Diploma of Work Health & Safety | ONLINE

BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety Units

• BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety

To achieve the BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety, students must successfully complete 10 units of competency. Our online curriculum is specifically curated to meet the latest Australian regulatory standards. This program bridges the gap between basic safety knowledge and senior leadership, focusing on high-demand skills like psychosocial hazard management and complex risk management.

• BSBWHS512 Contribute to managing work-related psychological health and safety
• BSBWHS513 Lead WHS risk management
• BSBWHS514 Manage WHS compliance of contractors
• BSBWHS515 Lead initial response to and investigate WHS incidents
• BSBWHS516 Contribute to developing, implementing and maintaining an organisation’s WHS management system
• BSBWHS519 Lead the development and use of WHS risk management tools
• BSBWHS520 Manage implementation of emergency procedures*
• BSBWHS522 Manage WHS consultation and participation processes
• BSBWHS417 Assist with managing WHS implications of return to work*
• BSBWHS419 Contribute to implementing WHS monitoring processes*

FAST-TRACK OPTION FOR OHSA CERT IV GRADUATES

Already hold a BSB41419 or BSB41415 Certificate IV in WHS? If you completed your Certificate IV through OHSA, you may be eligible for credit transfers for the three elective units marked above (BSBWHS520, BSBWHS417, and BSBWHS419). This reduces your workload to just 7 units, allowing for a faster completion of your Diploma.  If you completed your Certificate IV through another provider we can check your Certificate IV in WHS statement of results and USI for possible credit transfers.

BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety – Online Delivery

ELEVATE YOUR CAREER WITH  OHSA’s BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety Qualification

The BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety is an advanced qualification designed for dedicated safety professionals ready to step into leadership. Whether you are aiming to become a WHS Manager, a Senior Safety Consultant, or a specialised WHS Auditor, this course provides the strategic tools and authoritative knowledge required to manage complex safety frameworks in modern industrial environments.

THE ONLINE LEARNING ADVANTAGE: Study Without Boundaries

Our online model is built for the working professional. We understand that safety leaders are often on-site or managing tight schedules, which is why our program is 100% self-paced and delivered via our Cloud-Based Learning Management System (LMS).

• Total Flexibility: You have up to 18 months to complete the qualification, allowing you to balance your studies with your professional and personal life.
• Accessible Anywhere: Access comprehensive learning modules, legislative resources, and assessment tasks from any internet-enabled device—whether you’re in the office or in the field.
• Digital Innovation: Our assessments go beyond simple theory. You will engage in practical, digital-first tasks, including video-based oral communication assessments that simulate real-world leadership scenarios, such as team briefings and stakeholder presentations.

TIME COMMITMENT AND STUDY GUIDE

A Diploma-level qualification is comprehensive and is expected to take students approximately 1200 – 2000 hours to complete in total. This consists of your initial learning (such as the 5-day classroom intensive or online modules) combined with substantial individual reading, research, and assessment tasks.

Please note that this timeframe will vary from student to student based on the number of units you need to complete (if you already hold core units from your Certificate IV), as well as your existing WHS experience and current legislative knowledge.

To assist you in planning your study schedule, here is a helpful completion guide based on an average commitment of 1600 hours of independent study:

~20 hours/week = 1.5 years (18 months) to complete
~30 hours/week = 1 year to complete
~60 hours/week = 6 months to complete (Requires intensive, full-time study)

EXPERT SUPPORT AT EVERY STEP

While you study online, you are never alone. OHSA provides dedicated trainer support via email and phone. Our educators are real-world WHS professionals who bring current industry experience to your learning journey.

STRATEGIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course transitions you from operational safety to strategic management. You will master:

• Psychosocial Safety: Leading the management of work-related psychological health.
• Compliance Leadership: Overseeing contractor safety and organisational WHSMS.
• Advanced Risk Strategy: Developing and implementing sophisticated risk management tools.
• Emergency & Incident Response: Leading initial responses and complex investigations.

The BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety is not an entry-level program. It is a higher-level leadership qualification designed for ambitious safety professionals ready to transition from operational oversight to strategic management.

If you are currently working in safety and want to lead WHS organisational change, manage complex risks, and command a higher salary in high-stakes industries, this is your next step.

THE ASPIRING SAFETY LEADER

This course is specifically designed for those moving into senior roles across Australia’s most critical sectors, including Mining, Construction, Manufacturing, and Infrastructure. It is the ideal qualification for:

• WHS/OHS Managers & Superintendents looking for formal accreditation.
• Safety Advisors & Officers stepping up to a Coordinator or Managerial level.
• Risk Managers specialising in industrial compliance.
• Corporate Consultants advising on WHSMS and legislative compliance.

THE CAREER ADVANCER (Industry Professionals)

The demand for qualified WHS professionals is projected to grow over the next five (5) years.  With average salaries for Safety Managers often exceeding $150,000—and mining roles often reaching significantly higher—this Diploma is the “key” to unlocking premium career opportunities. It is perfect for those already on-site who want to move into a desk-based, strategic leadership role without leaving their industry.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

You will thrive in this online course if you:

• Possess the Prerequisite: You must hold the 5 core units from the BSB41419 or BSB41415 Certificate IV in WHS.
• Have Industry Experience: We recommend at least 2 years of practical experience in a safety-related role.
• Are a Problem-Solver: You enjoy researching legislation and designing systems to solve complex workplace challenges.
• Are Tech-Savvy: You are comfortable using digital platforms (LMS) and recording video assessments to demonstrate your communication leadership.

Master Safety Requirements 

The BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety is delivered through a high-impact, digital-first curriculum. The 10 units of competency cover the following strategic WHS functions.

WHS SYSTEMS & LEGISLATIVE GOVERNANCE

Move beyond basic compliance. Learn to architect and maintain complex Work Health and Safety Management Systems (WHSMS) that align with the regular WHS/OHS legislative changes.

Depending on where in Australia you are completing the course from, you will be reviewing recent changes to the Model WHS Legislation and State-based updates to ensure you have an up-to-date knowledge of industry WHS legal requirements.

These may include;

• Queensland WHS Act 2011 and the 2024 WHSOLA amendments.
•  Navigating the December 2026 shift from Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) to the more stringent Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL).
• Managing the increased legal weight of Codes of Practice as mandatory frameworks, e.g. Qld.
• New Notifiable Incident requirements as per the Model WHS Act

PSYCHOSOCIAL LEADERSHIP 

Psychosocial hazards—such as fatigue, bullying, and mental health risks—are legally enforceable in the same way as physical risks.

• Risk Identification: Assessing stress, burnout, and trauma-informed safety practices.
• Control Implementation: Moving beyond “policy-only” solutions to apply the Hierarchy of Controls to psychological safety.

ADVANCED RISK & INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Learn to lead response teams when things go wrong.

• Incident Investigation: Leading root-cause analysis and reporting with a forensic mindset.

OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT & CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT

Master the complexities of multi-employer sites and labour-hire environments.

• Contractor Compliance: Managing the WHS obligations of external vendors and specialised contractors.

Course Requirements & Entry Criteria

The BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety is an advanced, high-level qualification. To ensure all students are positioned for success, there are mandatory prerequisites and technical requirements that must be met prior to enrolment.

MANDATORY ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES

As per the National Training Package requirements, all applicants must provide evidence of having completed the following:

• Core Units from Certificate IV: All five (5) BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety core units or equivalent competencies.
• Evidence: If you completed your Certificate IV with OHSA, your records are already on file. If completed elsewhere, a certified Statement of Attainment must be provided during the application process.

DIGITAL & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (Online Method)

Since this course is delivered online via our Cloud-Based Learning Management System (LMS), you must have access to the following:

• Hardware: A reliable laptop or desktop computer (PC or Mac). Tablets or mobile phones are not recommended for completing complex assessment tasks.
• Internet: A stable, high-speed internet connection for accessing course modules and uploading large assessment files.
• Audio/Visual: A webcam and microphone (built-in or external).
• Recording/Filming and uploading assessment tasks to demonstrate key performance requirements

Note: You will be required to record yourself performing specific tasks—such as leading a safety meeting or delivering a briefing—and upload these videos for assessment of your oral communication skills.  You will need to film yourself with a group of at least three others for some assessment tasks.

• Software: Proficiency in word processing (Microsoft Word) and the ability to navigate web-based research portals and PDF documents.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

• Current Role: It is highly recommended that students are currently working in a WHS-related role or have substantial WHS industry experience in previous roles.
• LLND Skills (English): Participants must possess Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills at a Diploma level to interpret complex legislation, draft formal reports, and communicate strategic advice.

ELIGIBILITY & COMPLIANCE

• Age: All participants must be 18 years or older.
• Visa Status: This course is not available to students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) or their partners.
• Identity Verification: A copy of government-issued photo ID.
• Independence Declaration: Upon completion, you will be required to sign a statutory declaration confirming that all submitted work is your own and was completed independently.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

Do you already possess extensive real-world safety experience? You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). We will need to review a large amount of verifiable workplace evidence to map your experience directly against the required units of competency. Please contact our office to inquire about this pathway. (Please note: An extra administration fee may be payable for mapping evidence for RPL).

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the mandatory prerequisites for the BSB51319 Diploma? To enrol, you must hold the 5 core units from the BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety or units deemed as equivalent.  These may be from the BSB41415 qualification. This is a national requirement. If you completed your BSBWHS41419 with OHSA, we can fast-track your enrolment immediately.
• How long does the online course take to complete? The course is 100% self-paced. While you have up to 18 months to complete, some students may complete the qualification, particularly if studying full-time and have significant industry experience.  It may take other students longer, and a broad guide of approximately 1600 hours may be used.
• How much does the online Diploma cost? The online-only option is $1,500 AUD. This is a cost-effective alternative to our $1,950 blended face-to-face program. The fee includes all LMS access, digital learning materials, and general trainer support via email and phone.
• How are assessments conducted online? Assessments are task-based and completed via our Learning Management System (LMS). There are no sit-down exams. You will complete short-answer questions, projects, reports, and video-based assessments in which you record yourself demonstrating leadership tasks (such as a safety briefing) to prove your competency.
• Can I get a discount if I already did my Cert IV with OHSA? Absolutely. If you successfully completed your BSB41419 Certificate IV through OHSA, you will likely receive credit transfers for 3 elective units. This reduces your workload from 10 units down to 7 units, saving you significant time.
• What kind of support is available if I get stuck? Even though you are studying remotely, you aren’t alone. You have direct access to our qualified WHS trainers via phone and email during business hours. We also provide comprehensive learner guides and templates to help you navigate complex assessments.
• Is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available? Yes. If you have extensive experience in a senior safety role, you may apply for RPL. You will need to provide a substantial portfolio of workplace evidence. Please note that an administration fee applies for the mapping and verification of RPL evidence.
• Can international students enrol in this course? This course is available to international applicants, provided they are not on a Student Visa (Subclass 500). If you are in Australia on a different visa or studying from overseas, you are eligible to enrol, provided you meet the Cert IV prerequisites.
• What career roles will this qualification qualify me for? Graduates of the BSB51319 Diploma typically move into high-level roles such as WHS Manager, Safety Coordinator, Senior Safety Advisor, or Compliance Auditor. In 2026, these roles are in high demand across the mining, construction, and government sectors.