Course Title: Apply principles of OHS risk management

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

Course Code: OHTH5587C

Course Title: Apply principles of OHS risk management

School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5256 - Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

Course Contact: Thierry Demathieu, Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8359

Course Contact Email: thierry.demathieu@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher

George Addison
Phone: +613 9925 4547
Email: george.addison@rmit.edu.au

Appointments by email  

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use a generic approach to identify hazards, and to assess and control occupational health and safety (OHS) risks. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBOHS504B Apply principles of OHS risk management

Element:

1. Access sources of information and data to identify hazards

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Access external sources of information and data  to assist in identifying hazards 

1.2. Review workplace sources of information and data  to access and assist in identification of hazards

1.3. Seek input from stakeholders , key personnel  and OHS specialists 

1.4. Conduct formal and informal research to ensure currency of information with workplace issues 

Element:

2. Analyse the work environment to identify hazards

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Define, document and communicate occasions when action for hazard identification is required 

2.2. Source tools  to assist in analysing potential hazards

2.3. Examine task demands  and task environment  for impact on the person to identify situations with a potential for injury or ill health

2.4. Examine workforce structure, organisation of work and work relationships to identify situations with a potential for injury or ill health

2.5. Examine work environment for agents  with a potential for injury or ill health

2.6. Seek input from stakeholders to clarify and confirm issues

Element:

3. Assess risk associated with hazards

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Identify factors contributing to risk

3.2. Identify current risk controls for each hazard

3.3. Evaluate adequacy of current controls (if any), taking account of relevant standards and knowledge

3.4. Identify discrepancies between current controls and required quality of control

3.5. Prioritise hazards requiring further control action

3.6. Document method and outcomes of risk assessment

Element:

4. Control risk associated with hazards

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Develop a range of control options in consultation with stakeholders, taking account of the outcomes of the risk assessment and the hierarchy of control

4.2. Identify potential factors impacting on the effectiveness of controls

4.3. Seek advice from OHS specialists and key personnel if required

4.4. Identify and seek appropriate authority and relevant resources to initiate and maintain controls

4.5. Identify and document actions required to achieve change

4.6. Analyse extent of change and reduction in risk, as a result of controls

Element:

5. Maintain hazard identification and risk control processes

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Establish and maintain a risk register relevant to the workplace

5.2. Document and communicate risk management procedures to stakeholders and key personnel, as appropriate

5.3. Document and communicate outcomes of risk management processes to stakeholders and key personnel, as appropriate

5.4. Involve stakeholders and operational staff in risk management processes

5.5. Identify situations where OHS specialists may be required

Element:

6. Monitor and review risk management processes

Performance Criteria:

6.1. Determine frequency, method and scope of review in consultation with workplace stakeholders and key personnel

6.2. Ensure stakeholders and key personnel have input to the review

6.3. Identify areas for improvement in the risk management processes and make recommendations

6.4. Prepare action plans, including allocated responsibilities and timeframes for implementation

6.5. Regularly review effectiveness of risk management processes


Learning Outcomes


Refer to elements.


Details of Learning Activities

Students will learn through a number of planned activities (face to face classes, workplace / site visits, simulated workplace learning, online learning via CANVAS and other forms of structured teaching and learning). Students will be observed and assessed through their planned activities throughout the duration of the course.


Teaching Schedule

The format of this course is for weeks 1-9 a 1.5 hour Lecture, and weeks 10-18 will operate as a 1 hour class.

Your timetable will reflect this.

The course is delivered over one Semester.

Topic Content Delivery:

Lessons 1-4 - Introduction, OH&S Act, OHS regulations, On site Inductions and Coordination plan

Lessons 5 - 8 – SWMS & MSDS, and, Sources of information. Hazards & Communication, Health and safety topics

Lessons 9 -12 Safety walk, Hazard identification, Controlling hazards, Consultation

Lessons 13 -16 - Introduction to plant and equipment safety inspections and reporting including operating licences, Hot work, Provisional improvement Notice, Revision


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through myRMIT and may be provided with additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts.

Construction Industry OHS pocket book
Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004. Occupational Health & Safety Regs 2007 Any required texts required will be advised in class including Codes of Practice.
Workcover Authority publications and website.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including written, oral, practical tasks and activities.  You will be asked to personally demonstrate to your teacher/assessor the practical skills gained during this course to the relevant industry standards. Assessment activities will occur throughout this course and feedback will be provided at regular intervals.

Assessment Tasks

Students must pass each of the following assessment tasks to demonstrate competent.

Assessment 1 Knowledge Assessment

Assessment 2 OHS Site Specific Coordination Plan

Assessment 3 Risk Review


Assessment Tasks

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including written, oral, practical tasks and activities.
You will be asked to personally demonstrate to your teacher/assessor the practical skills gained during this course to the relevant industry standards. Assessment activities will occur throughout this course and feedback will be provided at regular intervals.

Assessment Tasks

To be deemed competent you must demonstrate an understanding of all aspects required of the competency. Assessment methods have been designed to measure your achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over multiple tasks.

Assessment 1: Knowledge Assessment Handed out wk 1, submit wk 8

Assessment 2: OHS Site Specific Coordination Plan handed out wk 9, submit wk 16

Assessment 3: Review Risk 
completed in class under supervision wk 16-17




Assessment Matrix

COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT MAP 


Element 

Performance criteria 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessment 

Task 1: Title 

Assessment 

Task 2: Title 

Assessment 

Task 3: Title 

1. Access sources of information and data to identify hazards  

1.1. Access external sources of information and data to assist in identifying hazards 

 

1a 

 

1.2. Review workplace sources of information and data to access and assist in identification of hazards 

 

1a 

 

1.3. Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and OHS specialists 

 

 

1.4. Conduct formal and informal research to ensure currency of information with workplace issues 

 

1a 

 

2. Analyse the work environment to identify hazards  

2.1. Define, document and communicate occasions when action for hazard identification is required 

 

1e 

 

2.2. Source tools to assist in analysing potential hazards 

 

1f 

2.3. Examine task demands and task environment for impact on the person to identify situations with a potential for injury or ill health 

 

1b 

2.4. Examine workforce structure, organisation of work and work relationships to identify situations with a potential for injury or ill health 

 

1b 

2.5. Examine work environment for agents with a potential for injury or ill health 

 

1b 

2.6. Seek input from stakeholders to clarify and confirm issues 

 

3. Assess risk associated with hazards 

3.1. Identify factors contributing to risk  

 

1b 

3.2. Identify current risk controls for each hazard 

 

1h 

1, 2, 3 

3.3. Evaluate adequacy of current controls (if any), taking account of relevant standards and knowledge 

 

1h 

3.4. Identify discrepancies between current controls and required quality of control 

 

1h 

2, 3 

3.5. Prioritise hazards requiring further control action 

 

1h 

3.6. Document method and outcomes of risk assessment 

 

 

1, 3 

4. Control risk associated with hazards 

4.1. Develop a range of control options in consultation with stakeholders, taking account of the outcomes of the risk assessment and the hierarchy of control 

 

1h, 2 

2, 3 

4.2. Identify potential factors impacting on the effectiveness of controls 

 

 

4.3. Seek advice from OHS specialists and key personnel if required 

 

4.4. Identify and seek appropriate authority and relevant resources to initiate and maintain controls 

 

 

4.5. Identify and document actions required to achieve change 

 

 

4.6. Analyse extent of change and reduction in risk, as a result of controls 

 

 

5. Maintain hazard identification and risk control processes 

5.1. Establish and maintain a risk register relevant to the workplace 

 

1b 

5.2. Document and communicate risk management procedures to stakeholders and key personnel, as appropriate 

 

1a – 1m, 2, 3 

1, 3 

5.3. Document and communicate outcomes of risk management processes to stakeholders and key personnel, as appropriate 

 

2, 3 

5.4. Involve stakeholders and operational staff in risk management processes 

 

2, 3 

5.5. Identify situations where OHS specialists may be required 

 

1k 

6. Monitor and review risk management processes 

6.1. Determine frequency, method and scope of review in consultation with workplace stakeholders and key personnel 

 

1j 

 

6.2. Ensure stakeholders and key personnel have input to the review 

 

6.3. Identify areas for improvement in the risk management processes and make recommendations 

 

1l 

6.4. Prepare action plans, including allocated responsibilities and timeframes for implementation 

 

1i 

6.5. Regularly review effectiveness of risk management processes 

 

1a – m, 2 

 


 


Range Statement   

 

Assessment 

Task 1: Title 

Assessment 

Task 2: Title 

Assessment 

Task 3: Title 

External sources of information and data may include: 

 

 

 

  • databases with national and state injury data such as National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) 

 

1a 

 

  • employer groups 

 

1a 

 

  • industry bodies 

 

1a 

 

  • journals and websites 

 

1a 

 

  • legislation, codes of practice and standards 

 

1a 

 

  • manufacturers' manual and specifications 

 

1a 

 

  • OHS regulatory authorities 

 

1a 

 

  • OHS specialists 

 

1a 

 

  • unions. 

 

1a 

 

Hazards may include: 

 

 

 

  • source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill health 

 

1b 

  • damage to property 

 

1b 

  • damage to the environment 

 

1b 

  • or a combination of these. 

 

1b 

Workplace sources of information and data may include: 

 

 

 

  • audits 

 

1a 

  • employees 

 

1a 

  • hazard, incident and investigation reports 

 

1a 

  • manufacturers' manuals and specifications 

 

1a 

  • material safety data sheets (MSDSs) 

 

1a 

  • minutes of meetings 

 

1a 

 

  • OHS representatives 

 

1a 

 

  • reports 

 

1a 

 

  • workplace inspections. 

 

1a 

Stakeholders include: 

 

 

 

  • employees 

 

2, 3 

 

  • health and safety, and other employee representatives 

 

 

  • managers 

 

 

  • OHS committees 

 

 

  • supervisors. 

 

 

Key personnel may include: 

 

 

 

  • managers from other areas 

 

2, 3 

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

 

2, 3 

OHS specialists may include: 

 

 

 

  • engineers 

 

 

  • ergonomists 

 

 

  • occupational hygienists 

 

 

  • organisational psychologists 

 

 

  • toxicologists 

 

 

  • workplace injury and return to work advisors. 

 

 

Workplace issues may include: 

 

 

 

  • changes in equipment, including technology 

 

 

  • changes in social, political or community environment 

 

 

  • changes in work organisation, including: 

 

 

  • contracting 

 

 

  • hire arrangements 

 

 

  • casualisation 

 

 

  • supervisory arrangements 

 

 

  • outworkers 

 

 

  • rosters 

 

 

  • shift work 

 

 

  • work hours 

 

 

  • work relations 

 

 

  • changes in work practice 

 

 

  • changes to legislation and standards 

 

 

  • new knowledge on hazards 

 

 

  • outcomes of court rulings. 

 

 

Occasions when action for hazard identification is required may include: 

 

 

 

  • at design or pre-purchase of buildings, equipment and materials 

 

1e 

 

  • at regular intervals during normal operations 

 

1e 

 

  • before changes are made to workplace, equipment, work processes or work arrangements 

 

1e 

 

  • commissioning or pre-implementation of new processes or practices 

 

1e 

 

  • following an incident report 

 

1e 

 

  • new forms of work and organisation of work 

 

1e 

 

  • planning major tasks or activities, such as equipment shut-downs 

 

1e 

 

  • prior to disposal of equipment, buildings or materials 

 

1e 

 

  • when new knowledge becomes available. 

 

1e 

 

Tools may include: 

 

 

 

  • audits 

 

1f 

 

  • cause and effect diagrams 

 

1f 

 

  • JSA 

 

1f 

 

  • surveys. 

 

1f 

 

Task demands may include: 

 

 

 

  • arousal and alertness 

 

1b 

1, 2 

  • machine pacing or time pressure to complete a task 

 

1b 

1, 2 

  • physical or physiological demands 

 

1b 

1, 2 

  • repetitive nature of task 

 

1b 

1, 2 

  • required precision or accuracy. 

 

1b 

1, 2 

Task environment may include: 

 

 

 

  • air quality 

 

1b 

1, 2 

  • lighting 

 

1b 

1, 2 

  • noise 

 

1b 

1, 2 

  • thermal 

 

1b 

1, 2 

Agents may be: 

 

 

 

  • biological 

1b 

1, 2 

  • chemical 

1b 

1, 2 

  • ergonomic 

1b 

1, 2 

  • nuclear 

1b 

1, 2 

  • physical  

1b 

1, 2 

  • psychosocial 

1b 

1, 2 

  • radiological. 

1b 

1, 2 

Factors contributing to risk may include those associated with: 

 

 

 

  • equipment 

 

1b 

  • frequency and duration of exposure 

 

1b 

  • individual/operator 

 

1b 

  • number of people exposed/involved 

 

1b 

  • task 

 

1b 

  • work environment 

 

1b 

  • work organisation. 

 

1b 

Relevant standards may include: 

 

 

 

  • Australian and industry standards 

 

1m 

 

  • codes of practice 

 

1m 

 

  • current knowledge related to the specific hazard and controls 

 

1m 

 

  • current practice in the industry 

 

1m 

 

  • legislation. 

 

1m 

 

Prioritising hazards requiring further control action may include: 

 

 

 

  • other recognised processes 

 

 

1, 2 

  • specially designed tools 

 

 

1, 2 

  • standard ranking tools. 

 

 

1, 2 

Risk assessment includes identification of: 

 

 

 

  • factors contributing to risk 

 

 

, 2 

  • current controls and their adequacy 

 

 

, 2 

  • discrepancy between current control and required standard 

 

 

, 2 

  • prioritisation or ranking of a number of risks, where appropriate. 

 

 

, 2 

Hierarchy of control may include: 

 

 

 

  • eliminating hazards 

 

1h 

  • and where this is not practicable, minimising risk by: 

 

1h 

  • substitution 

 

1h 

  • isolating the hazard from personnel 

 

1h 

  • using engineering controls 

 

1h 

  • using administrative controls (e.g. procedures, training) 

 

1h 

  • using personal protective equipment (PPE). 

 

1h 

Factors impacting on the effectiveness of controls may include: 

 

 

 

  • cultural diversity 

 

 

  • language 

 

 

  • literacy and numeracy levels 

 

 

  • shift work and rostering arrangements 

 

 

  • training required 

 

 

  • workplace culture related to OHS including commitment by managers and supervisors and compliance with procedures and training 

 

 

  • workplace organisational structures (size of organisation, geographic, hierarchical). 

 

 

Risk register may include: 

 

 

 

  • list of hazards, their location and people exposed 

 

1b 

, 2 

  • possible control measures and dates for implementation 

 

1b 

, 2 

  • range of possible scenarios or circumstances under which the hazards may cause injury or damage 

 

1b 

, 2 

  • results of the risk analysis related to the hazards. 

 

1b 

, 2 

 


 


Required Skills   

 

Assessment 

Task 1: Title 

Assessment 

Task 2: Title 

Assessment 

Task 3: Title 

analytical skills to: 

 

 

 

identify areas for OHS risk improvement 

 

 

 

  • analyse relevant workplace information and data 

 

1a, 1c 

 

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

 

1c, 1g 

2, 3 

  • attention to detail when making observations and recording outcomes 

 

 

research skills to access relevant OHS information and data 

 

1a 

numeracy skills to carry out simple arithmetical calculations (e.g. % change), and to produce graphs of workplace information and data to identify trends and recognise limitations 

 

1d 

2, 3 

communication skills to: 

 

 

 

  • conduct effective formal and informal meetings and to communicate effectively with personnel at all levels of the organisation, OHS specialists and, as required, emergency services personnel 

 

2, 3  

  • prepare reports for a range of target groups including OHS committee, OHS representatives, managers and supervisors 

 

 

  • use language and literacy skills appropriate to the workgroup and the task 

 

1a – m, 2, 3  

1, 2 

consultation and negotiation skills to develop plans and to implement and monitor designated actions 

 

2, 3 

, 2 

project management skills to achieve change in OHS matters 

 

1a - m 

organisational skills to manage own tasks within a timeframe 

 

1a – m, 2, 3 

1, 2 

information technology skills to access and enter internal and external information and data on OHS and to use a range of communication media 

 

1a-m, 3 


 


Required Knowledge   

 

Assessment 

Task 1: Title 

Assessment 

Task 2: Title 

Assessment 

Task 3: Title 

organisational behaviour and culture as it impacts on OHS and on change 

 

 

basic physiology relevant to understanding mode of action of physical, biological and chemical agents on the body and how they produce harm 

 

 

basic principles of incident causation and injury processes 

 

 

characteristics, mode of action and units of measurement of major hazard types 

 

 

concept of common law duty of care 

 

 

difference between hazard and risk 

 

 

ethics related to professional practice 

 

 

how the characteristics and composition of the workforce impact on risk and the systematic approach to managing OHS, for example: 

 

 

 

  • communication skills 

8a, 8b 

 

 

  • cultural background/workplace diversity 

8a, 8b 

 

 

  • gender 

8a, 8b 

 

 

  • labour market changes 

8a, 8b 

 

 

  • language, literacy and numeracy 

8a, 8b 

 

 

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

8a, 8b 

 

 

  • workers with specific needs 

8a, 8b 

 

 

internal and external sources of OHS information and data 

9a, 9b, 9c 

 

 

language, literacy and cultural profile of the workgroup 

8a, 8b 

 

 

legislative requirements for OHS information and data, and consultation 

9c, 10 

 

 

limitations of generic hazard and risk checklists, and risk ranking processes 

11 

 

 

methods of providing evidence of compliance with OHS legislation 

12 

 

 

nature of workplace processes (including work flow, planning and control) and hazards relevant to the particular workplace 

13 

 

 

organisational culture as it impacts on the workgroup 

 

 

organisational OHS policies and procedures 

14 

 

 

other function areas that impact on the management of OHS 

15 

 

 

principles and practices of systematic approaches to managing OHS 

16 

 

 

professional liability in relation to providing advice 

17 

 

 

requirements under hazard specific OHS legislation and codes of practice 

5, 9c, 10 

 

 

risk as a measure of uncertainty and the factors that affect risk 

18 

 

 

roles and responsibilities under OHS legislation of employees, including supervisors and contractors 

19 

 

 

standard industry controls for a range of hazards 

2, 4 

 

 

state/territory and 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 

20 

 

 

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

20 

 

 

types of hazard identification tools, including job safety analysis (JSA) 

21 

 

 

 


 


Critical Aspects of Evidence 

Describe how assessments meet the critical aspects of evidence 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to: 

 

Evidence of the following is essential: 

 

  • products used in: 

 

  • the application of a risk management approach to identifying hazards 

AT2 requires the student to identify a range of tools for use, and AT3 requires the student to create one that is business specific.  

  • assessing OHS risk 

AT2 requires the student to identify a range of tools for use, and AT3 requires the student to create one that is business specific.  

  • controlling OHS risk 

AT2 requires students to research, consult upon, and agree upon options for controlling risk, and AT3 requires students to identify alternative options for control improvement.  

  • how these products were developed and implemented 

The student develops, implements and makes suggestions for improvement of products in AT2 and AT3.  

  • knowledge of relevant OHS legislation (acts, regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material. 

The student demonstrates knowledge of compliance frameworks generically in AT1 and related to their systematic approach in AT2.  

 

 


 


Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Describe how assessments meet the context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure: 

 

  • access to workplace or simulated workplace 

The student will complete all work in a simulated workplace environment. Students will be given access to a real worksite in AT3.  

  • access to workplace documentation 

AT2 and AT3 require the student to use workplace documentation to complete risk management processes.  

  • access to office equipment and resources 

AT2 and AT3 require access to office equipment and resources to complete planning and reporting activities.  

  • access to relevant legislation, standards and guidelines relating to risks found in the workplace. 

AT1, AT2 and AT3 provide access to or the platform for research of frameworks to support systemic approaches to OHS management.  

 

Other Information

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

  • Relevant
    • Current
    • Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL.
 

Study and learning Support: 

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you. 
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are: 

assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice 
maths and science developmental support and advice 
English language development 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support 

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission: 

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager. 
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted. 
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date. 

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked. 


Special consideration: 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration 

Plagiarism: 

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. 

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism. 

Other Information: 

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

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