1. Teacher Tips BSBWHS405 Contribute to Implementing and maintaining WHS Management Systems
May 2017

2. Unit Aim
The aim of this unit is to ensure that student’s gain a sound understanding of the purpose, content and practical application a WHS Management System.
As we begin this journey, it is imperative that you understand that the terms WHS Management System, WHS Risk Management System and WHS Information System are not one-and-the-same! 
So what is the difference between these terms?
Let’s have a closer look…..

3. So what is the difference
WHS Management System: is an ordered systematic process used to address work health and safety in an organisation. It consists of a documented set of policies, actions and procedures which target improvements. A fundamental WHS management system has 5 key components. (more on this later!)
WHS Risk Management System: is a ‘subset’ and forms one of the 5 key components of the WHS management system. It aims to ensure that hazards are identified and controlled in a systematic and ongoing basis across the organization.
WHS Information System: is the organized method used to capture, store and retrieve all WHS policies, procedures, programs and data encompassed within the WHS management system. The complexity and format of a WHS information system will depend on the size and nature of the organisation. So, TAFE NSW will capture this information in electronic database. While the local bike shop may choose to store all relevant information in a Arch-level folder – both methods are valid!

4. Five (5) Key Components of a WHS Management System:
Irrespective of the size and complexity of the business or organisation the 5 key components that should be addressed in the WHS management system are:
WHS Policy Statement – (Organisation’ commitment to safety)
Organisation’s compliance with WHS legislation
Management WHS responsibilities
WHS consultative arrangements
WHS risk management – (Identification and control of workplace risks)
Note: The nature of the WHS management system i.e. format, scope and medium (e.g. electronic or hard copy) will depend on the size and complexity of the organisation.

5. WHS/OHS Policy Statement
The WHS Policy Statement forms the “corner stone” of the organization’s WHS Management System
Irrespective of the size of the business, it should develop and implement a WHS Policy Statement that clearly states the organization’s commitment to safety and how this will be achieved. According to AS4804 the WHS Policy Statement should address the 5 key components of a WHS management system i.e.
Commitment - to safety
Compliance - with legislation
Accountability – WHS responsibilities of managers and supervisors
WHS Consultation – information sharing between managers and workers
WHS risk management – systematic approach to hazard identification & risk control
Better WHS Policy Statements will also cover:
Injury management – if we hurt you we will bring you back
Emergency procedures – implementation of effective emergency response plans
WHS Training – to capture, maintain and review all relevant WHS training

6. From WHS Policy Statement to WHS Management System
As mentioned on the previous slide the WHS Policy Statement forms the “corner stone” of the organization’s WHS Management System.
All other WHS polices, procedures and programs, developed and implemented by the organization, are simply put in place to fulfill and achieve the commitment/promises made in the WHS Policy Statement.
AS4804 identifies the “Principles” that should be used to ensure that each of the key components are developed implemented and captured in the WHS management system.
These Principles addressed in AS4804 are:
OHS Policy
Planning
Implementation
Measurement & Evaluation
Management review

7. Work Health and Safety Policies
WHS Policies are a clear statements of how a business or organisation intends to conduct its services, actions and business operations in a safe manner. They provide a set of guiding principles to help with decision making in relation to work health and safety matters.
WHS Procedures provide detailed steps that need to be implemented to comply with the associated Policy.
WHS Policies and their accompanying procedures will vary between workplaces due to varying factors such as size, demographics, nature of work or service provided, risks involved in performing the work or delivering the service.
These will reinforce and clarify the standards expected of workers and help PCBUs/Employers manage the WHS Management System more effectively by defining acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.

8. Examples of WHS Policies and procedures
WHS Policies procedures and programs can include, but are not limited to:
WHS risk management policy and procedures
WHS consultation policy and procedures
Harassment/Bullying policy and procedures or a Respectful Behaviour policy and procedures
Workers Compensation Policy and Procedures
Injury management policy
WHS training program
Etc
Remember that an effective WHS Management System must be able to adapt to changes in:
Work methods
Systems and processes
Substances, plant and equipment , and
the workforce

9. Assessment tasks for this unit
This unit has one assignment that you must complete and submit to OTEN for teacher assessment and feedback.
You must gain a ‘Pass’ in this assessment task to successfully complete the unit.
The assignment is broken into two parts:
Task 1 asks you to provide detailed answers to 4 questions and is self explanatory.
However, if you need assistance please call or the WHS teaching section. Phone (02) or
Task 2 asks you to refer to your own workplace or use the Case Study provided for “Zappa Industries” and then provide detailed answers to three questions.
The following slides have been provided to assist you with this task but again you can contact the WHS teaching section if you have any questions or need further assistance.

10. Task 2 – Three question on the Case Study or your own organisation/business.
Question 1 – Use the WHSMS Action Plan provided – Appendix A
This Task gives you a “walk-up start as it immediately identifies and lists the key components of a WHS management system. As you “populate” and complete this Action Plan make sure that each action is relevant to your chosen workplace or the Case Study provided in this assessment.
Question 2 – Explain typical issues, barriers or problems that may impede the implementation of your Action Plan – you need to provide examples and clear strategies on how these issues can be overcome.
As you approach this assessment task, keep in mind that it is not uncommon for Senior and Middle management to see WHS as an ‘obstacle’ to productivity. If this is the case in your workplace then this will be a serious “barrier” to the implementation of the WHS management system action plan!!
Question 3 – See next slide……

11. Task 2 – Three question on the Case Study or your own organisation/business ……continued……
Question 3 – Processes and methods you would use to measure and evaluate performance e.g. Key Performance Indicators, targets/goals
Many students struggle with this final question!
AS4804 states that an organization’s WHS management system must be periodically monitored and reviewed to ensure that it continues to comply with WHS legislation and meet organizational goals.
Your answer to this question must speak to key performance indicators that should be developed and used to review and evaluate each component of the WHS management system.
Hint: read over AS4804 _“Practical help: Objectives, targets and performance indicators. This easy to understand commentary will definitely assist you in explaining how you would measure performance and recommend improvements to the WHS management system.

12. Resources that you can use for this unit:
Australian Standards
AS4801
AS4804 (Section 4)
Your State or Territory regulator’s website e.g. SafeWork, WorkCover, WorkSafe
Safe Work Australia website
OLS WSI WHS Library
Definitions and terminology – Difference between WHS Management and Information system
General teacher tips
– Safety Management Plans
– Difference between a Systems, Policy, Plan, Procedures and Programs
– Best Practice and Benchmarking