Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:38 PM AWST
22/07/2026 12:38 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Participate in the investigation of incidents
Participate in the investigation of incidents
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSOHS508A
PSPSOHS508A
State Code
C8358
C8358
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/07/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
07/07/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers participation in the planning, conduct and reporting of investigations of incidents which have resulted in, or have a potential to result in, injury or damage. Situations may range from relatively minor through to major incidents.In practice, participating in the investigation of incidents may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as promoting ethical practice, using complex communication strategies, undertaking research and analysis, coordinating resource usage, promoting compliance with legislation.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Facilitate initial assessment of situation
- 1.1 Area is checked to ensure that it is safe and arrangements have been made to meet initial needs of those involved in the incident.
- 1.2 Integrity of the site and personnel is established and maintained in accordance with legal requirements and to ensure objectivity of information collected.
- 1.3 Statutory and legal obligations are identified and, if required, relevant government agencies advised.
- 1.4 Key persons within the organisation are notified.
- 1.5 Factors affecting the complexity of the investigation are determined and notified.
- 1.6 Stakeholders and interested parties are identified and notified as appropriate.
2 Participate in the establishment of an investigation processes
- 2.1 Organisational policies and procedures for incident investigation are accessed and known.
- 2.2 Investigation team is convened appropriate to the level of the investigation.
- 2.3 Scope of the investigation is defined taking account of legislative requirements.
- 2.4 Involvement of interested parties is facilitated in accordance with legislative requirements.
- 2.5 Resources required to conduct the investigation, including the need for expert advice (if required), are identified and sourced.
- 2.6 Barriers to investigation are identified and addressed.
- 2.7 Action plans and time lines are developed by the investigation team.
3 Collect information and data for analysis
- 3.1 Sources of information and data are identified and accessed.
- 3.2 Incident site, equipment and other evidence involved is inspected.
- 3.3 Gathering of information and data by others is facilitated.
- 3.4 Statements, photographs, measurements and documentary evidence are taken and recorded, taking account of objectivity, confidentiality and legal implications.
- 3.5 Site, evidence and all necessary documentation is appropriately secured.
- 3.6 Members of investigation team are appropriately involved.
4 Analyse information and data gathered to identify immediate and underlying causes and practical prevention measures
- 4.1 Conceptual basis for the analysis is identified and understood by the investigation team.
- 4.2 Time line of events leading up to incident is constructed.
- 4.3 Causative event/s is researched.
- 4.4 Conditions and circumstances that contributed to the causative event are identified.
- 4.5 Intervention points on the time line for prevention are identified.
- 4.6 Strategies to prevent the re-occurrence of the incident are identified.
5 Compile investigation report
- 5.1 Results of analysis are documented in a format to suit the required target audiences and legal requirements.
- 5.2 Report is phrased in objective terms and cites evidence and reasons for conclusions.
- 5.3 Report includes recommendations for prevention.
- 5.4 Following appropriate authorisation, relevant information and data is disseminated to key personnel, stakeholders and external agencies as appropriate.
- 5.5 Findings from the report are used to develop further prevention strategies.
The range statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The range statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance criteria is explained here.
Relevant government agencies may include:
OHS authorities
environment protection agencies
police and other emergency services
Key persons within the organisation may include:
senior management
OHS specialists within organisation
organisational legal advisor
union or staff association representatives
workgroup members
supervisors
personnel involved in incident/situation
employee assistance personnel
external specialist personnel and contractors
Complexity may be affected by:
legal implications arising from the incident or post incident related matters
involvement of external agencies
language competencies of parties involved
technical implications
seriousness of injury or other outcomes
conflict of interest issues
existence of secondary hazards
administrative implications
level of public or political interest
international conventions
number of other parties, including sub-contractors
Stakeholders and interested parties may include:
community
the organisation's board or advisory council
coroner
government agencies, including OHS and emergency service agencies
managers
insurance companies
employees and family members
politicians
workgroup members and people who may be exposed to similar situations
unions
employers
designers
manufacturers
suppliers and distributors
persons in control of workplaces
sub-contractors
importers
installers
media
Investigation team should include persons:
familiar with the task and the work environment
responsible for performance standards within the work environment (e.g. supervisor)
with OHS expertise
in OHS representative role
in authority in organisation such as company/organisational legal advisor and technical experts as required
Note: that different roles may be performed by the one person, especially in smaller organisations
Barriers to investigation may include:
changes to incident scene
length of time from when incident occurred/first identified
management and employee attitude including desire to protect self and others
political and community stakeholder sensitivity
time limits imposed
limited resources available
legal restrictions or limitations (temporary, short-term or long-term)
geographical location and/or accessibility
economic implications
condition of witnesses
cultural issues
language
availability of research data and analysis or testing equipment
availability of technical design information and data relevant to the investigation
lack of records
Conceptual basis for the analysis should:
emphasise analysis of the systems in place at the time of the incident
focus on the 'why' and 'how' rather than the 'what'
encourage an open minded, objective approach
not focus on individual behaviour or fault
Time line of events should:
extend back in time as far as required and not just focus on immediate events
Acausative event is:
the key event that resulted in the particular outcome/s of injury or damage
Condition is:
a permanent situation such as type of equipment, work practice, design of work environment
Circumstance is:
a short-term situation that is relatively unusual, such as a storm or when a key person is absent
Target audiences for the report/s may include:
board of management
senior managers
OHS committee
external agencies
police or coroner
Relevant government agencies may include:
OHS authorities
environment protection agencies
police and other emergency services
Key persons within the organisation may include:
senior management
OHS specialists within organisation
organisational legal advisor
union or staff association representatives
workgroup members
supervisors
personnel involved in incident/situation
employee assistance personnel
external specialist personnel and contractors
Complexity may be affected by:
legal implications arising from the incident or post incident related matters
involvement of external agencies
language competencies of parties involved
technical implications
seriousness of injury or other outcomes
conflict of interest issues
existence of secondary hazards
administrative implications
level of public or political interest
international conventions
number of other parties, including sub-contractors
Stakeholders and interested parties may include:
community
the organisation's board or advisory council
coroner
government agencies, including OHS and emergency service agencies
managers
insurance companies
employees and family members
politicians
workgroup members and people who may be exposed to similar situations
unions
employers
designers
manufacturers
suppliers and distributors
persons in control of workplaces
sub-contractors
importers
installers
media
Investigation team should include persons:
familiar with the task and the work environment
responsible for performance standards within the work environment (e.g. supervisor)
with OHS expertise
in OHS representative role
in authority in organisation such as company/organisational legal advisor and technical experts as required
Note: that different roles may be performed by the one person, especially in smaller organisations
Barriers to investigation may include:
changes to incident scene
length of time from when incident occurred/first identified
management and employee attitude including desire to protect self and others
political and community stakeholder sensitivity
time limits imposed
limited resources available
legal restrictions or limitations (temporary, short-term or long-term)
geographical location and/or accessibility
economic implications
condition of witnesses
cultural issues
language
availability of research data and analysis or testing equipment
availability of technical design information and data relevant to the investigation
lack of records
Conceptual basis for the analysis should:
emphasise analysis of the systems in place at the time of the incident
focus on the 'why' and 'how' rather than the 'what'
encourage an open minded, objective approach
not focus on individual behaviour or fault
Time line of events should:
extend back in time as far as required and not just focus on immediate events
Acausative event is:
the key event that resulted in the particular outcome/s of injury or damage
Condition is:
a permanent situation such as type of equipment, work practice, design of work environment
Circumstance is:
a short-term situation that is relatively unusual, such as a storm or when a key person is absent
Target audiences for the report/s may include:
board of management
senior managers
OHS committee
external agencies
police or coroner
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the unit descriptor, performance criteria, The range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSOHS504A Apply principles of OHS risk management
PSPSOHS505A Manage hazards in the work environment
PSPSOHS506A Monitor and facilitate the management of hazards associated with plant
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
knowledge requirements of this unit
skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
Resources required to carry out assessment
Resources essential for assessment include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the investigation of incidents
workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when participating in the investigation of incidents
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when participating in the investigation of incidents, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
participation in the investigation of incidents in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time
Assessment methods should reflect but not exceed workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of individuals who might be disadvantaged.
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit must use authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses and may include a combination of two or more of:
workplace projects
simulation or role plays
case studies and scenarios
observation
portfolios
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Units to be assessed together
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSOHS504A Apply principles of OHS risk management
PSPSOHS505A Manage hazards in the work environment
PSPSOHS506A Monitor and facilitate the management of hazards associated with plant
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
knowledge requirements of this unit
skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
Resources required to carry out assessment
Resources essential for assessment include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the investigation of incidents
workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when participating in the investigation of incidents
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when participating in the investigation of incidents, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
participation in the investigation of incidents in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time
Assessment methods should reflect but not exceed workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of individuals who might be disadvantaged.
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit must use authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses and may include a combination of two or more of:
workplace projects
simulation or role plays
case studies and scenarios
observation
portfolios
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J310 | PSP51212 | Diploma of Government (Occupational Health & Safety) | Qualification |