WHS Courses

WHS courses are usually assigned by job title, which is convenient and leaves predictable gaps. Titles describe reporting lines rather than exposure.

Assigning by hazard works better and takes an afternoon to map.

• Anyone lifting, carrying, pushing or repositioning. Manual handling, whatever their title.
• Anyone working alone or in isolation. Including staff who are only occasionally alone, such as an early opener.
• Anyone in client, patient or public contact. Occupational violence and aggression.
• Anyone exposed to distressing material or sustained high demand. Psychosocial hazards.
• Anyone using plant, chemicals or working at height. Task-specific and usually assessed rather than online.

Mapped this way, most organisations find one group over-trained on content they will never use, and another group with no coverage of a hazard they meet weekly.

Safe Work Australia publishes guidance on each hazard type. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s manual handling course and workplace compliance courses.