Navigating Workplace Health and Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Control
Other📄 Essay📅 2026
BSBWHS404 Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk controlLearner Guide
BSBWHS404
Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control
Learner Guide
BSBWHS404
Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control
Table of ContentsError! Bookmark not defined.
Unit of Competency5
Performance Criteria6
Foundation Skills7
Assessment Requirements8
Housekeeping Items9
Objectives9
1. Access information to identify hazards, and assess and control risks10
1.1 – Identify sources of information and data10
1.2 – Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace hazards, the range of harms they may cause and how these harms are caused17
1.3 – Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace risks and risk controls17
Collect information18
Record your findings19
Learning Task One20
Learning Task Two22
Learning Task Three24
Activity 1A – 1C25
2. Contribute to compliance and workplace requirements26
26
2.1 Contribute to identifying and complying with requirements of workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control activities27
2.2 Contribute to identifying and complying with requirements of WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidelines for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control activities27
Harm the hazard can cause28
Risk Rating Matrix30
Activity 2A- 2B31
2.3 Identify duty holders and their range of duties32
Activity 2C33
3. Contribute to workplace hazard identification34
3.1 Use knowledge of hazards to advise individuals and parties of workplace hazards, the harms they may cause and how these harms are caused35
Harm the hazard can cause38
Activity 3A39
3.2 – Apply knowledge of hazard identification to contribute to selecting techniques, tools and processes to identify workplace hazards40
Under the WHS Act:40
Learning Task Four48
Activity 3B49
3.3 – Contribute to applying selected techniques, tools and processes50
Definitions50
Learning Task Five53
Activity 3C54
3.4 – Contribute to documenting hazard identification process and results55
Section 756
Learning Task Six58
Activity 3D59
4. Contribute to WHS risk assessment60
4.1 – Apply knowledge of risk assessment to contribute to selecting techniques, tools and processes for risk assessment of hazards60
Learning Task Seven62
Activity 4A63
4.2 – Contribute to applying techniques, tools and processes to identified hazards64
4.3 – Contribute to documenting the results of risk assessments64
Fishbone Diagram65
Learning Task Eight67
Activity 4C68
5. Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of risk control69
5.1 – Apply knowledge of risk control to contribute to developing risk control options for identified hazards, using the results of risk assessments70
5.2 – Contribute to developing and implementing a risk control plan70
5.3 – Contribute to evaluating implemented risk controls70
Risk Rating Matrix71
Document method and outcomes of risk assessment76
Learning Task Nine78
Activity 5A – 5C83
Skills and Knowledge Activity84
Major Activity – An opportunity to revise the unit85
Appendix One87
Risk Register87
Unit of Competency
Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the processes of identifying work health and safety (WHS) hazards, assessing WHS risks, and developing, implementing and evaluating risk controls according to legislative and organisational requirements.
It applies to individuals who contribute to WHS risk management processes in their work role in a range of industry and workplace contexts.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) are equivalent and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the Model WHS Legislation has not been implemented RTOs are advised to contextualise the unit of competency by referring to the existing State/Territory OHS legislative requirements.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Unit Sector
Regulation, Licensing and Risk – Work Health and Safety
Performance Criteria
Element
Elements describe the essential outcomes.
Performance Criteria
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
Access information to identify hazards, and assess and control risks
Identify sources of information and data
Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace hazards, the range of harms they may cause and how these harms are caused
Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace risks and risk controls
Contribute to compliance and workplace requirements
Contribute to identifying and complying with requirements of workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control activities
Contribute to identifying and complying with requirements of WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidelines for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control activities
Identify duty holders and their range of duties
Contribute to workplace hazard identification
Use knowledge of hazards to advise individuals and parties of workplace hazards, the harms they may cause and how these harms are caused
Apply knowledge of hazard identification to contribute to selecting techniques, tools and processes to identify workplace hazards
Contribute to applying selected techniques, tools and processes
Contribute to documenting hazard identification process and results
Contribute to WHS risk assessment
Apply knowledge of risk assessment to contribute to selecting techniques, tools and processes for risk assessment of hazards
Contribute to applying techniques, tools and processes to identified hazards
Contribute to documenting the results of risk assessments
Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of risk control
Apply knowledge of risk control to contribute to developing risk control options for identified hazards, using the results of risk assessments
Contribute to developing and implementing a risk control plan
Contribute to evaluating implemented risk controls
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill
Performance
Criteria
Description
Reading
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2
Locates, interprets and analyses complex WHS legislative and organisational texts
Writing
3.1, 3.4, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
Uses structure, layout and language suitable for audience to document WHS risk-management processes
Uses appropriate organisational formats and industry specific vocabulary to document risk control plans
Oral Communication
2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3, 4.2
Uses structure and language suitable for audience to communicate information and contribute ideas about WHS risk-management processes
Navigate the world of work
2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Takes responsibility for adherence to legal and regulatory responsibilities and organisational policies and procedures in relation to WHS risk-management processes
Keeps up to date with WHS legislation or regulations and related organisational policies and procedures
Interact with others
2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
Understands what to communicate, with whom and how in the context of advising on hazards and harms Cooperates with others as part of WHS risk-management processes, and contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability
Collaborates with others to achieve individual and team outcomes
Get the work done
2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 4.1,
5.2, 5.3
Applies formal processes to plan, sequence and prioritise risk control tasks, showing awareness of time and resource constraints and the needs of others
Uses formal decision-making processes in risk management processes, setting or clarifying goals, gathering information and identifying and evaluating choices against a set of criteria
Applies formal problem-solving processes, identifying and evaluating several options for action
Uses formal and informal processes to monitor and reflect on outcomes of decisions
Assessment Requirements
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
Identify and interpret information and data about work health and safety (WHS) requirements and apply it to the selection and application of techniques, tools and processes for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control and the development of a risk control plan
Contribute to documenting and evaluating risk management processes
Communicate about WHS requirements and compliance with a range of people
Comply with WHS requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control activities
Identify WHS duty holders and their duties
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
Outline the WHS risk management (hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control) requirements specified in:
orelevant WHS Acts and regulations
oorganisational WHS policies, procedures, processes and systems
Explain the difference between hazards and risks in the work context
Outline a range of common workplace hazards, the harms they may cause and how these harms are caused
Explain how risk assessment and controls can eliminate or minimise risks
Identify internal and external sources of WHS information and data and how to access them
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced by individuals carrying out work health and safety duties in the workplace and include access to:
Office equipment and resources
Relevant legislation, standards and guidelines
Relevant policies, procedures, processes and systems
Case studies and, where possible, real situations
Interaction with others.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Links
Companion volumes available from the IBSA website: http://www.ibsa.org.au/companion_volumes
Housekeeping Items
Your trainer will inform you of the following:
Where the toilets and fire exits are located, what the emergency procedures are and where the breakout and refreshment areas are.
Any rules, for example asking that all mobile phones are set to silent and of any security issues they need to be aware of.
What times the breaks will be held and what the smoking policy is.
That this is an interactive course and you should ask questions.
That to get the most out of this workshop, we must all work together, listen to each other, explore new ideas, and make mistakes. After all, that’s how we learn.
Ground rules for participation:
Smile
Support and encourage other participants
When someone is contributing everyone else is quiet
Be patient with others who may not be grasping the ideas
Be on time
Focus discussion on the topic
Speak to the trainer if you have any concerns
Objectives
Discover how to access information to identify hazards and assess and control risks
Know how to contribute to compliance and workplace requirements
Learn how to contribute to workplace hazard identification
Understand how to contribute to WHS risk assessment
Comprehend how to contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of risk control
Gain skills and knowledge required for this unit
1. Access information to identify hazards, and assess and control risks
1.1Identify sources of information and data
1.2 Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace hazards, the range of harms they may cause and how these harms are caused
1.3 Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace risks and risk controls
1.1 – Identify sources of information and data
Using reviews, tools and techniques to source information from others can assist you in identifying possible risk or hazards in the workplace. To narrow down a hazard or risk and to identify possible causes of a problem you can source other organisation data such as WHS information and data.
Sources of WHS information and data may include:
Audits – On site inspections can be used to ensure that your organisation’s WHS goals and objectives are being met. In the case that a hazard and associated risks are found, corrective action can be taken to minimise or eliminate risk in the workplace. If you believe that your worksite is not meeting its legal requirements then you can download a Self Assessment to determine what issues need to be redressed in the Safety inspection.
Employer groups represent a specific industry or type of business. The members of the employer group usually work with other businesses to build competitive to stimulate growth in Australia. Employer groups will ensure that their members are up to date with industry trends and will assist members in operating their business (industry) more effectively. Employer groups make sure that all employers have a opportunity to represent and promote their interests in the current and future markets.
First Aid Records must be maintained to ensure that you have a record of how many workers have been trained in providing first aid (Regulation 42 for the WHS Regulations) according to the nature of the work being carried out. Many first aid kits will usually have a form that requires staff to monitor which staff is using the facilities, what they are using the facilities for and/or if there has been a variation in their usage. Variations in usage can assist in identifying possible causes of hazards or risk in the workplace if the staff members problem is not some identifiable illness.
Hazard, incident and investigation reports All hazards and incidents in the workplace must be investigated in a timely manner to ensure that risk is eliminated or minimised in the workplace. This means that employees need to report risks and complete accident/incident reports as part of their legal duty or care as a worker under the WHS Act. Investigations can be raised:
As a normal part of operations
Upon request to ensure that changes already implemented are meeting their goals and objectives; or
In response to an accident/incident report being raised.
Industry bodies work with the government in the development of vocational education and training at both State/Territory and National Levels. The aim of industry bodies is to use experts who can assist on training needs and delivery to specific industries.
The five main industry bodies in Australia include:
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)
http://www.acci.asn.au/
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)a
http://actu.asn.au/
Australian Industry Group
http://www.aigroup.asn.au/
Australian Institute of Training and Development
http://www.aitd.com.au/
Business Council of Australia
http://www.bca.com.au
Legislation, standards, manufacturers' manuals and specifications available at the workplace
The aim of manufacturer’s manuals will ensure that you are aware of how to operate your equipment safely. Otherwise known as an owner’s manual, this manual will provide you with instructions on installation of the equipment or plant, set up instructions, installation instructions, safety instructions, how to program the equipment and maintain it, as well as any regulatory codes that you will need to follow to operate the equipment safely and within the correct legislative requirements.
A specification sets out the minimum standards that your product must meet to be legal. Specifications allow you to know whether a product is appropriate for your needs and that it meets your requirements. Specifications will usually include a description of the product, its product code, which is responsible for maintaining a product, testing methods, acceptable performance testing levels and drawings of the product to ensure that you have the correct product.
Minutes of meetings from incident investigations are used to keep a record of what was discussed during a meeting and can provide those who did not attend the meeting with information on the subject of the meeting, decisions made and the reasons for the decisions. Minutes will also allow personnel to know who was assigned a task and when that task should be completed. These minutes will be reviewed in the next meeting.
MSDS’S and registers The register of MSDS’s and MSDS’s should be accessible to workers. They can be stored:
Physically on paper and made available to all workers; and
Computerised and internet MSDS databases.
The MSDS register is a tool that is used to ensure that everyone involved in managing hazardous substances exposures at the workplace.
WHS professional bodies can give you industry advice regarding a specific industry. When your workplace does not have staff with the correct skills and knowledge, WHS professional bodies will be able to provide you with names of external consultants who can provide you with:
Safe systems of work and their improvement
Identifying, eliminating and controlling hazards
Taking samples or measurements of workplace environments such as whether the workplace has a high level of air borne contaminants.
The type and source of advice will be determined by your needs and the need to ensure that you met your legal obligations under the WHS Act.
WHS specialists may found from specific Societies within a specific industry. Some of these societies include:
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia for Ergonomist Specialists
http://www.ergonomics.org.au/membership/cpe/cpes-WHS-specialists.aspx
Toxicology in Australia for Toxicologist Specialists
http://healthengine.com.au/search_interest.php?q=Toxicology
Audiological Society of Australia for Audiologists
http://www.audiology.asn.au/
Regulatory authorities (for codes of practice, legislation) Regulation in Australia is developed by government bodies. A list of regulatory bodies in Australia include:
Australian Bureau of Statisticshttp://www.abs.gov.au
Australian Competition and Consumer Commissionhttp://www.accc.gov.au/
Australian Industrial Relations Commission http://www.airc.gov.au/
Australia New Zealand Food Authorityhttp://www.foodstandards.gov.au/
Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authorityhttp://www.apvma.gov.au/
Australian Securities & Investment Commissionhttp://www.asic.gov.au
Australian Taxation Office http://www.ato.gov.au/
Australian Workplacehttp://www.workplace.gov.au/
Competitions & Markets Advisory Committeehttp://www.camac.gov.au/
Consumer & Employment Protection, Governments of Western Australiahttp://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au.
Department of Employment & Workplace Relationshttp://www.dewrsb.gov.au/
Department of Treasuryhttp://www.treasury.gov.au/home.asp?ContentID=521
Insolvency & Trustee Service Australiahttp://www.itsa.gov.au/
Legislative Assembly for the ACThttp://www.legassembly.act.gov.au/
National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Schemehttp://www.nicnas.gov.au
National Occupational Health & Safety Commissionhttp://www.nWHSc.gov.au
Ombudsmanhttp://www.comb.gov.au
Productivity Commissionhttp://www.pc.gov.au
Reserve Bank of Australiahttp://www.rba.gov.au
Superannuation Complaints Tribunalhttp://www.sct.gov.au
The Takeovers Panel http://www.takeovers.gov.au
Victorian Work cover Authorityhttp://www.workcover.vic.gov.au
Workplace Health & Safety, Queensland Governmenthttp://www.whs.qld.gov.au
Workplace Standards Tasmaniahttp://www.wst.tas.gov.au
The strategic role of regulation is increasing due to the effects of globalisation and technological development. Regulation may be local, national, international and global and regulation is important to public policy. Each State/Territory has a regulatory body that has a large impact on people, organisations and the environment.
Reports play an important role in the internal operations of any organisation. They leave a historical record of the organisations WHS efforts and can be used to not only ensure that the organisation’s legal requirements are met, but to ensure that:
Changes to the worksite is ensuring that risk is minimised or eliminated
The reasons for the change and why the decision was made
The different types of options available
Standards, from Australia or overseas
Unions such as the Australian Council of Trade Unions see the implementation of the new WHS laws as a chance to achieve the best standards in health and safety for the country. Trade unions played a large role in the development of WHS laws in place today and will assist in ensuring that standards are maintained.
Websites, journals and newsletters Make sure that the information that you gather from these areas is valid and come from a reliable source. Reliable sources mean government work sites, trade and industry journals and newsletters. If you do not obtain information from a reliable source, you may find that the information you provide to the people you are trying to help is not correct. When information is not correct, then you run the risk of a bad decision being made that can put others at risk.
Workplace inspections
Workplace inspections are planed events that can be used to identify hazards before an injury arises. Even though anyone can do an inspection, they should be completed by qualified personnel. Once a hazard is identified you should put in place steps to ensure that the hazard is controlled.
1.2 – Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace hazards, the range of harms they may cause and how these harms are caused
1.3 – Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace risks and risk controls
Research is an important part of any investigation into a WHS hazard and its associated risks. To ensure that you gather the correct information, it is essential that you clearly identify what information you need to ensure that you can minimise the hazard and the risks associated with the hazard.
Failure to systematically identify what you are researching could mean that you will not be able to identify what information that you need to gather. This in turn may mean that you will be gathering a lot of information that is not appropriate. Too much information may mean that you will be faced with information overload.
Information overload is when you have gathered so much information that you can become frustrated and confused as you will not be able to collate the information into any form of order. If you have trouble with defining what information you are required to gather, consult with personnel that work in the area in which the information will
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