Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety

By completing the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, you will gain hands-on expertise in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and complying with WHS legislation. The course contains 10 core units of competency, including:

• BSBWHS412 Assist with workplace compliance with WHS laws
• BSBWHS413 Contribute to implementation and maintenance of WHS consultation and participation processes
• BSBWHS414 Contribute to WHS risk management
• BSBWHS415 Contribute to implementing WHS management systems
• BSBWHS416 Contribute to workplace incident response
• BSBWHS417 Assist with managing WHS implications of return to work
• BSBWHS418 Assist with managing WHS compliance of contractors
• BSBWHS419 Contribute to implementing WHS monitoring processes
• BSBLDR411 Demonstrate leadership in the workplace
• BSBWHS520 Manage implementation of emergency procedures

Course Description: BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (WHS)

Are you looking to kickstart or advance your career in occupational health and safety? The BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (WHS) is widely recognised as the essential entry point for aspiring health and safety practitioners.

Whether you are upskilling in your current role or pursuing a brand new career path, completing this qualification equips you with the practical skills needed to manage WHS functions effectively and confidently within any workplace.

WHERE AND HOW YOU WILL LEARN

At OHSA Occupational Health Services Australia, we deliver this nationally recognised qualification through a highly engaging, blended learning approach.

We offer face-to-face training at our state-of-the-art facilities in West Burleigh (Gold Coast) and Murarrie (Brisbane), as well as customised in-house training for corporate teams. You will be guided by industry-leading trainers who bring real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring you walk away with practical, applicable knowledge.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND TIME COMMITMENT

The course is designed for intensive study, allowing you to absorb the core concepts quickly and complete the remaining assessments at your own pace.

• Blended Delivery: The program consists of an initial five (5) day intensive classroom component, followed by post-course self-study (reading and assessment submissions).
• Total Duration: The course takes approximately 450 hours to complete, including the 5-day intensive. Students have up to 12 months from enrolment to finalise all requirements.
• Study Pacing Guide: Because everyone’s background and access to resources vary, your study schedule is flexible. Based on the remaining ~410 hours of post-course work, you can expect to study:

~15.7 hours per week to finish in 6 months.
~7.9 hours per week to finish in 1 year.

Don’t worry—you won’t be doing this alone. OHSA provides you with qualified trainers, comprehensive learning materials, and dedicated telephone and email support throughout your self-study phase.

• Online / Distance Learning: Unable to make it to our Brisbane or Gold Coast facilities? We also offer the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety as a flexible, online distance-learning option. This is the perfect solution for students living in regional areas, across different states, or those who need the convenience of studying entirely from home at their own pace.

CAREER OUTCOMES & WHSO CERTIFICATION

Studying this course is a powerful way to take the next step in your career. Upon successful completion of the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, you are eligible to step into roles as a dedicated health and safety practitioner.

Furthermore, graduates can apply for a Work Health and Safety Officer (WHSO) QLD certificate of authority from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).

How to Apply for WHSO QLD: Graduates must apply directly to WHSQ by emailing a certified copy of their identity evidence (e.g., driver’s licence) and a certified copy of their OHSA qualification to whstraining@oir.qld.gov.au. Further details can be found on the WorkSafe QLD website.

Who is this Course For?

The BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety is highly versatile and tailored for individuals looking to establish, formalise, or advance their careers in workplace safety.

Whether you are based in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast, or taking advantage of our in-house corporate training, this qualification is the perfect fit if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Aspiring Safety Practitioners: This course is widely recognised as the essential entry-level qualification for anyone wanting to kickstart a dedicated career in occupational health and safety.
• Supervisors and Line Managers: It is highly recommended for leaders who need to effectively manage workplace risks, apply relevant WHS laws, and champion safety protocols within their teams—even in changing or complex work environments.
• Current WHS Representatives: If you are already in a WHS or related role, possess technical knowledge, and have some responsibility for overseeing the safety practices of others, this course provides the formal recognition and upskilling needed to take the next step.
• Future Work Health and Safety Officers (WHSOs): Individuals aiming to apply for their WHSO QLD certificate of authority through Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) upon graduation.

Ultimately, if your goal is to contribute to a safer workplace environment, effectively manage risks, and ensure your organisation complies with current WHS legislation, this is the course for you.

Course Content: What You Will Learn

The BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety is designed to provide you with highly practical, industry-relevant skills. Rather than just focusing on theory, this course trains you to actively manage and improve safety standards within your workplace.

All learner activities and assessment tasks are strictly mapped against the national units of competence to ensure you receive a comprehensive and compliant education.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES

Throughout the course, you will learn how to:

• Comply with WHS Legislation: Understand and navigate the complex legal frameworks surrounding workplace health and safety in Queensland and across Australia.
• Identify, Assess, and Control Risks: Master the processes of spotting workplace hazards and implementing effective strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Respond to Workplace Incidents: Gain the confidence to contribute to incident investigations and emergency responses.
• Foster a Safe Workplace Culture: Learn how to contribute to a safe environment by implementing WHS strategies, participating in consultation processes, and demonstrating workplace leadership.

10 UNITS OF COMPETENCY

To achieve the BSB41419 Certificate IV in WHS, students must successfully complete the following 10 core units of competency:

• BSBWHS412: Assist with workplace compliance with WHS laws
• BSBWHS413: Contribute to implementation and maintenance of WHS consultation and participation processes
• BSBWHS414: Contribute to WHS risk management
• BSBWHS415: Contribute to implementing WHS management systems
• BSBWHS416: Contribute to workplace incident response
• BSBWHS417: Assist with managing WHS implications of return to work
• BSBWHS418: Assist with managing WHS compliance of contractors
• BSBWHS419: Contribute to implementing WHS monitoring processes
• BSBLDR411: Demonstrate leadership in the workplace
• BSBWHS520: Manage implementation of emergency procedures

Course Requirements & Prerequisites

To ensure all students have the best opportunity to succeed in the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, there are a few foundational requirements you must meet before attending our Gold Coast, Brisbane, or in-house sessions.

While there are no formal prerequisites for completing this course, it is highly recommended that you have completed Year 10.

ELIGIBILITY & AGE REQUIREMENTS

• Age Limit: Participants must be 18 years or older to enrol in any of our safety training programs. OHSA does not provide training for individuals under 18.
• Visa Status: Students must not be on a student visa or be the partner of someone on a student visa.

SKILLS & EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Language & Literacy: You must possess Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) (English) skills suitable for completing a Certificate IV level of study.
• Computer Skills: Basic computer skills are required, including word processing and the ability to access and navigate internet resources.
• Bring Your Own Device: Students are required to bring a laptop with a working USB port to the course.

WORKPLACE ACCESS & ASSESSMENTS

• Practical Application: It is advisable that students have access to a workplace in order to complete post-course, workplace-based assessments.
• Simulated Options: Alternative arrangements can be made for those who are between work or without access to a workplace through the provision of simulated activities.
• Assessment Integrity: All students will be required to sign a declaration confirming that they completed the assessments entirely themselves.

FITNESS FOR DUTY & CLASSROOM POLICY

Safety starts in the classroom. No student will be permitted to undertake the course or any session if they are impaired. This includes being under the influence of alcohol, illegal/illicit substances, or experiencing impairment from prescribed medication, severe fatigue, mental health conditions, or stress.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

For those wishing to look at Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), please contact our office to enquire. We will need to see a large volume of verifiable workplace evidence to align with the unit of competency requirements.

For further information on RPL or the course in general, contact us on 1300 647 200 or email: info@ohsa.com.au

CREDIT TRANSFER

Have you already completed formal WHS studies? Our Credit Transfer process recognises your past hard work by granting you direct credit for identical units of competency that you have previously achieved.

How to Apply: If you believe you are eligible for a Credit Transfer, please contact our office to initiate the process. You will be required to provide:

• A certified copy of your Statement of Attainment, OR
• An official qualification transcript demonstrating the successful completion of the relevant unit(s).

For further details or to start your application, call our training team at 1300 647 200 or email us at info@ohsa.com.au.

NEXT STEPS: CAREER PROGRESSION

Many employees responsible for WHS choose to build upon this qualification to further boost their CVs and open up future work opportunities. As a next progression, students often opt to undertake the BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety or our ICAM Lead Investigator course. (See the Related Courses section below for more details.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is Work Health and Safety (WHS)? Work Health and Safety (WHS) involves the regulations, guidelines, and practices designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of everyone in a workplace. To be effective, WHS relies on three core objectives:

– Hazard Identification: Spotting physical or procedural elements that can cause harm.
– Risk Assessment: Analysing the likelihood and severity of a hazard causing injury.
– Hazard Control: Implementing measures to prevent, eliminate, or significantly reduce workplace risks.

• Where can I study the Certificate IV in WHS on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane? OHSA delivers the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety face-to-face at two premier South East Queensland locations. You can attend our 5-day intensive training at our Gold Coast facility (Unit 1/51 Township Drive, West Burleigh) or our Brisbane facility (12/35 Paringa Rd, Murarrie).
• Can I become a Work Health and Safety Officer (WHSO) in QLD after this course? Yes. Upon successful completion of the BSB41419 Certificate IV in WHS at OHSA, graduates meet the educational requirements to apply for a Work Health and Safety Officer (WHSO) QLD certificate of authority. Applications must be submitted directly to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) along with certified evidence of identity and your qualification.
• How long does the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety take to complete? The BSB41419 qualification takes approximately 450 hours to complete in total. This begins with a 5-day intensive face-to-face classroom block in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. After the classroom component, students have up to 12 months to complete their remaining post-course reading and workplace-based assessment submissions at their own pace.
• Who is responsible for WHS in a Queensland workplace? Under SafeWork Australia and WorkSafe QLD guidelines, everyone within a workplace shares responsibility for health and safety. The legislation categorises responsible parties into four groups:

– The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU)
– Officers (e.g., company directors)
– Workers
– Other persons at the workplace (e.g., visitors, clients)

• What are my specific WHS responsibilities as a worker or officer? Your legal WHS responsibilities depend on your role within the company. A PCBU must ensure the overall health and safety of workers and the work environment. Officers must exercise due diligence to ensure the PCBU complies with its legal duties. Workers are required to take reasonable care for their own safety, not endanger others, and follow reasonable WHS instructions and policies.
• Is the BSB41419 Certificate IV in WHS nationally recognised? Yes. The BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety is a Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This means your certification is valid across all Australian states and territories, not just in Queensland.
• What are the prerequisites to enrol in the Certificate IV in WHS? There are no formal prerequisite qualifications required; however, completing Year 10 is highly recommended. To enrol, you must be at least 18 years old, possess appropriate Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) (English) skills, and have basic computer literacy. You must also bring a laptop with a USB port to your classroom sessions.
• Do you offer corporate or in-house WHS training in South East Queensland? Yes. In addition to our public courses in West Burleigh and Murarrie, OHSA offers customised in-house corporate training for businesses across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and greater Queensland. This allows your team to complete the intensive training component together in your own workplace environment.
• What career pathways are available after completing the Cert IV in WHS? The Certificate IV is the primary entry point for dedicated safety professionals. Graduates often secure roles such as WHS Coordinator, Safety Advisor, or WHSO. For career progression, many OHSA students subsequently enrol in the BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety or complete our ICAM Lead Incident Investigation course to further enhance their CVs and industry value.
• Can I complete the Cert IV in WHS course online? Yes, you absolutely can! The Cert IV in WHS offers flexible ONLINE delivery to suit your schedule.