This unit applies to mortuary managers with responsibility for reviewing existing policies and procedures and practices, developing written mortuary OHS policy and monitoring its implementation and ongoing review.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Research policy needs.

1.1

Identify and document existing mortuaryOHS policies and procedures and evaluate their effectiveness.

1.2

Identify and document relevant legislation that will impact on mortuary OHS policies and procedures.

1.3

Determine and document areas of mortuary OHS policy requiring development or revision.

2

Undertake consultation to develop policy.

2.1

Identify additional personnel required to assist with policy development.

2.2

Implement consultative processes according to workplace policies and procedures.

2.3

Collate relevant information and evaluate for inclusion in mortuary OHS policies and procedures.

3

Prepare draft policy and procedures.

3.1

Prepare draft policy according to mortuary requirements, relevant legislation and consultation feedback.

3.2

Prepare draft procedures to support policy implementation according to mortuary requirements, relevant legislation and consultation feedback.

3.3

Incorporate promotion and review mechanisms for mortuary OHS policy and procedures.

4

Finalise policy and procedures.

4.1

Review draft policy to ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

4.2

Consult relevant personnel to gain final comments and make changes as required.

4.3

Prepare and edit final policy document.

4.4

Confirm mortuary OHS policy and procedures according to workplace policies and procedures and promote to staff according to promotion mechanisms.

4.5

File relevant documentation according to workplace policies and procedures.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to identify and address policy and procedure development needs

communication skills, including clear and direct communication and active questioning, listening and negotiation techniques, to consult on policy development and develop effective promotion mechanisms to share knowledge in the workplace

teamwork skills to use staff knowledge and skills when developing mortuary OHS policy and procedures

planning and organisational skills to collate and analyse relevant information

language, literacy and numeracy skills to formulate and record mortuary OHS policy and procedures.

Required knowledge

mortuary OHS procedures and practices

industry trends and benchmarks for best practice OHS

in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of relevant state or territory OHS legislation as it affects mortuary operations

workplace policies and procedures for internal and external consultation

document preparation and recording.

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to research, develop, review and revise the content of OHS policies and procedures that are appropriate to current mortuary workplace requirements

ability to effectively consult and communicate with internal personnel on the content of policies and procedures

developing and reviewing mortuary OHS policies and procedures over a period of time to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to and evaluate different situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

demonstration of skills in a mortuary facility for which an OHS system would be developed

use of appropriate state or territory legislation, codes of practice and standards issued by regulatory authorities or industry groups

use of OHS information, such as manuals issued by industry associations or commercial publishers

access to current organisational policies and procedures, and hazard identification and risk assessment template documents

interaction with a mortuary team.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

portfolio of relevant research material and policy drafts

written or verbal questioning to confirm knowledge and application of industry benchmarks for mortuary OHS

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

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

SIRXOHS003A Provide a safe working environment.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.

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.

Mortuary OHSpolicies and procedures may include:

written or verbal policies and procedures

accepted or expected practice

infection and contamination control

storage and handling of hazardous materials

disposal of general and hazardous waste

managing staff grief and trauma

general housekeeping

manual handling

first aid

security, such as:

mayday via two-way radio

working alone

duress alarm to police

alarm system

security guard

locking buildings and toilets

emergency, such as:

gas or electrical fire

fire drill

evacuation

reporting incidents and hazards

reporting tools, equipment and material defects and maintenance requirements

health and hygiene.

Effectiveness may include:

currency

validity

clarity

staff awareness

staff acceptance.

Relevant legislation may include:

OHS

first aid

infection control

disposal of hazardous and infectious waste

storage and handling of hazardous chemicals.

Additional personnel may include:

internal staff, such as:

embalmers

mortuary assistants

supervisors

external personnel, such as:

solicitors

OHS specialists.

Consultative processes may include:

formal reference group

informal discussions with staff

email or telephone contact.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

communication protocols

recording and reporting

document approvals.

Relevant information may include:

operational considerations

legislative requirements

policy content

advice on procedures

benchmarking best practice.

Promotion and review mechanisms may include:

internal staff memo

briefing sessions

formal and informal feedback strategies

regular review periods.

Sector

Funeral Services

Occupational Health and Safety

This unit contains employability skills.