COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Ensuring Compliance in Workplace Health & Safety Practice course. This program has been designed to strengthen your capability to understand, implement and maintain the legislative and ethical obligations that underpin safe, compliant and high-performing workplaces across Australia.

Compliance with WHS/OHS laws is essential for protecting workers from injuries, illnesses and fatalities. This course begins by outlining the national and state-based WHS/OHS legislative frameworks, highlighting the importance of compliance for preventing harm, reducing organisational risk, improving productivity and fostering a positive safety culture. Learners explore the roles and responsibilities of PCBUs, officers, workers and other persons in the workplace, and examine the functions and enforcement powers of key regulators across jurisdictions. The introduction also demonstrates the strong relationship between WHS compliance, operational efficiency and organisational wellbeing.

Understanding legislative and regulatory obligations is foundational to WHS compliance. This section examines duties under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (or applicable state-based OHS Acts), the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, and approved Codes of Practice. Learners explore duty-of-care obligations for PCBUs and workers and review consultation, cooperation and coordination requirements—particularly in environments involving multiple PCBUs.

Effective WHS governance and worker consultation are essential for sustained compliance. This section discusses how to establish WHS governance structures, consult workers on safety matters, support Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), operate Health and Safety Committees and ensure that WHS information, instructions and procedures remain accessible and clearly communicated throughout the workplace.

A structured WHS management system supports consistent and transparent safety practices. This section outlines the development and implementation of WHS policies, procedures and documentation; conducting inspections, audits and reviews; maintaining incident and training records; and monitoring and evaluating WHS performance and risk controls to support continuous improvement.

Hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures are central WHS obligations. This section explores formal and informal risk assessments, application of the hierarchy of control, management of residual risks and ongoing hazard monitoring. Learners gain a practical understanding of how effective risk management reduces harm and strengthens workplace resilience.

Safe systems of work and compliance for high-risk tasks ensure worker protection. This section addresses Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), permit-to-work systems, high-risk work licensing, contractor management obligations and supervision requirements for new workers, apprentices and trainees.

Plant, equipment and electrical safety requirements form another cornerstone of WHS compliance. This section examines plant design, registration and inspection obligations; machine operation and maintenance safety; lockout/tagout procedures; and safe handling of fuel, gas and energy systems to prevent equipment-related incidents.

WHS compliance also extends to the physical work environment. This section covers lighting, ventilation, access and layout requirements; controls for noise and vibration; fall-prevention systems for work at heights; traffic-management systems for vehicles and pedestrians; and communication safeguards for remote or isolated work.

Hazardous chemicals, asbestos and dangerous substances require strict adherence to WHS regulations. This section outlines chemical management obligations, SDS and chemical register maintenance, safe storage and labelling requirements, asbestos identification and removal processes, PPE use and spill-response preparedness.

Manual handling, ergonomics and human factors directly influence worker health. This section explores identification of manual-handling risks, ergonomic workplace design, lifting and movement training, fatigue and workload management and strategies to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Psychosocial safety and behavioural risk management are essential under modern WHS laws. This section covers obligations to manage psychosocial hazards, prevent bullying, harassment and violence, support safe working hours, foster mental health and monitor stress, burnout and behavioural risks.

Emergency management, first aid and critical response planning are essential components of safe operations. This section outlines emergency response procedures, evacuation planning, first aid requirements, fire safety systems and crisis-communication protocols to ensure workplace readiness in unexpected situations.

Incident reporting, investigation and regulatory notifications form core WHS duties. This section explores incident-reporting systems, root-cause analysis, corrective-action planning, notifiable-incident obligations to WHS regulators, confidentiality requirements and the use of incident trends to prevent recurrence.

Insurance, rehabilitation and return-to-work obligations underpin organisational support for injured workers. This section examines workers compensation requirements, early-intervention processes, collaborative return-to-work planning and compliance obligations for communication with insurers, health professionals and regulatory bodies.

Training, competency and ongoing WHS development ensure that workers remain capable of performing their duties safely. This section outlines WHS induction, refresher training, competency verification, leadership capability and record-keeping obligations for training and compliance purposes.

Finally, the course explores how to embed WHS compliance into everyday practice. This section highlights the importance of integrating safety responsibilities into routine tasks, building a positive safety culture, supporting leadership accountability and incorporating WHS into organisational planning and decision-making. Learners examine how continuous improvement fosters long-term safety, compliance and organisational excellence.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, frameworks and practical understanding required to ensure safe, compliant and effective WHS practices that protect workers, strengthen organisational performance and uphold the legal and ethical standards of workplaces across Australia.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

Introduction to Compliance Requirements in Workplace Health & Safety

• Overview of WHS/OHS legislative frameworks in Australia
• Importance of compliance for preventing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities
• Roles and responsibilities of PCBUs, officers, workers, and other persons
• Key regulators and enforcement powers across jurisdictions
• Relationship between WHS compliance, productivity, and organisational culture

Legislative and Regulatory Obligations under WHS/OHS Laws

• Compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (or state-based OHS Acts)
• Compliance with the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (or state variations)
• Understanding and applying approved Codes of Practice
• Meeting duty of care obligations for PCBUs, workers, and others
• Ensuring consultation, cooperation, and coordination across multiple PCBUs

WHS Governance, Consultation, and Representation

• Establishing WHS governance structures in the workplace
• Consulting with workers on WHS matters
• Election, role, and support of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Formation and operation of Health and Safety Committees (where applicable)
• Ensuring accessibility of WHS information, policies, and procedures

WHS Management Systems, Policies, and Documentation

• Developing and implementing a documented WHS management system
• Maintaining WHS policies, procedures, registers, and forms
• Conducting workplace inspections, audits, and safety reviews
• Maintaining WHS documentation including incident records and training records
• Monitoring and reviewing WHS performance and risk controls

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control Measures

• Identifying and assessing workplace hazards
• Conducting formal and informal risk assessments
• Implementing controls using the hierarchy of control
• Managing residual risks and implementing ongoing monitoring
• Ensuring continuous improvement in risk management practices

Safe Systems of Work, High-Risk Tasks, and Permits

• Maintaining SWMS for high-risk construction and industrial tasks
• Implementing permit-to-work systems (e.g., confined space, hot work)
• Ensuring compliance with high-risk work licensing requirements
• Managing contractor safety through inductions and WHS assessments
• Ensuring adequate supervision for apprentices, trainees, and new workers

Plant, Equipment, and Electrical Safety Compliance

• Ensuring plant and equipment meet WHS design, registration, and inspection requirements
• Safe operation, maintenance, and isolation of machinery
• Implementing electrical safety procedures (testing, tagging, lockout/tagout)
• Ensuring safe use and storage of gas and fuel systems
• Preventing mechanical and equipment-related injuries

Workplace Environment, Facilities, and Physical Hazard Controls

• Maintaining a safe physical environment (lighting, ventilation, layout, access)
• Implementing noise, vibration, and other physical hazard controls
• Ensuring safe work at heights systems and fall-prevention measures
• Providing safe traffic management for vehicles and pedestrians
• Managing remote and isolated work risks, including communication systems

Hazardous Chemicals, Asbestos, and Dangerous Substances

• Managing hazardous chemicals in accordance with WHS Regulations
• Maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical registers
• Ensuring correct labelling, storage, and handling of hazardous substances
• Managing asbestos through identification, registers, and removal procedures
• Ensuring safe chemical storage, PPE use, and spill-control preparedness

Manual Handling, Ergonomics, and Human Factors

• Identifying manual handling risks
• Implementing ergonomic workplace design principles
• Providing training in correct lifting, posture, and movement techniques
• Controlling fatigue, workload, and shift-related risks
• Preventing musculoskeletal disorders through engineering and administrative controls

Psychosocial Safety, Bullying, and Behavioural Risk Management

• Managing psychosocial hazards in line with WHS laws
• Preventing bullying, harassment, and workplace violence
• Ensuring safe working hours and work-life balance policies
• Implementing mental health and wellbeing initiatives
• Monitoring stress, burnout, and behavioural risks

Emergency Management, First Aid, and Critical Response

• Maintaining emergency response plans and procedures
• Preparing evacuation diagrams and conducting drills
• Ensuring first aid facilities, kits, and trained first aiders
• Managing fire safety, suppression equipment, and alarms
• Ensuring crisis communication and incident escalation procedures

Incident Reporting, Investigation, and Regulatory Notifications

• Maintaining incident reporting and investigation systems
• Conducting root cause analyses and corrective action planning
• Complying with notifiable incident reporting to WHS regulators
• Ensuring confidentiality and accuracy in all incident documentation
• Monitoring trends and implementing preventive measures

Insurance, Rehabilitation, and Return-to-Work Obligations

• Maintaining workers compensation insurance
• Managing workplace injuries and early intervention processes
• Supporting rehabilitation and return-to-work planning
• Ensuring communication between workers, supervisors, insurers, and health professionals
• Complying with legal obligations under workers compensation frameworks

Training, Competency, and Ongoing WHS Development

• Providing WHS induction and role-specific safety training
• Ensuring ongoing WHS competency through refresher training
• Keeping training records for compliance and audit requirements
• Promoting leadership competency in WHS responsibilities
• Encouraging continuous learning and improvement among workers

Embedding Compliance into Everyday WHS Practice

• Integrating WHS responsibilities into everyday tasks and operations
• Building a positive safety culture throughout the organisation
• Supporting leadership commitment and accountability for safety
• Ensuring WHS integration with organisational planning and decision-making
• Sustaining long-term WHS compliance through continuous improvement

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.