• BSBOHS401B - Contribute to the implementation of a systematic approach to managing OHS

BSBOHS401B
Contribute to the implementation of a systematic approach to managing OHS

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to effectively contribute to the application of a systematic approach to managing occupational health and safety (OHS) to ensure that the workplace is, as far as is practicable, safe and without risks to the health of employees and others.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

This unit applies to individuals with supervisory responsibilities for implementing and monitoring the organisation's OHS policies, procedures and programs in a work area. It includes contributing to the implementation of developed strategies, systems and plans, as well as recognising the need for expert advice.

The unit may apply both in a work unit of a large organisation or in a small to medium enterprise.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Contribute to the implementation of information and data systems

1.1. Identify and address requirements for record keeping

1.2. Identify, access and evaluate sources of OHS information and data for application in the workplace

1.3. Take actions to ensure that records are accurately completed, collected and stored

1.4. Provide information and data to managers and stakeholders in a readily understood format

1.5. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of recordkeeping actions taken

2. Contribute to the implementation of OHS strategies, systems and plans

2.1. Determine OHS priorities in consultation with appropriate managers and in line with other consultative arrangements in the workplace

2.2. Develop OHS action plans taking account of priorities

2.3. Identify and document OHS training needs

2.4. Monitor action plans for achievement, and update as required

2.5. Seek input from OHS specialists and technical advisors if required

3. Support integration of OHS within the overall management approach

3.1. Identify other functional areas that impact on OHS

3.2. Implement strategies for addressing these impacts

3.3. Work with managers and stakeholders as appropriate to implement OHS action plans

4. Identify OHS implications of proposed changes to the workplace and provide advice to control risks

4.1. Evaluate proposed changes to the workplace for OHS implications

4.2. Identify resulting hazards and assess potential risks

4.3. Provide appropriate advice to control risks and action as appropriate

5. Identify implications of all sources of change to managing OHS and provide advice regarding those changes

5.1. Identify and evaluate changes to relevant legislation for implications for managing OHS

5.2. Identify and evaluate changes to relevant standards or industry practice for implications for managing OHS

5.3. Monitor sources of information and data for impact on hazards, risks and the management of OHS

5.4. Provide appropriate advice to address impact of change

6. Evaluate effectiveness of the approach to managing OHS

6.1. Access sources of external and internal OHS information and data as part of evaluation

6.2. Identify the need for any external input to evaluation and action as appropriate

6.3. Consult stakeholders for input to the evaluation

6.4. Identify, document and action areas for improvement

Required Skills

Required skills

culturally appropriate communication skills to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and people with diverse abilities at all levels of the organisation

interpersonal skills to consult on and negotiate the development, implementation and monitoring of OHS actions

organisational and time management skills to sequence tasks and meet timelines

research and data analysis skills to evaluate relevant workplace OHS data trends and to recognise limitations of data collected

observation skills to investigate the interactions between people, their activities, environment and systems

numeracy skills to carry out simple calculations and to produce graphs about OHS activities

technology skills to use a range of software and office equipment to access internal and external data on OHS

conflict management and resolution skills to address small disputes relating to OHS implementation issues

interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders (internal and external to the organisation).

Required knowledge

internal and external sources of OHS information and data

organisational policies and procedures for OHS

legislative requirements for:

consultation

information and data collection

notification of incidents

record keeping

reporting of incidents

principles and practices of systematic approaches to managing OHS

principles relating to:

hazard identification

hierarchy of control

risk management

systematic approaches to OHS

range of communication strategies to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organisation

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

roles and responsibilities of personnel as specified in relevant OHS legislation.

Evidence Required

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 the implementation of a systematic approach to managing OHS

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to office equipment and resources

access to relevant legislation, standards, codes of practice and guidelines

access to workplace documentation.

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 techniques used to manage OHS in the workplace

demonstration of the application of OHS legislation in implementing a systematic approach to managing OHS

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 principles relating to: hazard identification, hierarchy of control, risk management, systematic approaches to OHS

review of OHS action plans, documented OHS training needs and documented action areas for improvement.

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.


Range Statement

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.

Requirements for record keeping may include:

OHS legislation and regulations governing reporting of incidents and maintenance of records related to specific hazards, including:

chemical registers

material safety data sheets (MSDSs)

organisational procedures

privacy legislation

Sources of OHS information and data may include:

consultants

employees

government departments/agencies including OHS authorities and organisations such as the Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council

industry networks and associations

internet sites

manufacturers' manuals and specifications

newspapers and journals, trade/industry publications

OHS and other relevant legislation

OHS specialists

technical data

Consultative arrangements may include:

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

employee and workgroup meetings

health and safety and other employee representatives

OHS and other consultative and planning committees

procedures for reporting hazards, and raising and addressing OHS issues

OHS action plans may include:

documented plans developed within the workplace to implement OHS management, which allocate responsibilities and timeframes

OHS performance indicators for the organisation or enterprise

OHS specialists may include:

ergonomists

occupational hygienists

health professionals

injury management advisors

people internal or external to the organisation

Technical advisors may include:

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

legal practitioners

maintenance and tradespeople

workplace trainers and assessors

Other functional areas may include:

parts of the organisation or grouped responsibilities:

engineering and maintenance

environmental management

finance and auditing

human resources, personnel management/industrial relations

information, data and records management

logistics

purchasing procurement and contracting

quality management

Proposed changes to the workplace may include:

changes to management practices

changes to the work environment

changes to work practices and conditions

changes to work processes and systems

introduction of contracting arrangements or other changes to work organisation

introduction of new and emerging technology

material purchases

organisational restructure

other labour market changes

plant and equipment purchases

Stakeholders may include:

community

employees

health and safety, and other employee representatives

managers

OHS committees

supervisors


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Regulation, Licensing and Risk - Occupational Health and Safety


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.