WHS Skills Journey: Beginner to Professional
🟢 LEVEL I–III (Certificate I–III in Work Health and Safety)
Beginner Level – Foundation Skills
🎯 Purpose
Introduces the basics of workplace safety for people new to safety roles, helping them understand how to work safely under supervision.
🧠 Knowledge
- What safety means in the workplace
- Basic legal duties (employer and worker responsibilities)
- Common hazards (slips, trips, chemicals, noise)
- Following safety procedures and rules
🛠️ Skills
- Identifying and reporting hazards
- Following Safe Work Procedures
- Using PPE correctly
- Assisting in emergencies
- Filling out basic safety forms
🧪 Practice
- Task-based, mostly supervised
- Hands-on practice doing safe work tasks and following instructions
🟡 LEVEL IV (Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety)
Intermediate Level – Supervisory and Coordination Skills
🎯 Purpose
Prepares you to coordinate and support safety activities in a team or department, implementing safety systems.
🧠 Knowledge
- WHS legislation and compliance
- Safety management systems
- Risk management principles
- Incident investigation processes
- Roles of committees and safety representatives
🛠️ Skills
- Conducting risk assessments and applying controls
- Supporting safety policies and procedures
- Coordinating meetings and toolbox talks
- Investigating incidents
- Consulting with workers and management
🧪 Practice
- Planning and communication-focused
- Applying safety systems to real scenarios and supporting others
🔵 LEVEL V (Diploma of Work Health and Safety)
Advanced Level – Professional, Leadership and Compliance Skills
🎯 Purpose
For WHS professionals who develop, manage, and improve safety systems, lead others, and ensure compliance.
🧠 Knowledge
- Advanced WHS legislation and legal risk
- Systematic planning and auditing
- Injury management and rehabilitation
- Contractor safety management
- Leadership and cultural change
🛠️ Skills
- Designing and leading WHS programs
- Managing risks across projects
- Leading investigations and audits
- Advising senior management on WHS strategy
- Mentoring and training others
🧪 Practice
- System-level management of complex safety issues
- Implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs
- Producing reports and recommendations
Summary Table
| Level | Who It’s For | Focus Area | Main Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| I–III | New workers, beginners | Following safety rules | Hazard ID, PPE, basic reporting |
| IV | Supervisors, team leaders | Coordinating safety practices | Risk assessment, incident reports |
| V / Diploma | WHS officers, safety managers | Leading & managing WHS systems | Program design, compliance, audits |