Structure of training course

Approved WHSO training is divided into two stages:

The core module (5 days duration), which must be completed by persons from all industry groups; and
An industry specific elective module ¿ construction (4 days), industrial (3 days), services (2 days).

Industry electives
Additional WHSO training

Industry electives

The Industry Elective WHSO course attended would depend on the predominant activity of the particular workplace (e.g. either industrial, service or construction). Where the predominant activity is say construction related, the construction elective should be pursued.

It is recognised that the management of a particular workplace would be in the best position to analyse and determine the nature of the predominant activity carried out at that workplace. Management should therefore be responsible for nominating the most appropriate course for the WHSO.

Although, it would be unlikely that the WHSO will be required to attend any combination of the industrial, service or construction electives, in some cases it will be advisable for the person to attend supplementary training on the other electives.

The applicant must successfully complete the core module and at least one industry elective module.

Additional WHSO training

A WHSO is only required to complete one industry elective as part of the course. Only one 'generic' certificate is issued to a WHSO regardless of which industry elective unit was completed. Evidence for WHSO training in a particular industry will be provided by the organisation which delivers the approved WHSO training.

Where activities of the new workplace are of a completely different nature, it is highly desirable that the WHSO undergo supplementary industry elective training to acquire the additional industry competencies.

As each of the industry elective units are 'stand alone' courses, supplementary training will require the WHSO to complete the entire elective unit.