BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety is a nationally recognized qualification in Australia. It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage workplace health and safety risks.
The course covers a range of topics related to work health and safety, including:
1. Developing and implementing WHS management systems
2. Identifying hazards and assessing risks
3. Conducting safety audits and inspections
4. Implementing and monitoring WHS policies and procedures
5. Consulting with employees and other stakeholders on WHS issues
6. Investigating incidents and accidents
7. Developing and implementing emergency response procedures
8. Providing WHS training and instruction
9. Managing contractor WHS requirements
10. Managing return-to-work programs
To complete the BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety, students are required to complete 9 units of competency, including 5 core units and 4 elective units. The course is typically delivered over a period of 12-18 months and can be completed through a combination of online and face-to-face learning.
Upon completion of the course, graduates will have the skills and knowledge needed to work in a range of WHS roles, including WHS Coordinator, WHS Manager, and WHS Consultant. They will also be able to apply for membership with professional bodies such as the Safety Institute of Australia.
Overall, the BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety is a comprehensive qualification that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage workplace health and safety risks.
What are the core units of competency for BSB51319?
The BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety has 5 core units of competency that are required to be completed by all students to achieve the qualification. These units are:
1. BSBWHS502 Manage effective WHS consultation and participation processes
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to effectively consult and engage with workers and other stakeholders on work health and safety (WHS) matters in the workplace.
2. BSBWHS503 Contribute to the systematic management of WHS risk
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of a systematic approach to managing WHS risks in the workplace.
3. BSBWHS504 Manage WHS risks
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to identify, assess, and control WHS risks in the workplace. It includes developing and implementing risk control strategies and monitoring and reviewing their effectiveness.
4. BSBWHS505 Investigate WHS incidents
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to plan and conduct investigations into WHS incidents in the workplace, including gathering and analyzing information, identifying contributing factors, and developing recommendations for preventing reoccurrence.
5. BSBWHS506 Contribute to developing, implementing, and maintaining WHS management systems
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of a WHS management system in the workplace. It includes identifying WHS requirements, developing policies and procedures, and monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the system.
These core units provide a solid foundation of skills and knowledge for managing workplace health and safety risks and are essential for anyone working in a WHS role.
What are some examples of WHS risks in the workplace?
There are many different types of work health and safety (WHS) risks that can exist in the workplace, and these can vary depending on the nature of the work being undertaken. Some examples of WHS risks in the workplace include:
1. Physical hazards: These can include slips, trips, and falls; manual handling injuries; exposure to noise, vibration, or radiation; and exposure to extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
2. Chemical hazards: These can include exposure to hazardous substances such as chemicals, gases, and fumes, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other health issues.
3. Biological hazards: These can include exposure to infectious diseases, bacteria, and viruses, which can cause illness and infection.
4. Psychological hazards: These can include workplace stress, bullying, and harassment, which can have a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing.
5. Ergonomic hazards: These can include poor workstation design, awkward postures, and repetitive tasks, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries.
6. Electrical hazards: These can include the risk of electric shock or electrocution from faulty equipment or unsafe electrical work practices.
7. Fire hazards: These can include the risk of fire from electrical faults, flammable materials, or other sources, which can cause injury, damage to property, or even loss of life.
It is important for workplaces to identify and assess these and other potential WHS risks and to take appropriate measures to manage and control them to ensure the health and safety of workers and others in the workplace.
How can workplaces identify and assess WHS risks?
Workplaces can identify and assess work health and safety (WHS) risks by following a systematic approach that involves the following steps:
1. Identify hazards: Conduct a thorough inspection of the workplace to identify potential hazards that could cause harm to workers or others in the workplace. This can involve consulting with workers, reviewing incident reports, and referring to relevant codes of practice and legislation.
2. Assess risks: Once hazards have been identified, assess the likelihood and consequences of them causing harm. This involves considering the severity of the harm that could result, the frequency and duration of exposure to the hazard, and the number of people who could be affected.
3. Control risks: Implement measures to control or eliminate the risks identified in the previous step. This can involve implementing engineering controls (e.g. installing guards on machinery), administrative controls (e.g. developing safe work procedures), or personal protective equipment (e.g. providing workers with safety glasses).
4. Review and monitor: Regularly review and monitor the effectiveness of the control measures implemented to ensure that they are working as intended and that new hazards have not been introduced into the workplace.
Some specific methods that workplaces can use to identify and assess WHS risks include conducting risk assessments, hazard identification checklists, and safety audits or inspections. It is important for workplaces to involve workers in the risk assessment process to ensure that their knowledge and experience is taken into account and to promote a culture of safety in the workplace.
