Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:52 AM AWST

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Investigate WHS incidents

Investigate WHS incidents

Unit of competency
National Code
BSBWHS505
State Code
AUK76
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/03/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/09/2015
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
15/09/2015
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, conduct and report on investigations of work health and safety (WHS) incidents that have resulted in, or have the potential to result in, injury or damage. It covers conducting an initial assessment of the situation; establishing the scope and legal parameters of the investigation; conducting a systematic analysis to identify underlying causes and actions for prevention; and reporting on the outcomes of the investigation appropriate to the potential severity of the incident, which may include accessing specialist expertise.This unit applies to individuals required to investigate incidents in relation to prevention of future incidents. The unit applies to people who work in a range of WHS roles across all industries and who apply a substantial knowledge base and well-developed skills in a wide variety of WHS 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 or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Ensure initial responses to the incident are carried out according to requirements
  • 1.1 Prepare and implement a workplace procedure for incident investigation
  • 1.2 Ensure site of the incident is safe and secured and that the immediate needs of those involved in the incident are met
  • 1.3 Ensure WHS legislative requirements are met
  • 1.4 Ensure other actions are performed to meet requirements of relevant workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems
2 Develop an investigation plan
  • 2.1 Apply knowledge of WHS legislationand workplace policies, procedures and systems to assist with identifying duty holders and ensure requirements of WHS legislation and workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems are met by the investigation plan
  • 2.2 Form an appropriate investigation team
  • 2.3 Define the scope and purpose of the investigation and ensure they are appropriate to the scope and nature of the incident
  • 2.4 Ensure participation of, and consultation with individuals and parties as part of the planning process, specifying agreed processes for all phases of the investigation
  • 2.5 Identify, document and obtain necessary resources to conduct the investigation, including expert advice if required
  • 2.6 Identify, address and document barriers to investigation
  • 2.7 Ensure planning includes agreed timelines, objectives, responsibilities, roles, documentation, actions and outcomes
3 Collect information and data
  • 3.1 Identify and access sources of information and data
  • 3.2 Inspect incident site, equipment and other evidence, and document outcome of inspection
  • 3.3 Gather information and data in ways that ensure objectivity, confidentiality, validity and accuracy
4 Analyse information and data gathered to identify immediate and underlying causes and practical prevention measures
  • 4.1 Ensure investigation team understands, identifies and applies the conceptual basis for the analysis
  • 4.2 Construct timeline of events leading up to the incident
  • 4.3 Investigate key events, conditions and/or circumstances that together resulted in the incident
  • 4.4 Develop actions, interventions and practical measures to prevent the re-occurrence of the incident and to address root causes
  • 4.5 Detail recommended actions, interventions or measures, and plans for their implementation and evaluation
5 Compile and communicate investigation report
  • 5.1 Prepare a report on the investigation, using objective language
  • 5.2 Cite evidence and basis for conclusions and recommendations
  • 5.3 Communicate the report to relevant individuals and parties
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WE737 BSBWHS505A Investigate WHS incidents Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBA94 BSBWHS515 Lead initial response to and investigate WHS incidents Unit of competency