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