Course Title: Monitor a safe workplace

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: OHTH5470C

Course Title: Monitor a safe workplace

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4223 - Certificate IV in Business Administration

Course Contact : Hazel Sims

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925-1316

Course Contact Email:hazel.sims@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Hazel Sims
Email:  hazel.sims@rmit.edu.au
Tel:  9925 1316

Vivien Wong
Email:  v.wong@rmit.edu.au
Tel:  9925 5494

Nominal Hours: 50

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

There are no pre-requisites or co-requisites for this course.

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor the organisation’s occupational health and safety (OHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area to meet legislative requirements. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

This unit contains employability skills.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBOHS407A Monitor a safe workplace

Element:

1. Provide information to the workgroup about OHS policies and procedures

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Accurately explain relevant provisions of OHS legislation and codes of practice to the workgroup

1.2 Provide information to the workgroup on the organisation’s OHS policies, procedures and programs, ensuring it is readily accessible by the workgroup

1.3 Regularly provide and clearly explain information about identified hazards and the outcomes of risk assessment and control to the workgroup

Element:

2. Implement and monitor participative arrangements for the management of OHS

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Explain the importance of effective consultative mechanisms in managing health and safety risks

2.2 Implement and monitor consultative procedures to facilitate participation of workgroup in management of work area hazards

2.3 Promptly deal with issues raised through consultation, in accordance with organisational consultation procedures

2.4 Promptly record and communicate to the workgroup the outcomes of consultation over OHS issues

Element:

3. Implement and monitor the organisation's procedures for maintaining OHS records for the team

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Systematically identify OHS training needs in line with organisational requirements

3.2 Make arrangements to meet OHS training needs of team members in consultation with relevant individuals

3.3 Provide workplace learning opportunities, and coaching and mentoring assistance to facilitate team and individual achievement of identified training needs

3.4 Identify and report to management the costs associated with providing training for work team, for inclusion in financial plans

Element:

4. Implement and monitor procedures for identifying hazards and assessing risks

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify and report on hazards in work area in accordance with OHS policies and procedures

4.2 Promptly action team member hazard reports in accordance with organisational procedures

Element:

5. Implement and monitor the organisation’s procedures for controlling risks

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Implement procedures to control risks using the hierarch of controls and organisational requirements

5.2 Identify and report inadequacies in existing risk control measures in accordance  with the hierarchy of controls

5.3 Monitor outcomes of reported inadequacies, where appropriate, to ensure a prompt organisational response

Element:

6. Implement and monitor the organisation’s procedures for maintaining OHS records for the team

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Accurately complete and maintain OHS records of incidents of occupational injury and disease in work area in accordance with OHS legal requirements

6.2 Use aggregate information and data from work area records to identify hazards and monitor risk control procedures in work area


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

NOTE: For fulltime students, this course is co-delivered with EMPL7009C Develop work priorities, OFFC5201C Organise meetings, OFFC5203C Set up records and OFFC5202C Organise business travel.

Learning activities for full-time students will include ’hands-on’ participation in the simulated business environment, Reflective Records Virtual Enterprise (VE).

Flexible delivery students will use a real workplace on which to base research and analysis of the implementation and monitoring of an organisations OHS policies, procedures and programs as well as completing online activities.
 

The nominal hours associated with this course are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.


Teaching Schedule

Week commencing Topics

Assessments

Full-time/Flexible delivery 

Week 1 - 11 Feb

Course Induction

  • Course delivery and assessment details
  • Course support documents
  • Online learning environment including Blackbaord
  • Grading
  • Plagiarism
  • Appeals/Extensions
  • Feedback/Privacy
  • Submission requirements/Resubmission policy
  • Where to get support
  • Student responsibilities
  • Use of Turnitin

Pre-Training Review (if applicable)
 

  • Includes skills analysis and Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers

What is Occupational Health and Safety and what does it mean to me in the workplace?
 

 Discussion of requirements Task 1 & 2
Week 2 - 18 Feb Required knowledge - relevant legislation; Duty of Care  Portfolio tasks
Week 3 - 25 Feb

Provide information to the workgroup about OHS policies and procedures

Chapter 6 Communicate and support work health and safety pg 142-146

Table 6.1 on p 144

  Portfolio tasks
Week 4 - 4 Mar

Implement and monitor participative arrangements for the management of OHS

Consultation on OHS issues - what is it and what are some consultation procedures that you can think of? Chapter 6 pg 146-148

  Portfolio tasks
Week 5 - 11 Mar

Implement and monitor the organisation’s procedures for providing OHS training.

How can we identify training needs for staff who cannot perform the tasks? Chapter 6 pg 150-155

  Portfolio tasks
Week 6 - 18 Mar

Implement and monitor procedures for identifying hazards and assessing risks.

Chapter 6 pp 156-159 Fig 6.2 & 6.3; Report and document hazards pg 156-157

  Portfolio tasks
Week 7 - 25 Mar Implement and monitor procedures for identifying hazards and assessing risks.

How can we identify training needs for staff who cannot perform the tasks? Chapter 6 pg 156-159

  Portfolio tasks
Week 7 - 28 Mar - 3 Apr

Mid semester break (includes 1 April Easter Monday Public Holiday, 2 April Easter Tuesday RMIT holiday, 4april classes resume)

Implement and monitor procedures for identifying hazards and assessing risks.
How can we identify training needs for staff who cannot perform the tasks? Chapter 6 pg 156-159

 Portfolio tasks
Week 8 - 8 Apr

 Implement and monitor the organisation’s procedures for controlling risks

Chapter 6 Hierarchy of controls pg 159-160

  Portfolio tasks
Week 9 - 15 Apr

 Implement and monitor the organisation’s procedures for controlling risks.

Chapter 6 pg 161-165

  Portfolio tasks
Week 10 - 22 Apr

 Implement and monitor the organisation;s procedures for maintaining OHS records for the team.

Chapter 6 pg 165-170

  Portfolio tasks
Week 11 - 29 Apr  Assessment Task 1 due

 Full-time students presentation

Flexible delivery online submission

Week 12 - 6 May  All elements of competency - Assessment Task 2 preparation  Portfolio tasks
Week 13 - 13 May  All elements of competency - Assessment Task 2 preparation  Portfolio tasks
Week 14 - 20 May  All elements of competency - Assessment Task 2 preparation  Portfolio tasks
Week 15 - 27 May  Assessment Task 2 due  Hard copy and online submission as requested
Week 16 - 3 Jun  Feedback and review of employability skills for the course  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Dwyer, J 2012 The Business Communication Handbook/Judith Dwyer, 9th ed, Pearson, Australia.


References


Other Resources

Officewise - A guide to health and safety in the office, available online at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievements of each element of competency in a flexible manner. Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods such as:

  • analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
  • direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
  • review of records communicating the outcomes of consultation over OHS issues to the workgroup
  • demonstration of techniques
  • review of reports to management on the costs associated with providing training for the work team
  • oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of workplace safety and hazards
  • examples of risk assessments
  • evaluation of actioning of team member hazard reports.


Assessment Tasks

Critical aspects of assessment

Evidence of the following is essential:

  • applying organisational management systems and procedures to OHS within workgroup area
  • applying procedures for assessing and controlling risks to health and safety associated with those hazards, in accordance with the Hierarchy of Controls
  • providing specific, clear and accurate information and advice on workplace hazards to workgroup
  • knowledge of legal responsibilities of employers, supervisors and employees in the workplace.

You are required to complete two (2) tasks. You must successfuly complete all elements of competency to be deemed competent in this unit.

Full-time students - refer to the relevant Blackboard under Assessments on myRMIT for marking guides and information.

Task 1 - 2-case study Presentation in class Week 11.

You will give a presentation in class addressing all elements of competency. The presentation will be based on two scenarios, Case study 1 and Case study 2.  Please refer to separate assessment document and marking guide on myRmit for this unit.

Task 2 - Portfolio of competency evidence due Week 15

The duration of this assessment is 15 weeks. You will prepare and gather competency evidence whilst working in the Virtual Enterprise.  Please refer to separate assessment document and marking guide on myRmit for this unit.

Flexible-delivery (part-time) students - refer to the relevant Blackboard under Assessments on myRMIT for marking guides and information.

Task 1 - 2-case study report due Week 11

You will complete two scenarios addressing all elements of competency and submit online.  Please refer to separate assessment document and marking guide on myRmit for this unit.

Task 2 - Portfolio of competency evidence due Week 15

During the duration of this course you will prepare and gather competency evidence from your workplace.  Please refer to separate assessment document and marking guide on myRmit for this unit.  If you are not employed you will need to discuss alternative arrangements with your assessor.


Assessment Matrix

Required skills  Assessment
  • analytical skills to identify hazards, to assess risks in the work area and to review data relating to monitoring and evaluating incidents (accidents), environmental issues and the effectiveness of risk control measures
  • literacy skills to comprehend documentation and to interpret OHS requirements
  • coaching and mentoring skills to provide support to colleagues.
Tasks 1 & 2
 
Required knowledge  
  • key provisions of relevant legislation from all levels of government that may affect aspects of business operations, such as:
  • anti-discrimination legislation
  • ethical principles
  • codes of practice
  • privacy laws
  • environmental issues
  • OHS
  • legal responsibilities of employers, supervisors and employees in the workplace
  • hazards and associated risks which exist in the workplace
  • organisational policies and procedures relating to hazard management, fire, emergency, evacuation, incident (accident) investigating and reporting
  • relevance of consultation as a key mechanism for improving workplace culture.
Tasks 1 & 2
Element of competency (see above for Performance Criteria)  
1. Provide information to the workgroup about OHS policies and procedures
2. Implement and monitor participative arrangements for the management of OHS
3. Implement and monitor the organisation’s procrdures for providing OHS training
4. Implement and monitor procedures for identifying hazards and assessing risks
5. Implement and monitor the organisation’s procedures for controlling risks
6. Implement and monitor the organisation’s procedures for maintaining OHS records for the team
Tasks 1 & 2

Other Information

Submission Requirements

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via myRmit.   Ongoing feedback will be provided in class for fulltime students and online for flexible delivery students.

You should:

• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on myRmit.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.


Marking Guide (competency):

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.
You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.

Please refer to the Final Grades table below.

Marking Guide (Grading)

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.

The grading is according to the following criteria:


1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK

We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to developing and maintaining an OHS system.

2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING

We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required in managing an OHS system. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable OHS legislative requirements in all the assessment tasks.

3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING

We are looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended audience. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in managing OHS systems and how these might be addressed.

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT

We expect to see ongoing research that is relevant to the unit, full utilisation of Blackboard as per course requirements and timely submission of all required assessment tasks.

5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK

We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions. In addition your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of strategies for a collaborative approach to OHS management in the workplace.
Final Grades table:

CHD - Competent with High Distinction
CDI - Competent with Distinction
CC - Competent with Credit
CAG - Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit for assessment
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview