplace.

A systematic management approach is central to compliance with OHS legislation which, in all Australian States and Territories, imposes obligations on businesses whether small, medium or large to manage the safety of their workers and anyone else in the workplace.

No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

This unit is one of three hierarchical units describing varying levels of participation in OHS management practices:

SITXOHS001B Follow health, safety and security procedures

SITXOHS004B Implement and monitor workplace health, safety and security practices

SITXOHS005A Establish and maintain an OHS system.

The processes necessary to control specific workplace safety risks are covered in:

SITXOHS003B Identify hazards, and assess and control safety risks.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil

Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.



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, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

project or work activities that show the candidate's ability to establish, implement, evaluate and make ongoing improvements to a complete OHS system for a given service industry operation and in line with regulatory requirements

development of comprehensive OHS system documents inclusive of policies, procedures, hazard identification and risk assessment documents

knowledge of specific relevant OHS legislative requirements

project or work activities conducted over a commercially realistic period of time so that the implementation and evaluation aspects of this unit can be assessed, i.e. an OHS system can be established, evaluated and reviewed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

that the candidate has accessed a fully equipped office environment using appropriate computers, printers, communication technology, information programs and publications to facilitate the processes involved in developing an OHS system

access to an operation for which an OHS system would be developed or access to comprehensive and sufficient information about that operation to allow the candidate to fully develop a tailored OHS system

use of the appropriate state or territory legislation, codes of practice and standards issued by regulatory authorities or industry groups

use of OHS information, such as manuals issued by industry associations or commercial publishers

access to current organisation policies and procedures, and hazard identification and risk assessment template documents

involvement of a team operating in a specified workplace for which the candidate establishes OHS management practices.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to establish and maintain an OHS system. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of a portfolio which incorporates an entire written OHS system for an organisation, including policies, procedures, hazard identification and risk assessment template documents, information fact sheets for workers, job descriptions incorporating OHS roles, training plans and a communication strategy

evaluation of reports prepared by the candidate detailing how OHS policies, systems and procedures were established for a given project or work activity

evaluation of project or work activities conducted in conjunction with an industry operator to allow the candidate to develop systems for a particular workplace

evaluation of the implementation and review processes through interviews with key stakeholders or review of reports

case studies and problem-solving exercises to establish systems, policies and procedures for different workplace sizes and types

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of the legislative requirements

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

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

SITXADM003A Write business documents

SITXGLC001A Develop and update legal knowledge required for business compliance.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.

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.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

high-level literacy skills to:

read and interpret complex materials describing regulatory requirements that relate to OHS management

develop and write comprehensive OHS systems inclusive of detailed yet easily accessible policies, procedures and template documents

high-level communication skills to consult with different personnel

critical thinking skills to allow for a rational and logical evaluation of the characteristics and needs of the organisation in order to design a tailored OHS system, and to evaluate and review it.

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of relevant state or territory OHS legislation as it affects specific workplace operations

in-depth knowledge of associated OHS codes of practice and standards

components of policies and procedures

alternative presentation formats for special needs groups

consultative and communication mechanisms used by organisations to develop and implement procedural systems

main types of safety hazards that may be found in the industry sector or organisation

acceptable control methods for identified hazards

the way systems and procedures on health, safety and security issues link with other management systems

other legal issues that impact on health and safety, in particular industry contexts such as responsible service of alcohol, responsible conduct of gambling, public liability and duty of care to customers.

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below.

OHS management system must include:

safe premises, including the provision of entrances and exits that are safe

safe machinery, equipment and materials

safe systems of work

safe working environment

information, instructions, training and supervision that ensure employees' health and safety

adequate facilities for the welfare of employees

appropriate management of incidents or accidents and notification to OHS regulatory authorities.

OHS policies and procedures may cover:

organisation's overall approach to OHS

consultation

incident and accident management and notification to OHS regulatory authorities

participation of personnel in OHS management practices

hazard identification

risk assessment

risk control

ongoing monitoring of risks

responsibilities of employees to ensure safety

particular safe work practices in regard to:

handling of hazardous substances

manual handling

wearing or using protective equipment

retail supply of hazardous substances

security issues

emergency evacuation and responses.

OHS training requirements may include:

OHS policy and procedures

induction training

coaching or mentoring in safe work practices

formal training programs in safe work practices

provision of information, fact sheets and signage to ensure safe work practices

OHS representative or committee training

hazard identification, and risk assessment and control training.

OHS records may include documentation of:

policies and procedures

training plans and training undertaken

consultation records, such as:

diaries of meetings

agendas for and minutes of meetings

committee members

consultation decisions and follow-up actions

hazard identification records

risk assessments

risk control actions

incident, accident and near miss reports and related statistics

incident or accident notifications to OHS regulatory authorities.

Consultative processes may involve:

consultation with all employees during the course of each business day

diary, whiteboard or suggestion box used by staff to report concerns

recording of concerns in a management diary

regular staff meetings that involve OHS discussions

special staff meetings or workshops to specifically address OHS issues

staff handbook with OHS information

survey or questionnaire that invites feedback on OHS issues

informal meetings with notes

fact sheets to fully inform personnel about OHS rights and responsibilities

formal meetings with agendas, minutes and action plans

formal OHS representatives

formal OHS committees

participation in OHS management practices, such as involving personnel in:

conducting hazard identification and risk assessment

making decisions on how to eliminate or control risks

writing parts of OHS policies and procedures.

Times designated and required by legislation for consultation will vary but may include when the organisation:

makes initial and ongoing decisions on how best to consult with personnel

is proposing to make changes to the premises, equipment, materials and systems of work that might affect the health and safety of personnel

conducts hazard identification and risk assessment or reviews hazard identification and risk assessment practices

makes decisions about actions to eliminate or control risks

introduces or alters procedures for monitoring workplace risks

introduces or alters facilities for the welfare of personnel.

Hazard identification and risk assessment tool or template document may include:

self-designed tools developed for the organisation as part of an OHS management system

tools and templates developed:

by external consultancy services

by industry associations for use of member businesses

for public use by and found within business management publications, including those developed by OHS regulatory authorities.

Assessment criteria may include:

criteria developed by external consultancy services

criteria outlined in Australian standards

criteria suggested by industry associations for use by member businesses

self-determined criteria for the organisation as part of an OHS management system.

Times designated by legislation for systematic hazard identification may include:

when changes to the workplace are implemented, including:

before the premises are used for the first time

before and during the installation or alteration of any plant

before changes to work practices are introduced

when new information relating to health and safety risk becomes available.

Types ofhazards designated by legislation may include:

physical environment, for example:

working space of any workers

lighting

hot and cold environments

prevailing noise levels

electrical items

flooring

equipment designed to assist with or replace manual handling

plant, for example:

machinery

tools

appliances

equipment

working practices, for example:

opening and closing procedures and security procedures

any standard operating procedures for work-related tasks

rostering of staff and shift allocation

length of time spent at certain tasks and allocation of breaks.

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
Access and interpret key legislative documents to ensure that OHS systems comply with regulatory requirements, standards and codes. 
Design an OHS management system to suit the characteristics and needs of the organisation, in consultation with appropriate personnel. 
 
Develop and clearly articulate OHS policies and procedures in a format readily accessible to all personnel. 
Define and allocate health, safety and security responsibilities clearly, including relevant information in job descriptions and duty statements. 
Consult with key personnel, and determine, develop and implement a plan for all OHS training requirements. 
Establish and monitor a system for keeping OHS records. 
Establish and maintain systems to ensure communication of information to personnel, including information on policies, procedures and their roles and responsibilities in OHS management practices. 
Establish and maintain appropriate consultative processes to suit the characteristics and needs of the organisation. 
Plan for and ensure that consultation is conducted attimes designated and required by legislation. 
Resolve issues raised through consultation and participation promptly and effectively. 
Provide information about the outcomes of consultation and participation in a manner accessible to employees. 
Develop or access a hazard identification and risk assessment tool or template document that incorporates assessment criteria for assessing risks and consequences. 
Plan for and ensure that hazards are identified attimes designated and required by legislation. 
Develop procedures for the ongoing identification of hazards, especially types ofhazards designated by legislation. 
Develop procedures for the assessment of risks associated with identified hazards. 
Develop procedures for the control of risks and the ongoing monitoring of controls. 
Nominate the roles and responsibilities of personnel for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control within procedures. 
Take a lead role in assessing and controlling risks, including implementing interim or emergency solutions according to consultative requirements of OHS legislation. 
Manage the response to any incident or accident and follow legislative requirements for notifying and cooperating with OHS regulatory authorities. 
Assess ongoing compliance with OHS legislation and regulatory requirements, standards and codes to ensure that OHS legal requirements are maintained. 
Consult with a range of personnel to elicit feedback on OHS policies, procedures and practices. 
Assess the effectiveness of OHS management practices, including a review of any incidents or accidents, near misses, OHS reports and statistics held by the organisation. 
Develop, implement, document and communicate improvements and changes to the OHS system. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SITXOHS005A - Establish and maintain an OHS system
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Assessment Record Sheet

SITXOHS005A - Establish and maintain an OHS system

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