Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:31 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:31 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.
Apply ergonomics to manage WHS hazards and risks
Apply ergonomics to manage WHS hazards and risks
Unit of competency
National Code
BSBWHS607A
BSBWHS607A
State Code
WE749
WE749
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/03/2013
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
19/03/2013
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply ergonomics to manage work health and safety (WHS) hazards and risks.This unit addresses the principles, processes and methods of ergonomics and their application to the management of WHS hazards and risks. It enables improved management of WHS through an understanding of how ergonomics contributes to WHS management; the appropriate application of ergonomics principles, processes and methods; and working with ergonomists and other specialists.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify WHS hazards and risks whose management could include the application of ergonomics
- 1.1 Use workplace WHS information to identify WHS hazards and risks
- 1.2. Apply knowledge of ergonomics principles, processes and methods to identify workplace WHS hazards and risks whose management could include the application of ergonomics
2. Use ergonomics to address WHS issues
- 2.1 Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the assessment of WHS hazards and risks
- 2.2. Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the development of risk controls
- 2.3. Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the evaluation of risk controls
3. Apply ergonomics in WHS-related planning and design activities
- 3.1 Identify WHS-related planning and design activities and processes
- 3.2. Identify opportunities for the application of ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities
- 3.3. Apply ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities
- 3.4. Review and evaluate enhancements to WHS-related planning and design activities
4. Ensure ergonomics activities are appropriate
- 4.1 Ensure ergonomics activities comply with all applicable WHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice and other relevant documents
- 4.2 Ensure ergonomics activities comply with relevant workplace processes, procedures, standards and systems
- 4.3 Apply appropriate ergonomics principles, processes and methods according to available resources and own role, responsibilities, skill and knowledge
- 4.4 Seek advice, support and input from specialists where necessary and appropriate
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
WHS hazards and risks may include:
bullying
fatigue
hazardous physical and/or mental workloads
lighting
manual handling
noise and infrasound
plant-related hazards and risks
psychosocial hazards
shift work and extended shifts
vibration
work stress
workplace layout hazards.
WHS-related planning and design activities and processes may include:
work and workplace systems
workstations and work areas
jobs and tasks
physical and psychosocial work environments
shift work and general work rosters
workplace policies, procedures, processes and structures
workplace communications systems and processes
WHS management systems
information technology systems
plant, equipment and tools, including their specification and acquisition
specification and acquisition of services
maintenance processes and procedures.
Other relevant documents may include:
policies
standards
guidance publications
alerts issued by the relevant WHS regulators.
Specialists may include:
designers
engineers: design, acoustic, safety and mechanical
health professionals
manufacturers and suppliers of workplace goods and services
professional ergonomists.
WHS hazards and risks may include:
bullying
fatigue
hazardous physical and/or mental workloads
lighting
manual handling
noise and infrasound
plant-related hazards and risks
psychosocial hazards
shift work and extended shifts
vibration
work stress
workplace layout hazards.
WHS-related planning and design activities and processes may include:
work and workplace systems
workstations and work areas
jobs and tasks
physical and psychosocial work environments
shift work and general work rosters
workplace policies, procedures, processes and structures
workplace communications systems and processes
WHS management systems
information technology systems
plant, equipment and tools, including their specification and acquisition
specification and acquisition of services
maintenance processes and procedures.
Other relevant documents may include:
policies
standards
guidance publications
alerts issued by the relevant WHS regulators.
Specialists may include:
designers
engineers: design, acoustic, safety and mechanical
health professionals
manufacturers and suppliers of workplace goods and services
professional ergonomists.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applying ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the assessment of a range of WHS hazards and risks, and in the development and evaluation of risk controls
applying ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities
working with specialists to manage WHS hazards and risks
knowledge of current approaches to and developments in ergonomics in the workplace.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a workplace
relevant legislation, standards, guidelines, information and data
reports from other parties consulted in developing ergonomics interventions.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of onthe-job performance by the candidate
observation of presentations
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of ergonomics principles, processes and methods applicable to the management of WHS hazards and risks, and WHS-related planning and design activities and processes
written examples and reports on the review and outcomes of ergonomics recommendations made to manage WHS risks and hazards and to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS609A Advise on the application of safe design principles to control WHS risks.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applying ergonomics principles, processes and methods in the assessment of a range of WHS hazards and risks, and in the development and evaluation of risk controls
applying ergonomics principles, processes and methods to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities
working with specialists to manage WHS hazards and risks
knowledge of current approaches to and developments in ergonomics in the workplace.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a workplace
relevant legislation, standards, guidelines, information and data
reports from other parties consulted in developing ergonomics interventions.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of onthe-job performance by the candidate
observation of presentations
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of ergonomics principles, processes and methods applicable to the management of WHS hazards and risks, and WHS-related planning and design activities and processes
written examples and reports on the review and outcomes of ergonomics recommendations made to manage WHS risks and hazards and to enhance WHS-related planning and design activities.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS609A Advise on the application of safe design principles to control WHS risks.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D0915 | BSBOHS604B | Apply ergonomic principles to control OHS risk | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUJ50 | BSBWHS607 | Apply ergonomics to manage WHS risks | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J348 | BSB60612 | Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety | Qualification |