This unit applies to individuals with supervisory responsibilities in managing OHS in the workplace who identify hazards and assess risks using developed processes and tools.

The unit also introduces basic incident analysis as an important skill underlying incident investigation, which is addressed in greater complexity in BSBOHS508B Participate in the investigation of incidents.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Investigate incidents for prevention

1.1. Select and use appropriate techniques to investigate incidents

1.2. Establish actions and events leading up to an incident, during an incident and through the post incident management phase

1.3. Analyse incident to identify the hazard/s

1.4. Analyse incident to identify intervention points to prevent re-occurrence

2. Access existing sources of information and data to identify hazards

2.1. Review workplace sources of information and data to access information and data, and to assist in identifying hazards

2.2. Access external sources of information and data as required

2.3. Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and OHS specialists

3. Conduct hazard identification

3.1. Seek formal and informal techniques and tools to identify hazards

3.2. Select and modify a suitable technique/tool as appropriate to identify hazards

3.3. Review hazard identification techniques and tools in consultation with workers in the area, and OHS specialists if required, to ensure they are suitably comprehensive

3.4. Utilise techniques and tools and other appropriate hazard identification procedures to identify hazards

3.5. Provide employees and their representatives with an opportunity to participate in workplace hazard identification

4. Assess risk

4.1. Select and use a risk assessment tool to identify key factors contributing to risk

4.2. Apply workplace sources of information and data to evaluate the effectiveness of risk controls

4.3. Prioritise risks considering the severity and likelihood of the consequences

4.4. Involve stakeholders and key personnel in risk assessment

4.5. Document the method of risk assessment

5. Participate in implementation process

5.1. Maintain a hazard register relevant to the workplace

5.2. Identify the level of authority within the organisation to address the risk/s

5.3. Document and communicate outcomes of hazard identification and risk assessments to key personnel and stakeholders

5.4. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of own performance in identifying hazards and conducting risk assessments

Required skills

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

information management skills to evaluate OHS data

interpersonal skills to establish rapport and to build networks with a range of internal and external stakeholders

organisational and time management skills to sequence tasks and meet timelines

research and data analysis skills to evaluate interactions between employees, their activities, equipment, environment and work systems

technology skills to access internal and external OHS data.

Required knowledge

basic principles of incident causation and injury processes

legislative requirements for:

consultation and communication

information and data collection

notification of incidents

record keeping

reporting of incidents

specific hazards

organisational culture as it impacts on the workgroup

organisational policies and procedures for managing OHS

organisational work processes for managing OHS

appropriate data collection methods for OHS issues

concepts of risks, factors that affect risk and difference between a hazard and a risk

internal and external sources for OHS information and data

principles and practices of systematic approaches to managing OHS

principles, tools and techniques to identify and control workplace hazards and to manage risks in the OHS context

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

roles and responsibilities of personnel as specified in relevant OHS legislation

sources of OHS data.

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:

identification, analysis and evaluation of multiple workplace hazards using appropriate techniques an tools in a workplace

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 an actual or simulated workplace

access to office equipment and resources

access to relevant legislation, standards and guidelines

access to relevant OHS documentation and records.

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 identify, analyse and evaluate OHS hazards and risks

demonstration of the application of OHS legislation in conducting hazard identification and risk management activities

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 concepts of risks, factors that affect risk and difference between a hazard and a risk

review of techniques/tools used to identify hazards

evaluation of a risk assessment tools selected and used to identify key factors contributing to risk

review of risk prioritisation

review of hazard register.

Guidance information for assessment

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

BSBOHS404B Contribute to the implementation of strategies to control OHS risk.

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 techniques may include:

examination of relevant information and data

inspections

interviews

simulations

timeline of actions and events

use of accident models

Incidents may include:

an event resulting in or having a potential for:

injury

ill health

damage

or loss

Actions and events may include:

all actions and events that may have contributed to the occurrence or severity of the incident, including:

design decisions

systems

people

tools

equipment

materials

fixtures

time and nature of the injury

Hazard/s may include:

sources or situations with a potential for harm in terms of:

injury

ill health

damage to property

damage to the environment

or a combination of the above

Workplace sources of information and data may include:

audits

hazard, incident and investigation reports

incident investigations

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

material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and registers

minutes of meetings

reports

workplace inspections

External sources of information and data may include:

employer groups

industry bodies

OHS professional bodies

OHS specialists

Australian Standards

manufacturers' manuals and specifications

regulatory authorities (for other relevant legislation such as acts, regulations, codes of practice)

unions

websites, journals and newsletters

Stakeholders may include:

community

employees

health and safety, and other employee representatives

managers

OHS committees

supervisors

Key personnel may include:

managers from other areas

people involved in OHS decision making or who are impacted by decisions

OHS specialists may include:

ergonomists

health professionals

injury management advisors

occupational hygienists

Techniques and tools may include:

body mapping

hazard identification procedures based on checklists

interviews

MSDSs

workplace processes such as 'walk throughs', surveys and inspections

Hazard identification procedures may include:

identifying employee concerns, such as through a hazard reporting system

input of managers, OHS representatives, OHS committee and others through consultative processes

job and work system analysis (JSA)

reviews of:

hazard and incident reports

investigations

OHS records

plant and equipment maintenance records

registers of hazardous substances and dangerous goods

Risk assessment tools may include:

checklists

matrix nomograms

codes of practice

standards

guidelines

Hazard register may include:

a list of hazards

location of hazards

range of possible scenarios or circumstances under which hazards may cause injury or damage

results of a risk analysis related to the hazards

Unit sector

Regulation, Licensing and Risk - Occupational Health and Safety

This unit contains employability skills.