Workplace health and safety is essential across Australia’s construction, manufacturing, logistics, mining, healthcare and other industries. Employers need people who can identify hazards, assess risks, support compliance and help develop safer working environments.
The Diploma of Work Health and Safety is designed for people seeking to build their knowledge of WHS systems, risk management, consultation and incident investigation. The qualification can support career development for workers who want to take on more responsibility for workplace safety.
Looking to Develop Your WHS Career?
Explore the Diploma of Work Health and Safety to learn more about the course, its suitability for your goals and available study options.
Qualification note: BSB51319 is an older version of the Diploma of Work Health and Safety. Qualification codes, unit requirements and course availability can change. Check the current course information with the training provider before enrolling.
What Is the Diploma of Work Health and Safety?
A Diploma of Work Health and Safety develops practical knowledge and skills for managing workplace safety processes. Depending on the current qualification and course structure, study may cover hazard identification, risk assessment, consultation with workers, incident investigation and the development or maintenance of WHS management systems.
These skills can help learners understand how to identify potential harm, recommend suitable control measures and monitor whether workplace safety procedures are effective.
If you’re comparing the qualification’s value, career opportunities and earning potential, read our guide to the importance, salary and benefits of a Diploma of Work Health and Safety in Australia.
What Does the Course Cover?
WHS diploma training may address a range of responsibilities involved in supporting safer workplaces. Topics can include:
- Developing, implementing and reviewing WHS management systems.
- Identifying workplace hazards and assessing associated risks.
- Supporting safety audits, inspections and workplace monitoring.
- Applying WHS policies, procedures and risk control measures.
- Consulting with workers and relevant stakeholders about safety matters.
- Investigating incidents and identifying contributing factors.
- Supporting emergency preparedness and response procedures.
- Communicating safety information and supporting worker training.
- Addressing contractor safety and other workplace-specific WHS requirements.
The exact subjects and assessment requirements depend on the qualification version and the registered training organisation (RTO) delivering the course. Confirm the current unit list before making an enrolment decision.
What Were the Core Units in BSB51319?
The BSB51319 qualification included five core units. The unit titles below are useful when researching the older qualification, but learners should verify current training and transition arrangements with their RTO.
1. BSBWHS502 — Manage Effective WHS Consultation and Participation Processes
Focuses on consultation and worker participation in WHS matters, helping organisations gather relevant feedback and involve workers in workplace safety processes.
2. BSBWHS503 — Contribute to the Systematic Management of WHS Risk
Covers contributing to a structured approach to workplace risk management, including the implementation and review of processes used to manage WHS risks.
3. BSBWHS504 — Manage WHS Risks
Addresses identifying hazards, assessing risks, selecting suitable control measures and monitoring whether those measures are effective.
4. BSBWHS505 — Investigate WHS Incidents
Covers planning and conducting incident investigations, collecting relevant information, identifying contributing factors and recommending actions to help prevent similar incidents.
5. BSBWHS506 — Contribute to Developing, Implementing and Maintaining WHS Management Systems
Focuses on contributing to WHS management systems, including relevant policies and procedures, implementation activities and ongoing monitoring and review.
The qualification also included elective units. The combination of core and elective units determined the full training requirements. Do not rely on an older unit list as confirmation of the requirements for a currently available course.
What Are Examples of WHS Risks in the Workplace?
Workplace hazards differ according to the industry, work activities and environment. Recognising common risk categories is an important part of developing effective safety processes.
1. Physical Hazards
Slips, trips, falls, manual handling, excessive noise, vibration and extreme temperatures can expose workers to injury or illness.
2. Chemical Hazards
Hazardous chemicals, dusts, gases and fumes may cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, burns or other harmful health effects.
3. Biological Hazards
Exposure to bacteria, viruses, infectious materials and other biological agents can create health risks in workplaces such as healthcare, laboratories and some cleaning or waste-management environments.
4. Psychosocial Hazards
Bullying, harassment, excessive workloads, poor support and other harmful work-related factors can affect workers’ psychological health and wellbeing.
5. Ergonomic Hazards
Repetitive movements, awkward postures, poorly designed workstations and unsuitable manual handling practices can contribute to musculoskeletal injuries.
6. Electrical Hazards
Damaged equipment, exposed wiring and unsafe electrical practices can lead to electric shock, burns or electrocution.
7. Fire and Emergency Hazards
Ignition sources, flammable materials, inadequate emergency arrangements and obstructed evacuation routes can increase the consequences of a fire or other emergency.
Identifying a hazard is only the first step. Workplaces must also assess the level of risk and select control measures appropriate to the circumstances and applicable WHS requirements.
How Can Workplaces Identify and Assess WHS Risks?
A systematic risk management process helps organisations identify potential harm, decide what action is needed and check whether controls remain effective. A practical process includes the following steps.
- Identify hazards: Inspect work areas, observe tasks, consult workers, review incident and near-miss reports, and consider relevant guidance and workplace procedures.
- Assess the risks: Where necessary, evaluate how likely harm is to occur and how serious the consequences could be. Consider exposure, work conditions and the people who may be affected.
- Control the risks: Eliminate the hazard where reasonably practicable. If elimination is not possible, use the applicable hierarchy of controls to select the most effective available measures rather than relying on personal protective equipment alone.
- Review and monitor: Check whether controls are working, involve workers in reviews and revisit the assessment when conditions change, an incident occurs or a control proves ineffective.
Useful methods include workplace inspections, hazard checklists, consultation, incident trend reviews and safety audits. The approach should suit the work being performed and the level of risk involved.
What Career Opportunities Can a WHS Diploma Support?
Depending on a person’s experience, the qualification completed and employer requirements, WHS study may support progression towards roles such as:
- WHS Coordinator: Supports day-to-day safety processes, inspections, reporting and consultation.
- WHS Officer or Advisor: Helps identify hazards, monitor controls and provide practical safety guidance.
- WHS Manager: May oversee safety systems, compliance activities and organisational risk management, depending on experience and the role.
- WHS Consultant: May provide safety advice, risk assessments and system support to organisations, subject to relevant experience and client requirements.
A qualification does not guarantee a particular job title, salary or professional membership. Employers may also require industry experience, additional training or specific credentials.
Thinking about other study pathways? Explore our overview of the top in-demand diploma courses in Australia for 2026 to compare different options.
How Do You Choose a WHS Diploma Course?
Before enrolling, review the course carefully to make sure it matches your career goals and the qualification you intend to obtain.
- Confirm the exact qualification code and title currently being delivered.
- Check that the training provider is appropriately registered to deliver the qualification.
- Review the units, assessment methods and any entry or placement requirements.
- Ask about delivery format, study support, course duration and fees.
- Confirm whether the course meets your intended employment or further-study requirements.
Take the Next Step Towards a WHS Career
Build your understanding of workplace risk management, safety systems and incident prevention. Review the course details to see whether the Diploma of Work Health and Safety suits your professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety?
BSB51319 is an older Australian Diploma of Work Health and Safety qualification code. It covered workplace safety management topics, including consultation, risk management, incident investigation and WHS management systems. Check the current qualification information before enrolling.
How many core units did BSB51319 include?
The BSB51319 qualification included five core units alongside elective units. The complete unit requirements and current course availability should be verified with the relevant training provider.
Can a WHS diploma help me become a WHS Manager?
It may support progression towards WHS management roles. Suitability depends on the qualification, relevant work experience, employer expectations and the responsibilities of the position.
What workplace risks does WHS training cover?
Depending on the course, topics may include physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial, ergonomic, electrical and fire-related hazards, along with risk assessment and control measures.
How do I find the right Diploma of Work Health and Safety course?
Check the qualification code, provider registration, unit list, course delivery options, fees and assessment requirements. You can start by reviewing the Diploma of Work Health and Safety course information.
Final Thoughts
Understanding workplace hazards, managing risks and maintaining effective safety systems are important capabilities across Australian industries. A Diploma of Work Health and Safety can help develop these skills and support future career opportunities, depending on the learner’s experience and goals.
If you are considering a WHS qualification, review the current course details and confirm the units and requirements before you enrol.
