Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:12 PM AWST
23/07/2026 4:12 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.
Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control
Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control
Unit of competency
National Code
BSBWHS404A
BSBWHS404A
State Code
WE726
WE726
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/05/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
16/05/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to contribute to identifying work health and safety (WHS) hazards; assessing WHS risks; and developing, implementing and evaluating risk controls appropriate to own job role and work area.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Access information to identify hazards, and assess and control risks
- 1.1 Identify sources of information and data
- 1.2 Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace hazards, the range of harms they may cause, and how these harms happen
- 1.3 Obtain information and data to determine the nature and scope of workplace risks and risk controls
2. Contribute to compliance and workplace requirements
- 2.1 Contribute to identifying and complying with requirements of workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control activities
- 2.2 Contribute to identifying and complying with requirements of WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidelines for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control activities
- 2.3 Identify duty holders and their range of duties
3. Contribute to workplace hazard identification
- 3.1 Use knowledge of hazards to advise individuals and parties of workplace hazards, the harms they may cause, and how these harms happen
- 3.2 Apply knowledge of hazard identification to contribute to selecting techniques, tools and processes to identify workplace hazards
- 3.3 Contribute to applying techniques, tools and processes
- 3.4 Contribute to documenting use of, and results of, hazard identification
4. Contribute to WHS risk assessment
- 4.1 Apply knowledge of risk assessment to contribute to selecting risk assessment techniques, tools and processes for workplace hazards
- 4.2 Contribute to applying techniques, tools and processes to identified hazards
- 4.3 Contribute to documenting the results of risk assessments
5. Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of risk control
- 5.1 Apply knowledge of risk control to contribute to developing risk control options for workplace hazards using the results of risk assessments
- 5.2 Contribute to developing and implementing a risk control plan
- 5.3 Contribute to evaluating implemented risk controls
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.
Sources of information and data may include:
WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, Australian and international standards and guidance material, and other information issued by WHS regulators
industry bodies and groups
unions
websites, journals and newsletters
WHS specialists
workers’ compensation insurance agents
workplace policies, processes, procedures and systems.
Workplace hazards may include:
biological hazards, such as viruses, bacteria, hepatitis, legionnaires’ disease, Q fever, brucellosis, leptospirosis, HIV and fungi
electrical
extreme temperature
hazardous chemicals
ionising and non-ionising radiation
machinery and equipment
manual tasks
noise and vibration
psychosocial hazards, such as work-related stress and fatigue, bullying and violence
working at height, falling objects, falls, slips and trips.
Duty holders may include:
as specified in WHS Acts:
persons conducting businesses or undertakings (PCBUs) or their officers
workers
other persons at a workplace.
Individuals and parties may include:
contractors and suppliers
health and safety committees
health and safety representatives
managers, supervisors and PCBUs or their officers
workers.
Techniques, tools and processes may include:
as specified in WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards, guidance material and other information issued by WHS regulators
as specified in workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems, including hazard reporting systems and safe work method statements
audits
compensation claim information
consultation with individuals and parties
incident and investigation reports
safety data sheets (SDS) and registers of hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods
workplace inspections.
Risk control options may include:
as specified in WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidance material, and other information issued by WHS regulators
as specified in workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems.
Risk control plan may include:
how and when controls will be implemented and evaluated
risk controls determined in consultation with individuals and parties
risk controls to be implemented that meet requirements as specified in WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidance material, and other information issued by WHS regulators and in workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems
responsibilities for implementation.
Sources of information and data may include:
WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, Australian and international standards and guidance material, and other information issued by WHS regulators
industry bodies and groups
unions
websites, journals and newsletters
WHS specialists
workers’ compensation insurance agents
workplace policies, processes, procedures and systems.
Workplace hazards may include:
biological hazards, such as viruses, bacteria, hepatitis, legionnaires’ disease, Q fever, brucellosis, leptospirosis, HIV and fungi
electrical
extreme temperature
hazardous chemicals
ionising and non-ionising radiation
machinery and equipment
manual tasks
noise and vibration
psychosocial hazards, such as work-related stress and fatigue, bullying and violence
working at height, falling objects, falls, slips and trips.
Duty holders may include:
as specified in WHS Acts:
persons conducting businesses or undertakings (PCBUs) or their officers
workers
other persons at a workplace.
Individuals and parties may include:
contractors and suppliers
health and safety committees
health and safety representatives
managers, supervisors and PCBUs or their officers
workers.
Techniques, tools and processes may include:
as specified in WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards, guidance material and other information issued by WHS regulators
as specified in workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems, including hazard reporting systems and safe work method statements
audits
compensation claim information
consultation with individuals and parties
incident and investigation reports
safety data sheets (SDS) and registers of hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods
workplace inspections.
Risk control options may include:
as specified in WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidance material, and other information issued by WHS regulators
as specified in workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems.
Risk control plan may include:
how and when controls will be implemented and evaluated
risk controls determined in consultation with individuals and parties
risk controls to be implemented that meet requirements as specified in WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidance material, and other information issued by WHS regulators and in workplace policies, procedures, processes and systems
responsibilities for implementation.
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:
currency of WHS knowledge
contributing to the:
identification of a range of hazards
assessment of risks
development, implementation and evaluation of a range or combination of risk controls.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
an actual or simulated workplace
office equipment and resources
relevant legislation, standards and guidelines
relevant WHS documentation and records.
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
demonstration of techniques used to identify WHS hazards and assess WHS risks
demonstration of applying WHS legislation in conducting hazard-identification and risk-management activities
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of onthejob performance by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of concept of risks, factors that affect risk and difference between a hazard and a risk.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS402A Assist with compliance with WHS laws
BSBWHS403A Contribute to implementing and maintaining WHS consultation and participation processes
BSBWHS405A Contribute to implementing and maintaining WHS management systems
BSBWHS406A Assist with responding to incidents.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
currency of WHS knowledge
contributing to the:
identification of a range of hazards
assessment of risks
development, implementation and evaluation of a range or combination of risk controls.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
an actual or simulated workplace
office equipment and resources
relevant legislation, standards and guidelines
relevant WHS documentation and records.
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
demonstration of techniques used to identify WHS hazards and assess WHS risks
demonstration of applying WHS legislation in conducting hazard-identification and risk-management activities
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of onthejob performance by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of concept of risks, factors that affect risk and difference between a hazard and a risk.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS402A Assist with compliance with WHS laws
BSBWHS403A Contribute to implementing and maintaining WHS consultation and participation processes
BSBWHS405A Contribute to implementing and maintaining WHS management systems
BSBWHS406A Assist with responding to incidents.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D0898 | BSBOHS404B | Contribute to the implementation of strategies to control OHS risk | Unit of competency |
| D0897 | BSBOHS403B | Identify hazards and assess OHS risks | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUL09 | BSBWHS404 | Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J700 | CUA40413 | Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services | Qualification |
| J346 | BSB41412 | Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety | Qualification |