Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety
TAFE course
- This information is for local students.
- This course is not available to international students.
Am I a You are a local student if:
you are an Australian citizen, or
you are a New Zealand citizen (excluding TAFE courses), or
you are an Australian permanent resident.
You are an international student if:
you are not an Australian citizen, and
you are not a New Zealand citizen (excluding TAFE courses), and
you are not an Australian permanent resident.local or an international student?
Overview
This qualification provides students with well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to apply Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) principles in a wide variety of contexts. Students will learn to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They may provide leadership and guidance to others with some limited responsibility for the output of others.
This qualification would suit those currently employed in the following roles:
- OHS officer
- Health and safety representative
- Health and safety committee member
- Health and safety assistant
This course is offered at the Hawthorn campus, the Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Training (COHST) Altona office and via distance learning.
| Duration | Up to 1 year |
| Study mode | Distance |
| Course code | IIBSB41407 |
| National code | BSB41407 |
| Fees | For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Career opportunities
Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
- Occupational health and safety coordinator
- Occupational health and safety officer
Course in detail
On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.
Course description
This qualification provides students with well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to apply Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) principles in a wide variety of contexts. Students will learn to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They may provide leadership and guidance to others with some limited responsibility for the output of others.
This qualification would suit those currently employed in the following roles:
- OHS officer
- Health and safety representative
- Health and safety committee member
- Health and safety assistant
This course is offered at the Hawthorn campus, the Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Training (COHST) Altona office and via distance learning.
Course structure
The Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety, delivered via flexible delivery mode, has been designed for students who want to fast-track their study towards a qualification, with the flexibility of studying in their own time, at their own pace, without the need to attend on-campus classes.
This course requires independent work from the student, and is delivered part-time and on-campus. Students who study the part-time course would normally attend 12 hours of classes per week for a total of 36 weeks. If students choose to do the course by flexible delivery, they are choosing not to attend these classes, but will still need to do the equivalent amount of independent study and research to reach the same outcomes.
Assignments have recommended deadline dates and students are highly encouraged to complete assignments by those dates, so they do not fall behind.
Students will receive a package containing the study material, assignment details and research references. Students will then work through the study guide and submit assignments within 12 months.
This course is a mixture of self-paced study and the option of attending non-compulsory classes on campus (Saturdays only). Students must complete all units within 12 months from commencement of course.
Units of study
The Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety is made up of six core units and three elective units:
BSBOHS401B Contribute to the implementation of a systematic approach to managing OHS
BSBOHS402B Contribute to the implementation of the OHS consultation process
BSBOHS403B Identify hazards and assess OHS risks
BSBOHS404B Contribute to the implementation of strategies to control OHS risk
BSBOHS405B Contribute to the implementation of emergency procedures
BSBOHS408A Assist with compliance with OHS and other relevant laws
BSBRES401A Analyse and present research information
BSBRSK401A Identify risk and apply risk management processes
BSBWRT401A Write complex documents
BSBOHS402B Contribute to the implementation of the OHS consultation process
BSBOHS403B Identify hazards and assess OHS risks
BSBOHS404B Contribute to the implementation of strategies to control OHS risk
BSBOHS405B Contribute to the implementation of emergency procedures
BSBOHS408A Assist with compliance with OHS and other relevant laws
BSBRES401A Analyse and present research information
BSBRSK401A Identify risk and apply risk management processes
BSBWRT401A Write complex documents
Graduate outcomes
On this page: aims and objectives and career opportunities.
Aims and objectives
The Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety aims to give students:
- Application of the current OHS Act, its regulations, Codes of Practice and Advisory Standards
- An outline of the consequences of exposure to health hazards at work
- An understanding of the skills required to recognise and evaluate health and safety hazards in the workplace
- An understanding of the skills required to administer various occupational health and safety functions including planning, policy development participation and ethics
On this page: entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
There are no prerequisite requirements for individual units of competency; however, candidates may enter the qualification through a number of entry points demonstrating potential to undertake vocational education and training at certificate level, including:
- After achieving the Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety or other relevant Certificate III qualification; or
- Providing evidence of competency in the majority of units required for the Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety; or
- With extensive vocational experience in occupational health and safety roles
Examples of indicative job roles for candidates seeking entry, based upon their vocational experience include:
- Health and safety representative
- Health and safety committee member
- Health and safety assistant
This breadth of expertise would equate to the competencies required to undertake this qualification.
Participants wishing to apply to study the Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety should have access to a workplace for completion of assessment activities. It is assumed that participants have an appropriate level of literacy, some basic understanding of maths and science and have basic computer skills.
Pathways
Courses at Swinburne can provide an alternative entry option, or pathway, into further TAFE, undergraduate and postgraduate courses if you don’t meet the entry requirements. For example, successful completion of a Swinburne diploma or advanced diploma provides credits that can advance you to later stages of an undergraduate degree. Certificate level studies can also pathway through to higher level TAFE studies. Whatever your situation, pathways ensure you gain the maximum benefit for previous study – whether at Swinburne or another institution. For more information, please visit the Pathways website.
Credit transfer
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of a course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the course with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer website.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. To learn more about RPL and how to apply, please visit the RPL website.