ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Access sources of OHS information and data

1.1 Sources of OHS information and data are identified, accessed and reviewed regularly.

1.2 Information and data is critically evaluated to ensure its accuracy, currency and relevance.

1.3 Appropriate formats for information and data storage and retrieval are determined.

2 Assist in the application of policies and procedures for collection of workplace information, data and records

2.1 Managers and key personnel are informed of legal requirements for information and data collection and record keeping.

2.2 OHS records are kept using appropriate tools.

2.3 Workplace information and data is collected according to established procedures.

2.4 Procedures for information and data collection, record keeping, amendments to legislation, and distribution of records are reviewed regularly to ensure their usability and relevance.

3 Assist in maintaining an information and data management system that enables retrieval and distribution of OHS information and data

3.1 Recommendations are made for storage of OHS information and data in a manner that makes it accessible to stakeholders and key personnel.

3.2 OHS information, data and records are accurately entered, and stored ethically.

3.3 Purposes and appropriate uses of OHS information and data are identified for meaningful outcomes.

3.4 Legislated reporting requirements to external bodies are met accurately and within time limits.

3.5 Training needs relevant to the management of the information and data system for appropriate personnel are regularly assessed and actioned as appropriate.

3.6 Information and data management system is regularly evaluated to ensure its ease of use and relevance to the OHS needs of the organisation.

4 Use, apply and regularly review analytical techniques to evaluate and improve OHS performance

4.1 Information and data collected is evaluated for validity and reliability.

4.2 Analytical techniques appropriate for evaluation of OHS performance (including positive performance indicators) and identification of areas for improvement are identified.

4.3 Analytical techniques are applied appropriately and accurately.

4.4 OHS information and data analysis processes are reviewed regularly, in consultation with stakeholders, to ensure organisational and legislative requirements.

5 Communicate OHS information and results of data analysis to stakeholders and external bodies

5.1 Outcomes of information and data analysis are appropriately formatted taking account of the target audience.

5.2 OHS information and data is disseminated to managers, key personnel and stakeholders taking account of legal and ethical requirements.

5.3 OHS information and data is communicated objectively and feedback sought.

5.4 Recommendations are made for improvement in prevention strategies based upon information accessed and data analysis.

6 Communicate the effectiveness of OHS information and data systems through monitoring and evaluation

6.1 The effectiveness of the OHS information and data system is reviewed regularly.

6.2 Frequency, method and scope of review is determined in consultation with stakeholders.

6.3 Stakeholders are enabled to have input to review.

6.4 Areas for improvement in the OHS information and data system are identified and recommendations made for improvement.

6.5 Improvement strategies arising from the review are communicated to appropriate levels of authority through planning, documentation and implementation.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

relating to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

preparing more detailed reports for a range of target groups including OHS committee, OHS representatives, managers and supervisors

applying continuous improvement and action planning processes

contributing to the strategic OHS performance of the organisation

employing project management skills to achieve change

managing own tasks within time frame

using consultation and negotiation skills, particularly in relation to developing plans and implementing and monitoring designated actions

contributing to the assessment of the resources needed to systematically manage OHS and, where appropriate, access resources

analysing relevant workplace information and data, and make observations including of workplace tasks and interactions between people, their activities, equipment, environment and systems

carrying out simple arithmetical calculations (eg % change), and produce graphs of workplace information and data to identify trends and recognise limitations

using electronic systems to enter workplace information and data and produce effective graphical representations

using a range of communication media

using language and literacy skills appropriate to the workgroup and the task

using basic computer and information technology skills to access internal and external information and data on OHS

Required knowledge:

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislative requirements for OHS information and data, and consultation

roles and responsibilities in relation to communication and consultation for OHS committees, OHS representatives, line management, employees and inspectors

requirements for recordkeeping that addresses OHS, privacy and other legislation

state/territory/Commonwealth OHS legislation (Acts, regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material) including prescriptive and performance approaches and links to other relevant legislation such as industrial relations, equal employment opportunity, workers compensation, rehabilitation etc

structure and forms of legislation including regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material

difference between common law and statutory law

concept of common law duty of care

methods of providing evidence of compliance with OHS legislation

facilitation of the use of tools such as positive performance indicators (PPIs) in assessment of OHS performance

nature of information and data that provides valid and reliable results on performance of OHS management processes (including positive indicators, such as number of safety audits conducted)

methods of collecting reliable information and data, commonly encountered problems in collection and strategies for overcoming such problems

requirements for reporting under OHS and other relevant legislation including notification and reporting of incidents

internal and external sources of OHS information and data

auditing methods and techniques

how the characteristics and composition of the workforce impact on risk and the systematic approach to managing OHS e.g.

labour market changes

structure and organisation of workforce e.g. part-time, casual and contract workers, shift rosters, geographical location

language, literacy and numeracy

communication skills

cultural background/workplace diversity

gender

workers with special needs

ethics related to professional practice

professional liability in relation to providing advice

knowledge of organisational OHS policies and procedures

key personnel, including identifying 'change agents', within workplace management structure

language, literacy and cultural profile of the workgroup

organisational culture as it impacts on the workgroup

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the unit descriptor, performance criteria, The range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies

PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPSOHS501A Participate in the coordination and maintenance of a systematic approach to managing OHS

PSPSOHS503A Assist in the design and development of OHS participative arrangements.

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

knowledge requirements of this unit

skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to management of OHS information and data systems

workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when participating in the management of OHS information and data systems.

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when participating in the management of OHS information and data systems, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

participation in the management of OHS information and data systems in a range of three or more contexts or occasions, over time.

Assessment methods should reflect but not exceed workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of individuals who might be disadvantaged.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit must use authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses and may include a combination of two or more of:

workplace projects

simulation or role plays

case studies and scenarios

observation

portfolios.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.

The range statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The range statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance criteria is explained here.

Sources of OHS information and data may include:

external sources such as:

OHS legislation and codes of practice

Australian and industry standards

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

OHS authorities

unions and industry bodies

OHS professional bodies

internet, journals, magazines

technical information and data

research literature

manufacturers' manuals and specifications

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)

internal sources such as:

OHS policies and procedures

work instructions

job and work system analysis (JSAs)

risk assessments (past and present)

material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and registers

manufacturers' manuals

organisational data such as insurance records, incident investigation, enforcement notices and actions, workers compensation data, OHS performance indicators, audits etc

safety handbooks

employee information papers, brochures, notes, newsletters

OHS reports including, workplace inspections, hazard and incident reports, technical reports, consultations and observations

Appropriate formats may be:

electronic or paper-based

available through an intranet or CD-ROM

recognised records and data management systems

Key personnel may include:

managers from other areas

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

Legal requirements may include:

legislation, regulations and standards governing:

reporting of incidents

records for monitoring and exposure to specific hazards

privacy and confidentiality of personal records

workplace equity

workers compensation

Appropriate tools may be:

electronic systems

paper-based systems

and may include:

registers

graphical representations

performance monitoring charts and checklists

handbooks

Established procedures may include:

legislation and codes of practice

OHS management systems

relevant workers compensation processes

organisational policies and procedures including accident and incident recording system

recognised industry standards

manufacturers' recommendations, and maintenance and servicing schedules

contract and tender documentation

formal and/or informal procedures

Stakeholders may include:

management

supervisors

employees

OHS committees

health and safety and other employee representatives

Ethical requirements for OHS records storage include:

privacy, as appropriate

confidentiality

ensuring access to personal records, within legislative requirements

commercial in confidence information as appropriate

Legislated reporting requirements include:

serious injury and serious incident reporting to OHS authorities

Information and data collected may include:

data relating to implementation of OHS plans and processes

OHS performance indicators

hazard registers

incident data including injury and disease

MSDSs and registers

risk assessments

job safety analyses

OHS policies and procedures

Analytical techniques may include:

basic statistical tests such as means, standard deviation and percentage change

Positive performance indicators are:

a means of focusing on assessing how successfully a workplace is performing through measuring OHS processes

Target audience may include:

internal stakeholders, including the board of management, managers, OHS committees, supervisors, employees (and their families), contractors, visitors and others on site

external stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, local community (directly or via the media), representatives of special interest groups and agencies, insurance agencies, OHS regulators and other relevant statutory bodies