Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PSPSOHS604A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply ergonomic principles to control OHS risk

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPSOHS604A - Apply ergonomic principles to control OHS risk
Description This unit covers the outcomes required to apply ergonomic knowledge, principles and techniques to control OHS risk.In practice, applying ergonomic principles to control OHS risk may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as promoting ethical practice, applying government systems, influencing opinion, fostering leadership, managing resources, managing compliance with legislation.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application The unit addresses the principles, processes and techniques of ergonomics including the study of the interaction between people, the equipment they use and their general environment. The unit focuses on aspects of work design and work planning such as work layout, work flow, skills, individual variations and environmental factors.Underpinning knowledge and skills for this unit are addressed in PSPSOHS504A Apply principles of OHS risk management and PSPSOHS505A Manage hazards in the work environment, and include a knowledge of systematic approaches to OHS.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Specialist Occupational Health & Safety.
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Assess the degree of match between people and their activities, equipment, environment and systems
  • The extent of human variability in the organisation is identified.
  • Demands placed on people in the organisation by their activities, equipment, environment and systems are determined.
  • People's capacity to interact optimally with their activities, equipment, environment and systems is determined.
  • The match between people and their activities, equipment, environment and systems is determined.
  • Specialist advisers and relevant stakeholders are identified for sources of information and data, and consulted during the assessment process.
       
Element: Design ergonomic interventions to enhance the match between people and their activities, equipment, environment and systems
  • Ergonomic interventions in the design process to optimise the match between people and their activities, equipment, environment and systems are identified.
  • The work environment is designed to optimise the match between people, their activities, equipment, environment and systems.
  • Tools and databases are used to assess tasks and designs to minimise risk.
  • Recommendations are made to optimise the integration of controls and displays into the decision making processes within the work system.
       
Element: Implement ergonomic interventions to enhance the match between people and their activities, equipment, environment and systems
  • Advice is provided on the impact of legislation, codes of practice and standards on the selection and implementation of ergonomic interventions.
  • Key personnel, stakeholders and users are consulted when developing, selecting and implementing ergonomic interventions.
  • Links are made with other functional areas and management systems.
  • Implementation of the agreed intervention is facilitated.
  • Training needs are identified and documented.
  • Resources necessary to introduce and maintain the agreed interventions are identified and documented.
  • The outcomes of ergonomic assessments and interventions are reported to key personnel and stakeholders.
       
Element: Evaluate ergonomic interventions
  • Quality and outcomes of ergonomic interventions are evaluated in consultation with stakeholders and users.
  • Modification of interventions is facilitated as required as a result of the evaluation findings.
  • Recommendations are made regarding future interventions as a result of the evaluation.
       


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 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.

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:

PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service

PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion

PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPSOHS601A Develop a systematic approach to managing OHS

PSPSOHS603A Analyse and evaluate OHS risk

PSPSOHS605A Apply occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk

PSPSOHS607A Advise on application of safe design principles to control OHS risk.

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

knowledge requirements of this unit

skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.

Resources required to carry out assessment

Resources essential for assessment include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the application of ergonomic principles to control OHS risk

workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when applying ergonomic principles to control OHS risk to control OHS risk.

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when applying ergonomic principles to control OHS risk, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

application of ergonomic principles to control OHS risk in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time.

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:

workplace projects

simulation or role plays

case studies and scenarios

observation.

portfolios.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Required skills:

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

relating to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

communicating effectively with personnel at all levels of organisation and OHS specialists and, as required, emergency service personnel

preparing reports for a range of target groups including OHS committee, OHS representatives, managers, supervisors and other stakeholders

applying continuous improvement and action planning processes

achieving change using project management processes

managing own tasks within time frame

using consultation and negotiation skills, particularly in relation to developing plans and implementing and monitoring designated actions

contributing to the assessment of the resources needed to systematically manage OHS and, where appropriate, access resources

analysing relevant workplace information and data, make observations including of workplace tasks and interactions between people, their activities, equipment, environment and systems

carrying out simple arithmetical calculations (eg % change), and producing graphs of workplace information and data to identify trends and recognise limitations of information and data

interpreting information and data to identify areas for improvement

using a range of communication media

conducting effective formal and informal meetings

using language and literacy skills appropriate to the workgroup and the task

using computer and information technology skills to access internal and external information and data on OHS

undertaking basic research to access relevant information and data

using anthropometric tables effectively

paying attention to detail when making observations and recording outcomes

Required knowledge:

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

roles and responsibilities under OHS legislation of employees including supervisors, contractors, OHS inspectors etc

principles of duty of care including concepts of causation, foreseeability, preventability

legislative requirements for OHS information and data, and consultation

difference between hazard and risk

risk as a measure of uncertainty and the factors that affect risk

requirements under hazard-specific OHS legislation and codes of practice

characteristics, mode of action and units of measurement of major hazard types

physiology and functional anatomy relevant to identifying and controlling ergonomic hazards

human error and implications for design of equipment, work practices and controlling ergonomic hazards

the basics of anthropometry and biomechanics

basic human cognitive and perceptual capabilities relevant to the design of human/machine interfaces

risk factors for manual handling injury and risk assessment techniques for manual handling

principles of human behaviour and response to interactions with human, physical and task environment to identify psychosocial hazards

direct and indirect influences that impact on OHS and the environment in the design of product/s

interdependent relationships between ergonomics and workplace stressors such as psychosocial factors, occupational violence, shiftwork, repetitive work, awkward postures, lighting, thermal environment and work layout

hierarchy of control and considerations for choosing between different control measures, such as possible inadequacies of particular control measures

standard industry controls for a range of hazards

strategies for minimising risk through application of ergonomic design and engineering, work layout, work processes, work organisation

types of hazard identification tools including JSA

limitations of generic hazard and risk checklists and risk ranking processes

pertinent sections of relevant Australian and other standards such as AS/NZS 4360: Risk management, National Standard for the Storage and Handling

principles and practices of a systematic approach to managing OHS

other function areas that impact on the management of OHS

internal and external sources of OHS information and data

how the characteristics and composition of the workforce impact on risk and the systematic approach to managing OHS e.g.

labour market changes

structure and organisation of workforce e.g. part-time, casual and contract workers, shift rosters, geographical location

language, literacy and numeracy

communication skills

cultural background/workplace diversity

gender

workers with special needs

organisational behaviour and culture as it impacts on OHS and on change

ethics related to professional practice

organisational OHS policies and procedures

nature of workplace processes (including work flow, planning and control) and hazards relevant to the particular workplace

key personnel, including identifying 'change agents', within workplace management structure

formal and informal communication and consultation processes and key personnel related to communication

language, literacy and cultural profile of the work group

organisational culture as it impacts on the workgroup

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.

Specialists advisors may include:

specialist ergonomists

occupational hygienists

engineers (such as design, acoustic, safety, mechanical, civil)

health professionals

legal practitioners

designers

manufacturers and suppliers

Stakeholders may include:

managers

supervisors

employees

health and safety and other employee representatives

OHS committees

Sources of information and data may include:

external sources such as:

state and territory OHS regulatory bodies

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)

relevant state or territory OHS legislation and codes of practice

international and Australian standards

National Plant and Certification Standards and associated guidance material

professional associations such as Ergonomics Society of Australia, Safety Institute of Australia, Institute of Engineers Australia, Design Institute of Australia and Building Design Professionals

employer groups, unions and industry bodies

OHS professionals, including those involved in safety engineering, occupational hygiene, occupational health, injury management, toxicology, ergonomics and epidemiology

internal sources such as:

manufacturers' manuals and specifications

purchasing, contract and tendering procedures

hazard, incident and investigation reports

enforcement notices and actions

workplace inspections

minutes of meetings

reports

audits, questionnaires and surveys

job and task statements

documents describing how tasks, projects. inspections, jobs and processes are undertaken

employees

Ergonomics interventions may include:

design of tools

design of workplaces

design of products

design of equipment

design of work systems, processes or organisation including work flow, planning and control

job design

development of new decision making processes

new forms and organisations of work

Tools and databases may include but are not limited to:

engineering models

Australian and international standards

Australian and international anthropometric databases

Legislation, codes of practice and standards may include:

current Commonwealth and relevant state/territory OHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material

workers compensation

privacy legislation

contract law

trade practices

criminal law

common law

industrial relations law

equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination law

Australian and international standards

Key personnel include:

managers involved in OHS decision making or who may be impacted by decisions

Other functional areas and management systems may include:

strategic planning

purchasing, procurement and contracting

logistics

human resource, industrial relations and personnel management including payroll

engineering and maintenance

information and records management

finance and auditing

environmental management

quality management

Resources may include:

financial requirements

personnel, including time allocation

equipment

specialised resources such as electronic management systems, communications media and information/data technology equipment

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
The extent of human variability in the organisation is identified. 
Demands placed on people in the organisation by their activities, equipment, environment and systems are determined. 
People's capacity to interact optimally with their activities, equipment, environment and systems is determined. 
The match between people and their activities, equipment, environment and systems is determined. 
Specialist advisers and relevant stakeholders are identified for sources of information and data, and consulted during the assessment process. 
Ergonomic interventions in the design process to optimise the match between people and their activities, equipment, environment and systems are identified. 
The work environment is designed to optimise the match between people, their activities, equipment, environment and systems. 
Tools and databases are used to assess tasks and designs to minimise risk. 
Recommendations are made to optimise the integration of controls and displays into the decision making processes within the work system. 
Advice is provided on the impact of legislation, codes of practice and standards on the selection and implementation of ergonomic interventions. 
Key personnel, stakeholders and users are consulted when developing, selecting and implementing ergonomic interventions. 
Links are made with other functional areas and management systems. 
Implementation of the agreed intervention is facilitated. 
Training needs are identified and documented. 
Resources necessary to introduce and maintain the agreed interventions are identified and documented. 
The outcomes of ergonomic assessments and interventions are reported to key personnel and stakeholders. 
Quality and outcomes of ergonomic interventions are evaluated in consultation with stakeholders and users. 
Modification of interventions is facilitated as required as a result of the evaluation findings. 
Recommendations are made regarding future interventions as a result of the evaluation. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSOHS604A - Apply ergonomic principles to control OHS risk
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Assessment Record Sheet

PSPSOHS604A - Apply ergonomic principles to control OHS risk

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

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