Candidate Skills Recognition Booklet

PSP30104 Certificate III in Government

PSPOHS301A: Contribute to workplace safety

Candidate Name: Department/Agency: Telephone: Email:

Skills Recognition
This Booklet is designed for the recognition Candidate to initially self-assess against each element within the unit of competency. It is, however, recommended that the supervisor is involved in supporting the Candidate through the assessment of their skills. While this Booklet addresses each of these elements individually, they will be assessed together as a Unit of Competency or in conjunction with a number of Units. This Booklet: [ provides a framework to guide the Candidate in preparing a portfolio of evidence as a basis for recognition under the National Skills Framework for this Unit of Competency [ breaks the unit down into its component elements and addresses these in order. While the recognition process itself will be more holistic, the Booklet allows Candidates to address each element either in isolation or in combination with other elements or Units [ encourages the Candidate to identify evidence from within the workplace, if possible [ contains a range statement that explains some of the terms in italics used in the Performance Criteria for each element [ provides examples of evidence and optional work based activities [ includes a third party report template and a feedback form.

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the information contained in the Candidates Information Guide that can be downloaded from the Australian Public Service Commissions website: http://www.apsc.gov.au/rto/ More information about the Unit of Competency contained in this booklet is available from the National Training Information Service. A link to the unit is included on page 3 of this booklet. Note: Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure you can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations and environments.

This Booklet can be downloaded from the Australian Public Service Commission website www.apsc.gov.au/rto and printed for completion by hand or electronic means. If there is insufficient space to record your input, please insert or attach additional pages. A completed copy of this booklet (with appropriate supporting evidence) can be submitted for recognition. This can lead to the awarding of a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment or a Qualification from the Australian Public Service Commission.
APSC RPL Booklet Reviewed 26 June 2008

PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety

Introduction
This is a core unit of competency in the PSP30104 Certificate III in Government and is an elective unit within the PSP40104 Certificate IV in Government. This unit covers implementation of the organisations occupational health and safety policies, procedures and program by those with supervisory responsibilities, to meet occupational health and safety standards. Being competent in this unit means being able to:

P Contribute to participative workplace safety arrangements

P Identify hazards and control risks There are other related competencies in the key area of working in government that deal with occupational health and safety. If you feel this unit: Contribute to workplace safety is not appropriate to your skill level, please consider one of the Units below as an alternative. PSPOHS201B Follow workplace safety procedures PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

Useful links
Unit of Competency: PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety http://www.ntis.gov.au/Default.aspx?/trainingpackage/PSP04/unit/PSPOHS301A The National Training Information Service: http://www.ntis.gov.au/ Comcare: http://www.comcare.gov.au/ The APSC Registered Training Organisation website: http://www.apsc.gov.au/rto/

For further information

Please consult the Commissions Candidate Information Guide for additional information on the recognition process and how to initiate formal assessment and recognition by the Australian Public Service Commission.

Information for supervisors

As a supervisor you play an important role in assisting the Candidate to develop their knowledge and skills. By undertaking this recognition activity, the Candidate will be assessed against competencies developed by Government Skills Australia, the Industry Skills Council with responsibility for the public sector. By having their skills recognised, the Candidate is contributing to the identification of your organisations intellectual capital. As every organisation is different, you may be able to assist the Candidate identify the work requirements, work practices and knowledge relevant to your environment. The Candidate is encouraged to complete the self-assessment checklist and identify appropriate evidence, which is then recorded in the supporting evidence list section. Sample work-based activities have been included in the Booklet for the Candidate who is unable to identify sufficient evidence to address each competency and needs to produce further evidence of their skills and knowledge. The sample activities in the Booklet could be modified by the candidate and their supervisor to better suit workplace requirements and needs.

Third party reports

At the end of the booklet is a blank Third Party Report template. In some cases the candidate may require a corroborating statement from a third party. Supervisors, or other third parties, can complete these reports, where appropriate, which Candidates can add to their portfolio of evidence. On completing their portfolio of evidence, Candidates can submit a copy of it to the Australian Public Service Commission for recognition, which will lead to a Statement of Attainment that can contribute to the awarding of a Certificate III in Government qualification.

Benefits for Supervisors

The self assessment process will enable you and your staff to identify current skill levels and assists you in determining if your staff are ready to undertake recognition or whether they may require additional training and/or development. Formal training can be an expensive option, especially if the Candidate can already demonstrate their existing skills and have them recognised. Additionally, the assistance you provide the Candidate can be used as evidence for recognition of your skills against the PSPGOV416A Monitor performance and provide feedback and PSPGOV510A Undertake and promote career management units of competency. Note: If all your subordinate staff have recognised Occupational Health and Safety competencies, at the appropriate level for their responsibilities, you should consider seeking recognition for PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs.

Further information
If you have any questions, you can contact the National Recognition Coordinator on 02 6202 3787 or email your query to rto@apsc.gov.au.

Feedback
Finally, a feedback form template is included at the end of this Booklet. As we seek to continuously improve our processes, procedures and resource materials, we would appreciate your feedback as a supervisor. You can use a copy this template to detail your
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comments. If you provide feedback, consider keeping a copy of your submission as it supports PSPGOV405B Provide Input to change processes.

Contribute to participative workplace safety arrangements

This element requires: o Occupational health and safety issues are addressed/reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace procedures and occupational health and safety legislation Contributions are made to participative workplace safety arrangements within organisational procedures and scope of responsibilities and competencies

Text in italics is explained in the Range Statement on page 9 of the Booklet. Self assessment Answering the following questions will help you assess the level of your current skills and help you identify appropriate evidence for your portfolio. Ask yourself the following questions and indicate your response accordingly.
Do I address/report occupational health and safety issues to designated personnel in accordance with workplace procedures and occupational health and safety legislation? Do I make contributions to participative workplace safety arrangements within organisational procedures and scope of responsibilities and competencies?

Yes No

If you answer Yes, list examples of evidence you can provide

Examples of evidence

The following list may provide guidance in identifying suitable evidence of your knowledge and skills. Copies of two different OH&S policies with notes summarising how your behaviour complies with these requirements. Documentary evidence that demonstrates your contribution to the creation of a safe workplace. This should include one of the following: o minutes of meetings youve attended where youve been involved in discussions about OH&S issues (make sure the minutes illustrate that you were an active participant) o a testimonial from your OH&S officer/ OH&S representative verifying your active involvement in workplace safety. A flow chart or diagram illustrating your workplace OH&S structure and identifying your OH&S representative and committee members. Copies of emails youve sent or reports youve submitted to your line manager or OH&S representative suggesting modifications to existing OH&S policies or procedures. Copies of certificates of attendance (or course outlines) demonstrating your attendance at OH&S training sessions. Provide a brief description of how attending these courses helped you support and maintain a safe working environment.

Confirm self-assessment with supervisor Discuss your self assessment with your supervisor or other support person. If you have answered Yes to a question you should be able to identify potential examples of evidence to support this. List details of the evidence that you can enclose in a portfolio to submit with this booklet.
Reference number Details of documents or other evidence that demonstrates your knowledge, skills and abilities.

If you have answered No to any of the above questions, or are unsure, or have been unable to identify sufficient suitable evidence, you could consider whether training, a work based activity or some other form of development would assist you in developing these skills. The following work-based activity may assist in generating evidence for inclusion above.

Work-based activity: Contribute to participative workplace safety arrangements The following suggestion for a work-based activity may be of use in demonstrating your ability to meet the competency requirements of this unit. Design a flow chart or diagram illustrating your workplace OH&S structure and identifying your OH&S representative and committee members and complete the following checklist. A copy of this illustration can be included in your portfolio of evidence. Complete the following checklist in relation to this activity

Activity checklist Task Activity What section of the Act relates to the duties of employers in relation to their employees? Section: _____________ What section of the Act relates to the duties of employees in relation to occupational health and safety? Section: _____________

Locate a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 and identify the responsibilities of employers and employees.

Locate your Agencys Occupational Health and Safety Policy / Agreement and identify how it addresses the responsibilities of employers and employees.

Attach a copy of the respective responsibilities in your portfolio of evidence.

Identify hazards and control risks

This element requires: o o o Existing and potential hazards in the work area are identified, dealt with and/or reported to designated personnel according to workplace procedures Workplace procedures and work instructions for controlling risks are identified and implemented Workplace procedures for dealing with accidents and other hazardous events are followed whenever necessary within scope of responsibilities and competencies Feedback on the effectiveness of safety procedures and risk control measures is provided to enable improvements to be made where necessary Self assessment Answering the following questions will help you assess the level of your current skills and help you identify appropriate evidence for your portfolio. Ask yourself the following questions and indicate your response accordingly.
Existing and potential hazards in the work area are identified, dealt with and/or reported to designated personnel according to workplace procedures Workplace procedures and work instructions for controlling risks are identified and implemented Workplace procedures for dealing with accidents and other hazardous events are followed whenever necessary within scope of responsibilities and competencies Feedback on the effectiveness of safety procedures and risk control measures is provided to enable improvements to be made where necessary

Yes No

If you answer Yes, list examples of evidence you can provide

Examples of evidence
A copy of a report or form you have submitted to the OH&S representative or committee identifying a workplace hazard. Explain how the situation was resolved. Minutes from meetings where you have raised specific concerns about health and safety issues. Describe the action that was taken as a result of your input and how the situation was satisfactorily resolved. A report describing action you have taken to remedy or remove a hazard in your work area. A performance appraisal mentioning your ability to identify and report OH&S hazards and control workplace risks. An OH&S audit form youve completed and submitted as part of an OH&S workplace review. A testimonial from the OH&S representative or committee thanking you for your contribution to a workplace audit or for alerting them to a potential hazard. A short report describing two actions you undertake on a regular basis to minimise workplace risks (e.g. ensuring heavy objects are correctly stored on lower shelves).

Confirm self-assessment with supervisor Discuss your self assessment with your supervisor or other support person. If you have answered Yes to a question you should be able to identify potential examples of evidence to support this. List details of the evidence that you can enclose in a portfolio to submit with this Booklet.
Reference number Details of documents or other evidence that demonstrates your knowledge, skills and abilities.

If you have answered No to any of the above questions, or are unsure, or have been unable to identify sufficient suitable evidence, you could consider whether training, a work based activity or some other form of development would assist you in developing these skills. The following work-based activity may assist in generating evidence for inclusion above. Work-based activity: Identify hazards and control risks Use the following checklist to record potential hazards and identify possible control measures.

Activity checklist Existing of potential hazard Possible control measures

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Range statement The following information is taken from the Unit of Competency as outlined in the Public Sector Training Package (PSP04). 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 italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here. Occupational health and safety issues may include hazards relating to the physical environment workplace stress conflict bullying harassment supervisors managers team leaders designated occupational health and safety officers health and safety representatives other persons authorised or nominated by the enterprise or industry to: o o o o Occupational health and safety legislation may include perform specified work approve specified work inspect specified work direct specified work

Designated personnel may include

State/Territory/Commonwealth occupational health and safety acts, regulations and codes of practice including, but not limited to: o o o regulations and codes of practice relating to hazards present in the workplace or industry general duty of care under occupational health and safety legislation and common law provisions relating to roles and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and/or occupational health and safety committees provisions relating to occupational health and safety issue resolution

o Contributions may include

identifying and reporting hazards and their associated risks identifying safety issues and hazards that can be addressed immediately and taking action in accordance with safety procedures reporting on effectiveness of safety procedures and risk controls suggesting improvements to procedures and controls listening to the ideas and opinions of others in the workplace

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sharing opinions, views, knowledge and skills Participative workplace safety arrangements may include formal and informal health and safety meetings health and safety committees other committees, for example, consultative, planning and purchasing meetings called by health and safety representatives suggestions, requests, reports and concerns put forward to management checking equipment or the work station and work area before work commences and during work workplace inspections responding to physical cues that ergonomics are ineffective and need adjustment on-the-job housekeeping checks (spills, furniture out of place, loose hand rails, curling mats, frayed cords, etc) anticipation of potential hazards complying with workplace occupational health and safety symbols and signs hazard reporting procedures job procedures, safe work instructions and allocation of responsibilities emergency procedures incident and near miss reporting and recording procedures consultation on occupational health and safety issues correct selection, use, storage and maintenance procedures for use of personal protective equipment risk control procedures consultation with others measures to remove the cause of the risk at its source application of the hierarchy of control, namely: o o o o o Other hazardous events may include elimination substitution engineering controls administrative controls personal protective equipment

Hazard identification may include

Workplace procedures may include

Controlling risks may include actions such as

fires bomb threats chemical spills occupational violence natural disasters/events terrorist attacks

Do you have any questions? A list of Frequently Asked Questions is published in the Candidate Information Guide and also available via the Australian Public Service Commissions RTO website.
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http://www.apsc.gov.au/rto/faq.html

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Third party report

Third party reports provide supplementary evidence to support the recognition of your skills. Completed Third Party Reports can be referenced in your booklet and a copy placed in your portfolio of evidence. Copy this form if you require additional Reports. An electronic version in Microsoft Word format can be downloaded from http:// www.apsc.gov.au/rto/downloads.html.

$ Candidate to complete:
Dear <insert name of third party>, In support of my seeking skills recognition I am requesting a third party report for the following Unit of Competency element. <Candidate to write in element name>

I would appreciate your comments in relation to myself against the above criteria I would appreciate your return of the report to me on completion Portfolio reference: ____ Candidate Name: Signature:

$ Party to complete: Third

It would be appreciated if you could provide comments relating to the above-named Candidate for recognition against the criteria they have selected Please provide your appraisal on the Candidate in the context of observed performance. Where possible please refer to relevant situations and examples of which you have observed or are aware.

Name: Position: Relationship to Candidate: Indicate one (eg supervisor, manager, peer, other)

Signature: Date: Duration: for .. months

If you have any queries about this process, please email the rto@apsc.gov.au Additional information is available on the Australian Public Service Commissions RTO website: 14

http://www.apsc.gov.au/rto/

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Feedback The Australian Public Service Commission welcomes for comments, feedback and suggestions for improvement. We hope you have had the opportunity to review this booklet and would especially appreciate your thoughts.

Please forward completed forms to:

National Recognition Coordinator Level 5, 16 Furzer Street PHILLIP ACT 2606 Facsimile: 02 6202 3799 Email: rto@apsc.gov.au

Please Note: If you provide feedback, keep a copy for your evidence portfolio as it supports PSPGOV405B Provide Input to change processes. Please tick / circle your answers 1. I found this Skill Recognition Booklet to be?

Difficult to use

Easy to use

2. What suggestions do you have to improve this Skills Recognition Booklet?

Other comments

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PSPOHS201B Follow workplace safety procedures

Revision Number: 1

PSPOHS201B Follow workplace safety procedures

Date this document was generated: 21 July 2011

PSPOHS201B Follow workplace safety procedures

Modification History
Not applicable.

Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor This unit covers the competency to follow occupational health and safety procedures in order to ensure a safe workplace. It includes participating in workplace safety arrangements and following workplace safety procedures. The unit is based on Generic Competency A in the National Guidelines for Integrating OHS Competencies into National Industry Competency Standards (NOHSC:7025, 1998 2nd Edition). In practice, workplace safety may be demonstrated in the context of other work activities such as accessing and using resources, handling workplace information, using technology in the workplace etc. This unit replaces and is equivalent to PSPOHS201A Follow defined Occupational Health and Safety policy and procedures

Application of the Unit

Not applicable.

Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.

Approved Commonwealth of Australia, 2011

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Employability Skills Information

Employability skills This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements are the essential Together, performance criteria specify the requirements for outcomes of the unit of competent performance. Text in italics is explained in the Range competency. Statement following.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Participate in workplace safety arrangements

1.1 Occupational health and safety issues are raised with designated personnel in accordance with workplace procedures and occupational health and safety legislation 1.2 Involvement in workplace safety arrangements is undertaken within organisational procedures and scope of responsibilities and competencies

2. Follow workplace safety procedures

2.1 Hazards in the work area are recognised and reported to designated personnel according to workplace procedures 2.2 Workplace procedures and work instructions for ensuring safety are followed 2.3 Workplace procedures for dealing with accidents and other hazardous events are followed whenever necessary within scope of responsibilities and competencies

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Required Skills and Knowledge

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. Skill requirements Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

documenting hazards in clear language according to organisational guidelines accessing workplace safety policies and procedures electronically or in hard copy reading workplace documentation such as policies and procedures and applying them to work practices communicating issues to different audiences, such as colleagues, management, safety representatives, inspectors responding to diversity, including gender and disability

Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legal rights and responsibilities of the workplace parties the ways in which occupational health and safety is managed in the workplace, and legal requirements workplace hazards occupational health and safety procedures the meaning of workplace occupational health and safety symbols and signs designated workplace personnel responsible for occupational health and safety use of personal protective equipment

Approved Commonwealth of Australia, 2011

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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE 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

Pre-requisite unitsthat must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil Co-requisite unitsthat must be assessed with this unit:Nil Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPGOV201B Work in a public sector environment PSPGOV202B Use routine workplace communication techniques PSPGOV203B Deliver a service to clients PSPGOV204B Access and use resources PSPGOV205B Participate in workplace change PSPGOV206B Handle workplace information PSPGOV207B Use technology in the workplace PSPGOV208A Write routine workplace materials

Overview of evidence requirements

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

the knowledge requirements of this unit the skill requirements of this unit application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit workplace safety procedures followed in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

organisational occupational health and safety policies and procedures details of the organisation's occupational health and safety system information on hazards and risks relevant to the workplace personal protective equipment

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EVIDENCE GUIDE

relevant work areas for identification of hazards and control measures

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 following workplace safety procedures, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine the applicant to follow workplace safety procedures in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) the assessor to have recognised expertise in managing occupational health and safety in the industry, or work in an assessment team with such a person.

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women young people older people people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies demonstration observation questioning scenarios simulation or role plays authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

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

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Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT 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 italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Occupational health and safety issues may include

hazards relating to the physical environment workplace stress conflict bullying harassment

Designated personnel may include

supervisors managers team leaders designated occupational health and safety officers elected health and safety representatives other persons authorised or nominated by the enterprise or industry to: perform specified work approve specified work inspect specified work direct specified work

Occupational health and safety legislation may include

State/Territory/Commonwealth occupational health and safety acts, regulations and codes of practice including, but not limited to: regulations and codes of practice relating to hazards present in the workplace or industry general duty of care under occupational health and safety legislation and common law provisions relating to roles and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and/or occupational health and safety committees provisions relating to occupational health and safety issue resolution

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RANGE STATEMENT

Involvement may include

recognising and reporting hazards using workplace equipment according to guidelines listening to the ideas and opinions of others in the workplace sharing opinions, views, knowledge and skills

Workplace safety arrangements may include

consultation processes formal and informal health and safety meetings health and safety committees other committees, for example, consultative, planning and purchasing meetings called by health and safety representatives suggestions, requests, reports and concerns put forward to management application of the hierarchy of control, namely: elimination substitution engineering controls administrative controls personal protective equipment

Hazard identification may include

checking equipment or the work station and work area before work commences and during work on-the-job housekeeping checks (spills, furniture out of place, loose hand rails, curling mats, frayed cords, etc)

Workplace procedures may relate to

workplace occupational health and safety symbols and signs hazard reporting procedures job procedures and safe work instructions emergency procedures incident and near miss reporting and recording procedures input on occupational health and safety issues correct selection, use, storage and maintenance procedures for personal protective equipment risk control procedures

Other hazardous events

fires

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RANGE STATEMENT may include

bomb threats chemical spills occupational violence natural disasters/events terrorist attacks

Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.

Competency field
Competency field Occupational Health&Safety

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PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

Unit descriptor
This unit covers the monitoring and improvement of the organisations occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area to achieve and maintain occupational health and safety standards. The unit is based on Generic Competency B in the National Guidelines for Integrating OHS Competencies into National Industry Competency Standards (NOHSC:7025, 1998, 2nd edition). In practice, monitoring and maintaining workplace safety may be demonstrated in the context of generalist and specialist work activities such as coordinating a workgroup, developing client services, coordinating and allocating resources, initiating and managing projects, etc. This is a new unit of competency, added to the Occupational Health & Safety Competency Field of the Training Package in 2004

Employability skills Competency field ELEMENT

Elements are the essential outcomes of the unit of competency.

This unit contains employability skills. Occupational Health & Safety

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Together, performance criteria specify the requirements for competent performance. Text in italics is explained in the Range Statement following.

Commonwealth of Australia 2008 PSP04 Public Sector Training Package

Version 4

To be reviewed by 31 March 2009

PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

ELEMENT
1. Monitor the provision of workplace safety information

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1.1 Explanations to the workgroup of relevant provisions of occupational health and safety legislation and codes of practice are monitored to ensure they meet individual needs and are in accordance with organisational requirements The quality of information on the organisations occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs is monitored and improvements implemented to ensure they remain up-to-date and readily accessible to the workgroup Information about identified hazards and the outcomes of risk assessment and risk control procedures is monitored and the workgroups understanding of the information is regularly assessed through feedback and questioning suited to individual needs The importance of effective participative arrangements in managing health and safety risks is promoted and all members of the workgroup are encouraged to contribute in accordance with organisational policy and procedures Consultative procedures are monitored to ensure participation of the workgroup in the management of workplace hazards in accordance with legislative requirements Issues raised through consultation are resolved or referred for resolution in accordance with workplace procedures for issue resolution The outcomes of consultation over occupational health and safety issues are monitored and progressed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures Procedures for identifying existing and potential hazards in the work area are monitored and evaluated for effectiveness Improvements are identified and recommended for hazard identification where necessary Recommendations are made for risk assessment and risk control procedures to be enhanced where necessary

1.2

1.3

2. Monitor and maintain participative arrangements for workplace safety

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

3. Review procedures for identifying hazards and assessing risks

3.1

3.2 3.3

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PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

ELEMENT
4. Monitor and continuously improve procedures for controlling risks

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
4.1 Work procedures to control risks and adherence to them by the workgroup are monitored in accordance with workplace procedures Results of monitoring existing risk control measures are analysed and recommendations for any action are reported regularly in accordance with workplace procedures Inadequacies in existing risk control measures are identified in accordance with the hierarchy of control and are reported to designated personnel Inadequacies in resource allocation for implementation of risk control measures are identified and reported to designated personnel Workplace procedures for dealing with hazardous events are monitored whenever necessary to ensure that control action is effective and timely Hazardous events are investigated to identify their cause in accordance with investigation procedures Control measures to prevent recurrence and minimise risks of hazardous events are implemented based on the hierarchy of control if within scope of responsibilities and competencies or, alternatively, referred to designated personnel for implementation Training records and skills audits are regularly monitored to ensure ongoing workplace safety training needs are identified and addressed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures The effectiveness of both on-the-job and off-the-job training programs to address the organisations occupational health and safety training needs is evaluated in consultation with relevant parties, and continuous improvements are negotiated and implemented as necessary

4.2

4.3

4.4

5. Monitor and maintain procedures for dealing with hazardous events

5.1

5.2 5.3

6. Monitor and maintain procedures for providing workplace safety training

6.1

6.2

Commonwealth of Australia 2008 PSP04 Public Sector Training Package

Version 4

To be reviewed by 31 March 2009

PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

ELEMENT
7. Monitor procedures for maintaining workplace safety records

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
7.1 Occupational health and safety records for the work area are monitored to ensure they meet workplace requirements and legal requirements for the maintenance of records of occupational injury and disease Aggregate information from the areas occupational health and safety records is used to identify hazards and monitor risk control procedures within the work area according to organisational procedures and within scope of responsibilities and competencies

7.2

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

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

Skill requirements Look for evidence that confirms skills in: analysing the work environment, recognising hazards and judging occupational health and safety interventions evaluating the quality and effectiveness of written and oral workplace safety information and training provided to staff identifying inadequacies in procedures and control measures reading and explaining complex and formal documents such as legislation and codes of practice tailoring communication to suit different audiences, such as staff, senior management, safety representatives, inspectors preparing reports on workplace safety requiring precision of expression investigating hazardous events analysing workplace safety data assessing resources needed for risk control accessing legislation and codes of practice electronically or in hard copy responding to diversity, including gender and disability

Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of: provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation principles and practice of effective occupational health and safety management workplace hazards Australian and New Zealand standards AS/NZS 4360:1999 range and selection of effective control measures

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PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

organisational occupational health and safety management systems, policies and procedures needed for legislative compliance impact of characteristics and composition of the workforce on occupational health and safety management relevance of occupational health and safety management to other organisational management policies, procedures and systems

RANGE STATEMENT
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 italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Occupational health and safety legislation may include

State/Territory/Commonwealth occupational health and safety acts, regulations and codes of practice, including: regulations and codes of practice relating to hazards present in the workplace or industry general duty of care under occupational health and safety legislation and common law requirements for the maintenance and confidentiality of records of occupational injury and disease requirements for provision of occupational health and safety information and training provisions relating to health and safety representatives and/or occupational health and safety committees provisions relating to occupational health and safety issue resolution

Individual needs may relate to

literacy communication skills gender cultural background people with disabilities part-time, contract or casual workers level of experience existing knowledge

Commonwealth of Australia 2008 PSP04 Public Sector Training Package

Version 4

To be reviewed by 31 March 2009

PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

RANGE STATEMENT
Information topics may include induction to new work/management systems the nature of work tasks and procedures hazards and risk management procedures; to assist in work tasks new/inexperienced workers legislation and codes of practice, for example, relating to hazards in the work area consultation with health and safety representatives and occupational health and safety committees job procedures and work instructions maintenance of plant and equipment purchasing of supplies and equipment counselling/disciplinary processes providing occupational health and safety information consultation and participation emergency response housekeeping specific hazards identifying hazards, for example, inspections incident investigation assessing risks controlling risks personal protective equipment occupational health and safety training and assessment occupational health and safety recordkeeping reporting occupational health and safety issues occupational health and safety issue resolution change management

Occupational health and safety policies and procedures may include

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PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

RANGE STATEMENT
Participative arrangements may include Identifying hazards and assessing risks may occur through activities such as formal and informal meetings which include occupational health and safety occupational health and safety committees other committees, for example, consultative, planning and purchasing health and safety representatives suggestions, requests, reports and concerns put forward by employees to management external providers clients/visitors audits workplace inspections housekeeping checking work area and/or equipment before and during work job and work system assessment reviews of occupational health and safety records, including registers of hazardous substances, dangerous goods, etc maintenance of plant and equipment purchasing of supplies and equipment, for example, review of Material Safety Data Sheets and manufacturer/supplier information identifying employee concerns measures to remove the cause of a risk at its source consultation with workers and their representatives application of the hierarchy of control, namely: Hazardous events may include elimination of the risk substitution engineering controls administrative controls personal protective equipment.

Controlling risks may include actions such as

incidents and near misses fires and explosions

Commonwealth of Australia 2008 PSP04 Public Sector Training Package

Version 4

To be reviewed by 31 March 2009

PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

RANGE STATEMENT
Procedures for dealing with hazardous events may include Workplace safety training may include emergencies such as chemical spills bomb scares violent incidents, for example, armed robberies workplace violence, including bullying natural disasters/events evacuation chemical containment first aid accident/incident reporting and investigation induction training management systems/policy specific hazard training specific task or equipment training emergency and evacuation training training as part of broader programs, for example, equipment operation complying with privacy and confidentiality requirements occupational health and safety audits and inspection reports health surveillance and workplace environmental monitoring records records of instruction and training manufacturers and suppliers information, including Material Safety Data Sheets and dangerous goods storage lists hazardous substances registers maintenance and testing reports workers compensation and rehabilitation records first aid/medical post records

Occupational health and safety records may include

Commonwealth of Australia 2010 8 PSP04 Public Sector Training Package Version 4 To be reviewed by 31 March 2009

PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit: Nil Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit: Nil Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to: PSPGOV502B Develop client services PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis PSPGOV511A Provide leadership PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies PSPGOV517A Coordinate risk management PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector PSPPM501B Design complex projects PSPPM502B Manage complex projects

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms: the knowledge requirements of this unit the skill requirements of this unit application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit monitoring and maintaining workplace safety in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include: occupational health and safety acts, regulations and codes of practice organisational occupational health and safety policies and procedures Australian standards such as AS/NZS: 4360 for risk
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Commonwealth of Australia 2008 PSP04 Public Sector Training Package

PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

EVIDENCE GUIDE
management, or as revised relevant work areas for identification of hazards and control measures

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 monitoring and maintaining workplace safety procedures and programs, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine the applicant to monitor and maintain workplace safety in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) the assessor to have recognised expertise in managing occupational health and safety in the industry, or work in an assessment team with such a person.

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as: people with disabilities people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women young people older people people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of: case studies portfolios questioning scenarios simulation or role plays authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

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PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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

Commonwealth of Australia 2008 PSP04 Public Sector Training Package

Version 4

To be reviewed by 31 March 2009

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