Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:59 PM AWST
23/07/2026 9:59 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.
Conduct a WHS audit
Conduct a WHS audit
Unit of competency
National Code
BSBWHS606A
BSBWHS606A
State Code
WE748
WE748
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
60
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct an internal work health and safety (WHS) audit, or an external WHS audit under the guidance of a lead auditor, which may or may not be part of certification against a recognised benchmark or standard.It involves systematic examination against audit criteria to determine conformance to planned arrangements for the management of WHS.The unit includes developing an audit plan and tools to gather WHS information and data, ensuring client/management liaison and briefing, arranging access to information, setting up entry and exit meetings, coordinating evaluation/audit and audit team, and submitting reports.The scope and benchmark criteria for the audit will be agreed before the commencement of WHS information and data gathering and may address all areas of the organisation or an identified function, business or geographical area.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for a WHS audit
- 1.1 Define the scope, objectives and benchmarks of the audit
- 1.2 Identify and obtain relevant documentation, including preliminary material, on the operation of the organisation
- 1.3 Identify and arrange resources required to conduct the audit
- 1.4 Assign timing, schedule and responsibilities for the audit
2. Develop a WHS audit plan
- 2.1 Ensure nature of information and data collected provides valid and reliable evidence of the systematic approach to managing WHS and risk controls within the context of the organisation
- 2.2 Include key personnel and stakeholders in sources of evidence
- 2.3 Ensure information and data-collection strategies address issues of security, confidentiality, impartiality and equity
- 2.4 Include opportunities for corroborating evidence in information and data-collection strategies
- 2.5 Document audit plan and submit to key personnel and stakeholders for consultation and feedback
- 2.6 Modify audit plan as a result of feedback from key personnel and stakeholders
- 2.7 Re-submit audit plan to key personnel and stakeholders for comment as appropriate
- 2.8 Negotiate issues concerning audit plan with key personnel and stakeholders, and amend documents where required
3. Select appropriate WHS audit tools
- 3.1 Ensure audit tools accurately reflect the criteria of the benchmark, nature of risks, identified relevant information and data types
- 3.2 Ensure audit tools focus on WHS management processes
- 3.3 Ensure audit tools can be used with consistent outcomes by all members of the audit team
- 3.4 Ensure audit tools can collect evidence in a timely and efficient manner
- 3.5 Trial audit tools and modify as required
4. Gather information, data and WHS records
- 4.1 Consult a broad range of workplace personnel during evidence-gathering activities
- 4.2 Gather information, data and WHS records, compare with the audit plan and identify reasons for discrepancies
- 4.3 Identify and use alternative methods when required information, data and WHS records are not forthcoming using planned methods
- 4.4 Check reliability and validity of information, data and WHS records with a number of sources
- 4.5 Adapt to contingencies as they arise
5. Undertake WHS audit activities
- 5.1 Undertake preliminary evaluation
- 5.2 Undertake initial meetings and work site familiarisation
- 5.3 Monitor progress of the audit plan with key personnel and stakeholders and/or audit team members to ensure resources are being used as planned, and that audit objectives and audit timelines are being achieved
- 5.4 Progressively document and retain records of information, data and WHS records and findings in an appropriate format
- 5.5 Report hazards and risks identified during the audit promptly to key personnel and stakeholders and/or person in control of the workplace
- 5.6 Address own health and safety during the audit according to organisational requirements and standards for safe work practices and applicable WHS legislation
- 5.7 Ensure information and data-collection and evaluation activities comply with legal requirements and are carried out ethically
- 5.8 Undertake exit meetings with key personnel and stakeholders as appropriate
6. Report on the outcomes of the WHS audit
- 6.1 Compare results of the evaluation against audit criteria
- 6.2 Consult appropriately on evaluation results and develop summary audit findings and recommendations
- 6.3 Present summary audit findings and recommendations to key personnel and stakeholders at the closing meeting
- 6.4 Present objective evidence with clear and concise findings, including benefits to be achieved by adoption of the audit recommendations
- 6.5 Anticipate possible challenges to the report and prepare further explanations to promote acceptance
- 6.6 Recommend corrective action and follow-up processes as required
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.
Benchmarks may include:
Australian and international standards
industry standards
standards developed by WHS regulators
other standards developed or adopted for internal use by the organisation.
Relevant documentation may include:
codes of practice
guidance material
industry standards
organisational documents
WHS legislation.
Resources may include:
equipment
specialist personnel.
Information and data collected may include:
complaints
enforcement/compliance notices and actions
hazard logs
incident and injury reports
information and data changes since last audit, such as new equipment, processes, products, substances or projects
interviews with management, supervisors, work groups, workers and other parties across a range of levels and roles, including:
health and safety representatives
WHS committee members
design personnel
contractors
legal reports
management system documentation, including:
duty statements
policies and procedures
position descriptions
observations in the workplace, work operations and records
operational documentation, including:
action plans
checklists
completed forms
legally accessible health surveillance records
log books
maintenance reports
minutes of meetings
schedules
previous management system reports and industry risk profiles
reports and management reviews
surveillance audits
training materials and records
workers’ compensation claims.
Systematic approach to managing WHS may include:
comprehensive set of processes that are combined in a methodical and ordered manner to minimise the risk of injury or ill health in the workplace, such as:
allocation of resources
communication and consultation
hazard management
processes of WHS planning
recordkeeping and reporting
review and evaluation for ongoing WHS improvement
training and competency development.
Key personnel and stakeholders may include:
customers/clients
managers and supervisors
persons in control of the workplace, PCBUs or their officers
persons across a range of levels and roles, including:
health and safety representatives
workers
health and safety committee members
design personnel
contractors, where appropriate.
Audit plan may include:
information and data required to be on hand
locations to be inspected
meetings to be scheduled and people to be interviewed
personnel involved
sampling methodology, including statistical measures
scope of audit
timelines.
Audit tools may include:
instruments for collecting evidence and conducting the analysis and evaluation (not the same as the audit criteria or benchmark):
which may be:
adapted from existing tools
developed specifically for the purpose
purchased or accessed from existing tools
which may include:
descriptions of required characteristics to be checked
limitations of and instructions for use
performance checklists
sets of questions to be asked.
Alternative methods may include:
alternative sampling methodologies
alternative information and data
discussion groups
how evidence deficiencies will be addressed
interviewing
modified audit checklists
observation
surveys.
Preliminary evaluation may include:
off-site consultations
reviews of relevant organisational:
documentation
information
data.
Objective evidence may include:
information and data obtained through:
observation
measurement
tests
other means.
Follow-up processes may include:
agreed meeting date with the organisation, allowing sufficient time for implementation of corrective actions, which may include:
checks of the rigour of original audit findings
provision of new non-conformance reports if required
verification of effectiveness of recommendations and control actions, particularly in correction of non-compliance.
Benchmarks may include:
Australian and international standards
industry standards
standards developed by WHS regulators
other standards developed or adopted for internal use by the organisation.
Relevant documentation may include:
codes of practice
guidance material
industry standards
organisational documents
WHS legislation.
Resources may include:
equipment
specialist personnel.
Information and data collected may include:
complaints
enforcement/compliance notices and actions
hazard logs
incident and injury reports
information and data changes since last audit, such as new equipment, processes, products, substances or projects
interviews with management, supervisors, work groups, workers and other parties across a range of levels and roles, including:
health and safety representatives
WHS committee members
design personnel
contractors
legal reports
management system documentation, including:
duty statements
policies and procedures
position descriptions
observations in the workplace, work operations and records
operational documentation, including:
action plans
checklists
completed forms
legally accessible health surveillance records
log books
maintenance reports
minutes of meetings
schedules
previous management system reports and industry risk profiles
reports and management reviews
surveillance audits
training materials and records
workers’ compensation claims.
Systematic approach to managing WHS may include:
comprehensive set of processes that are combined in a methodical and ordered manner to minimise the risk of injury or ill health in the workplace, such as:
allocation of resources
communication and consultation
hazard management
processes of WHS planning
recordkeeping and reporting
review and evaluation for ongoing WHS improvement
training and competency development.
Key personnel and stakeholders may include:
customers/clients
managers and supervisors
persons in control of the workplace, PCBUs or their officers
persons across a range of levels and roles, including:
health and safety representatives
workers
health and safety committee members
design personnel
contractors, where appropriate.
Audit plan may include:
information and data required to be on hand
locations to be inspected
meetings to be scheduled and people to be interviewed
personnel involved
sampling methodology, including statistical measures
scope of audit
timelines.
Audit tools may include:
instruments for collecting evidence and conducting the analysis and evaluation (not the same as the audit criteria or benchmark):
which may be:
adapted from existing tools
developed specifically for the purpose
purchased or accessed from existing tools
which may include:
descriptions of required characteristics to be checked
limitations of and instructions for use
performance checklists
sets of questions to be asked.
Alternative methods may include:
alternative sampling methodologies
alternative information and data
discussion groups
how evidence deficiencies will be addressed
interviewing
modified audit checklists
observation
surveys.
Preliminary evaluation may include:
off-site consultations
reviews of relevant organisational:
documentation
information
data.
Objective evidence may include:
information and data obtained through:
observation
measurement
tests
other means.
Follow-up processes may include:
agreed meeting date with the organisation, allowing sufficient time for implementation of corrective actions, which may include:
checks of the rigour of original audit findings
provision of new non-conformance reports if required
verification of effectiveness of recommendations and control actions, particularly in correction of non-compliance.
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:
conducting an internal or external WHS audit, ensuring knowledge of hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control and WHS risk-management approaches are reflected in the audit tools and the methods used for collecting evidence
knowledge of products developed for the design and development of audit plans, tools, associated documentation and how these products were developed and used
knowledge of auditing methods and techniques.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a workplace, including personnel involved in areas audited
organisational documentation, information and data.
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 onthejob performance by the candidate
demonstration of techniques used in conducting a WHS audit
observation of performance in role plays
observation of presentations
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of nature of workplace processes (including work flow, planning and control) and hazards relevant to the particular workplace
review of audit plan
evaluation of audit tools developed and appropriateness of modifications
assessment of reporting on hazards identified during the audit
review of audit findings and recommendations.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS602A Facilitate WHS activities
BSBWHS604A Evaluate the WHS performance organisations.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
conducting an internal or external WHS audit, ensuring knowledge of hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control and WHS risk-management approaches are reflected in the audit tools and the methods used for collecting evidence
knowledge of products developed for the design and development of audit plans, tools, associated documentation and how these products were developed and used
knowledge of auditing methods and techniques.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a workplace, including personnel involved in areas audited
organisational documentation, information and data.
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 onthejob performance by the candidate
demonstration of techniques used in conducting a WHS audit
observation of performance in role plays
observation of presentations
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of nature of workplace processes (including work flow, planning and control) and hazards relevant to the particular workplace
review of audit plan
evaluation of audit tools developed and appropriateness of modifications
assessment of reporting on hazards identified during the audit
review of audit findings and recommendations.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS602A Facilitate WHS activities
BSBWHS604A Evaluate the WHS performance organisations.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D0919 | BSBOHS608B | Conduct an OHS audit | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUJ71 | BSBWHS606 | Conduct a WHS audit | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J348 | BSB60612 | Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety | Qualification |