DEFWHS017
Apply knowledge of WHS legislation


Application

This unit describes the skills required to analyse and apply knowledge of Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation. The application of WHS legislation knowledge is specific to a variety of component processes in safety case activities.

This unit applies to those working in Defence who are not specialists in the field but need the knowledge to inform their decision making and underpins advice to stakeholders. This unit was developed for Defence workers involved in the evaluation and review of safety cases 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 complex 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. Access and interpret relevant WHS legislation information

1.1 Identify and obtain relevant WHS legislation requirements.

1.2 Analyse WHS legislation information obtained to determine the relevance and application to the organisation.

1.3 Formulate outcomes of the analysis and determine recommendations relevant to WHS legislation requirements.

2. Use knowledge of WHS legislation

2.1 Apply WHS legislation requirements and recommendations relevant to safety cases.

2.2 Assess, review and record effectiveness of the recommendations.

2.3 Adjust recommendations if required and document for future application.

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.

applying organisational requirements relevant to WHS

applying statutory requirements relevant to the WHS legislation

identifying, interpreting and analysing WHS legislation requirements relevant to work being performed

using appropriate information technology and software

adhering to relevant compliance requirements

applying knowledge of WHS legislation 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.

configuration management

WHS legislation relevant to the work performed

organisational requirements relevant to WHS

statutory requirements relevant to safety case and safety systems


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 & Safety