Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety

The BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety contains the following 10 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

The BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (WH&S) qualification is generally considered the minimum entry point for anyone wanting to commence a career in occupational health and safety. After completing this qualification, students will be able to work as health and safety practitioners and become responsible for the corresponding WH&S functions within a workplace.

The course is designed to be delivered via an intensive study mode, with additional learning to absorb the content through self-study after the course. As such, the course is delivered using a blended approach, which includes an initial five (5) day classroom-based component plus the additional post-course reading and assessment submissions.

The course is expected to take students approximately 450 hours to complete, including the 5-day intensive component. Students must complete this course within 12 months of enrolment.

Depending on individual background, experience and access to resources, the total hours needed to achieve the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety may vary, but all learners need to meet all the requirements as outlined in each unit of competency.

The following is a guide to assist students in determining their completion timeframe. Based on the approximate 410 hours post-intensive component, studying for 15.7 hours/week = 6 months to complete the post-course assessments or 7.9 hours/week = 1 year.

Students will be provided with qualified trainers, learning materials, and telephone and email support to support their studies.

Our Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety is offered face-to-face in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and in-house. Studying this course can help students take the next step in their careers, whether it is upskilling in their current workplace or providing them with a valuable qualification to pursue an alternative career.

Upon successful completion of the course, students may apply for a Work Health and Safety Officer (WHSO) QLD certificate of authority from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).  Graduates need to apply directly to WHSQ themselves by emailing a certified copy of evidence of their identity (e.g. driver’s licence) and a certified copy of the qualification to whstraining@oir.qld.gov.au. Further information can be found at https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/licensing-and-registrations/work-health-and-safety-training/work-health-and-safety-officer-training

• This qualification is for individuals in a work health and safety (WHS) role who possess a wide range of technical knowledge and skills and have limited responsibility for overseeing the work of others.
• The qualification is for those in supervisory, WHS, and related roles who effectively manage risks, apply relevant WHS laws, and contribute to workplace WHS in established or changing contexts.

The specific units of competency are listed under ‘Competency Elements’ above.

The BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety will teach students how to:

• Comply with WH&S legislation,
• Identify hazards and how to assess and control risks,
• Contribute to WH&S in a workplace environment,
• Aid in the implementation of WH&S strategies to control risks and emergency procedures.

All learners’ activities and assessment tasks have been mapped against the units of competence.

• Language, literacy, and numeracy are suitable for completing a Certificate IV, as well as computer skills, e.g., basic word processing and the ability to access internet resources.
• There are no formal prerequisites for completing the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, although it is recommended that you complete Year 10.
• Students must not be on a student visa or be partners of those on a student visa.
• Students are required to bring a laptop with a USB port to the course.
• In undertaking this course, it is advisable that students have access to a workplace in order to complete any post-course workplace-based assessments. Alternative arrangements can be made for those between work or without access to a workplace through the provision of simulated activities.
• Students will be required to complete a declaration that they completed the assessment themselves.
• No student will be permitted to undertake the course, or any session, if they are under the influence of alcohol, an illegal/illicit substance, or impaired by a prescribed medication and other impairment such as fatigue, mental health or stress.
• Many employees responsible for WH&S are also opting to undertake the BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety or undertake our ICAM Lead Investigator course as the next progression.  Adding either to a CV can benefit an employee with future work opportunities. See below in the related course section for these courses. 
• For those wishing to look at Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), please contact the office to enquire. We will need to see a large amount of workplace evidence to map to the unit of competency; however, we can provide more information upon inquiry. An extra administration fee may be payable for mapping evidence against the unit of competency requirements.

For further information on this course, call us on 1300 647 200.

What is WHS?

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) refers to health and safety practices established and carried out to ultimately prevent or mitigate injury, illness, or mishap in the workplace.

To be effective, WHS relies on 3 Core Objectives.

They are:

• Hazard Identification – identifying or spotting anything or process that can cause harm in the workplace.
• Risk Assessment – analyzing the likelihood of hazards causing harm to workers as well as to what degree.
• Control of hazards and risk – measures put forward to prevent, eliminate, or reduce hazards and their risks at the workplace

Who is Responsible for WHS?

No matter what industry you’re in or what type of business you’re running, everyone within the workplace is responsible for workplace health and safety. SafeWork Australia categorises people working within a business as:

• The Person Conducting Business or Undertaking (PCBU)
• Officers
• Workers
• Other persons at the workplace

What is My Responsibility for WHS?

Each individual within a business has a different level of WHS responsibility depending on their position within the company. The PCBU is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of its workers and ensuring people are not put at risk while carrying out their work. Officers within the workplace need to exercise due diligence to ensure that the PCBU complies with its duties.