This unit applies to individuals who assist OHS specialists in relation to OHS issues.

Steps to resolve OHS issues are covered in BSBOHS305B Contribute to OHS issue resolution.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Contribute to establishing consultative processes within the workplace

1.1. Apply knowledge of relevant OHS laws, policies and procedures to contribute to the development of consultative and participative OHS arrangements in the workplace

1.2. Identify, record and address barriers to the successful functioning of OHS consultative processes

1.3. Contribute recommendations for those involved in OHS

1.4. Identify and record responsibilities of relevant personnel in the consultation process

2. Contribute to obtaining and providing information about OHS issues

2.1. Contribute to establishing a systematic approach to managing OHS by using systems and procedures to gather information on OHS issues

2.2. Utilise tools and techniques to source information from others about OHS issues and hazards

2.3. Identify and access sources of OHS information and data

2.4. Communicate relevant issues to others using appropriate communication methods

3. Raise OHS issues with others

3.1. Raise relevant OHS issues in meetings and record relevant aspects of discussion in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2. Follow-up outstanding issues from meetings in a timely manner

3.3. Communicate outcomes to others

Required skills

culturally appropriate communication skills to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and people with diverse abilities

literacy skills to speak, listen, read and write effectively to consult on and present OHS issues

interpersonal skills to support others to raise OHS issues

information management skills to store and retrieve relevant documents.

Required knowledge

roles and responsibilities of OHS personnel

relevant OHS legislation, codes of practice, agreements, industry standards, workplace policies and procedures

organisational procedures for information sourcing and dissemination, and available communication channels and methods

organisational procedures and protocols for record keeping, and information retrieval and management.

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:

contribution to consultative arrangements for managing OHS in a workplace

knowledge of relevant OHS legislation, codes of practice, agreements, industry standards, workplace policies and procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to relevant information on compliance requirements such as:

organisational policies, standard operating procedures, procedures and plans

relevant legislation, regulations, licensing requirements, codes of practice, standards

access to relevant internal and external OHS data files

access to appropriate office equipment and resources.

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

demonstration of the application of OHS legislation when consulting with people in the workplace on OHS issues

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of roles and responsibilities of OHS personnel

review of records of meeting where OHS issues were raised and discussed

evaluation of communication with others about outcomes of OHS issues raised.

Guidance information for assessment

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

other OHS units.

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.

Consultative OHS arrangements may include:

arrangements to meet workplace consultation obligations specified in relevant state, territory and commonwealth OHS legislation, including:

OHS and other consultative and planning committees

health and safety and other employee representatives such as deputy OHS representatives

employee and supervisor involvement in OHS activities such as inspections and audits

procedures for reporting hazards, raising awareness and addressing OHS issues

employee and workgroup meetings

the formal and informal processes in place for the exchange of information and views on OHS hazards, risks and risk controls

Participative OHS arrangements may include processes that:

inform employees and other stakeholders of OHS matters

seek input and offer the opportunity for stakeholders to participate in decisions that may impact on the OHS of the workplace

Barriers to consultation may include:

access to technology or information

an unsupportive workplace culture

cultural differences arising from ethnic diversity

geographic dispersal of employees

issues arising around the workplace and specific disabilities

lack of a systematic approach to managing OHS in the workplace

lack of support from key management

language and literacy levels of the workforce

remote locations or worksites

rosters or shift work

unrealistic timeframes

Relevant personnel may include:

managers and supervisors

OHS representatives and committee members

OHS specialists such as:

ergonomists

health professionals

injury management advisors

occupational hygienists

OHS technical advisors such as:

engineers (design, acoustic, safety, mechanical and civil)

maintenance and tradespeople

safety representatives

self

unions

workplace assessors with experience in language or disability issues

Systems and procedures may include:

methods of information collection and reporting, including:

surveys

checklists

audits

interviews

inspections

registers

record keeping

planning and consultation systems including:

OHS committee

meetings with health and safety representatives

written communication systems, such as use of intranet, emails, memos, reports, newsletters

Tools and techniques may include:

body mapping

employee concerns identified through a hazard reporting system

examination of relevant information and data

formal or informal meetings

hazard identification checklists

interviews with workers

job and systems analysis

material safety data sheets (MSDSs)

plant and equipment maintenance records

reviews of:

investigation reports

OHS records

registers of hazardous substances and dangerous goods

reported hazards and incidents

surveys and suggestion boxes

workplace processes such as 'walk through' surveys and inspections

Sources of OHS information and data may include:

audits

employer groups

first aid records

hazard, incident and investigation reports

industry bodies

legislation, standards, manufacturers' manuals and specifications available at the workplace

minutes of meetings from incident investigations

MSDSs and registers

OHS professional bodies

OHS specialists

other manufacturers' manuals and specifications

regulatory authorities (for codes of practice, legislation)

reports

standards, from Australia or overseas

unions

websites, journals and newsletters

workplace inspections

Communication methods may include:

audit and inspection records

emails, memos and other agreed forms of communication

group and individual meetings

presentations

risk registers

using interpreters and translators

Unit sector

Regulation, Licensing and Risk - Occupational Health and Safety

This unit contains employability skills.