Application
This unit describes the skills required to conduct an audit of work health and safety (WHS) requirements in Defence. It includes researching applicable legislation and codes of practice, selecting audit tools, conducting the audit, and following up on the audit to monitor the implementation of recommendations.
This unit was developed for Defence personnel who are involved in the audit of work health and safety requirements as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently or as part of a team, under indirect supervision. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs. They would perform routine tasks in a range of familiar contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Plan and prepare for a work health and safety audit | 1.1 Identify and record areas to be audited. 1.2 Identify and prepare appropriate audit tools. 1.3 Select appropriate auditing methods and techniques. 1.4 Brief all personnel involved in the audit. |
2. Conduct a work health and safety audit | 2.1 Inspect relevant audit and WHS records. 2.2 Assess application of WHS legislation, codes of practice and standards. 2.3 Assess WHS practices, control strategies and management systems. 2.4 Conduct audit within time and budget constraints. |
3. Finalise audit and monitor implementation | 3.1 Prepare audit report and update audit records. 3.2 Amend WHS system documentation. 3.3 Monitor implementation of recommendations. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
identifying hazards and assessing and controlling risks
evaluating work health and safety system
solving problems
working effectively with teams/groups
encouraging other team members
using a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
reading and interpreting WHS legislation, codes of practice and standards
applying the principles and practices of auditing
identifying intervention points for expert audit advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
WHS codes of practice and standards
WHS management systems
hierarchy of risk control
incident investigation and process improvement
written communication to a level required to complete workplace documentation and WHS audit reports
interpersonal communication
techniques for giving and receiving feedback
negotiation techniques
research techniques
analysis techniques
composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Work health and safety