This unit applies to individuals who assist OHS specialists in relation to an investigation of an OHS incident in the workplace.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Contribute to OHS data collection relevant to an investigation

1.1. Obtain information from those involved using appropriate data collection techniques regarding actions and events leading up to, occurring during or after an incident

1.2. Identify and access sources of additional information related to an incident

1.3. Engage advice from external sources if required

1.4. Accompany investigators and provide relevant information during investigations

1.5. Attend meetings about OHS investigations

1.6. Observe investigative testing and provide copies of the results to relevant others

2. Participate in workplace investigations

2.1. Use appropriate techniques when participating in workplace investigations

2.2. Review reports on safety incidents, injuries and illnesses

2.3. Contact responsible persons and relevant authorities when required

2.4. Communicate recommendations arising from investigations to relevant others

Required skills

information management skills to store and retrieve relevant OHS documents

presentation and consultation skills to communicate OHS issues arising in the workplace

presentation skills to provide information to a wide range of forums.

Required knowledge

basic principles of incident causation

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

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

hierarchy of control and considerations for choosing between different hazard control measures

internal and external sources of OHS information and data

nature of the workplace processes such as work flow, planning and control, and hazards specific to the workplace

organisational culture as it impacts on the workgroup

organisational policies and procedures for OHS

principles and practices of systemic approaches to the management of OHS

principles of ethics related to professional practice

relevant state/territory and commonwealth OHS legislation, codes of practice, standards and guidance material

roles and responsibilities under OHS legislation of employees, supervisors, contractors, designers.

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 investigations of OHS issues relating to workplace incidents

knowledge of relevant state/territory and commonwealth OHS legislation, codes of practice, standards and guidance material.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to relevant OHS information such as:

organisational policies

standard operating procedures and plans

relevant legislation

regulations

licensing requirements

codes of practice

standards

access to appropriate office equipment and resources

access to relevant internal and external data files.

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

assessment of documentation completed when contributing to OHS investigations

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 basic principles of incident causation

review of reports on safety incidents, injuries and illnesses

evaluation of communications to relevant others about recommendations arising from investigations.

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.

Appropriate data collection techniques may include:

accessing information and statistics on accidents and dangerous occurrences

conducting regular, accident or special workplace OHS inspections

engaging the services of an internal or external consultant or specialist OHS practitioner

facilitating the engagement of personnel to conduct specialised testing on hazards in the workplace

investigating workgroup members' complaints thoroughly before presenting them to management or supervisors

Actions and events may include:

anything that may have contributed to the occurrence or severity of the incident, including design decisions

facts about the incident such as:

systems

people

tools

equipment

materials

fixtures

time and nature of any injuries sustained

Sources of additional information may include:

booklets and publications from statutory authorities

manufacturers' manuals, specifications and instructions

OHS consultation and participation processes

OHS legislation, codes of practice, industry standards and guidelines

OHS related websites

records about hazards identified in the workplace

records about previous actions taken to control hazards

records of risk assessments

rights and responsibilities of those involved in OHS in the workplace

safe work procedures

workplace OHS policies, procedures and agreements

Investigators may include:

employer representatives, managers and supervisors

external consultants

inspectors from statutory OHS investigative bodies or authorities

internal OHS specialists

OHS representatives conducting workplace investigations for issues raised in the workplace

Appropriate techniques may include:

examination of relevant information and data

inspections

interviews

simulations

timelines of actions and events

Unit sector

Regulation, Licensing and Risk - Occupational Health and Safety

This unit contains employability skills.