WHS Glossary

Australian Standard for Safety Signs in the Occupational Environment. Defines sign categories: prohibition (red circle), mandatory (blue circle), warning (yellow triangle), and emergency (green rectangle).

An enclosed or partially enclosed space not designed for continuous human occupancy, with restricted means of entry/exit, and a risk of hazardous atmosphere. Governed by AS 2865-2009.

The unit code for "Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry" — the national competency standard for the White Card.

A legal obligation requiring a person to take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others in the workplace.

Physical barriers (guardrails, toe boards, mesh) installed at edges and openings where there is a risk of a person falling 2 metres or more.

Elevated Work Platform. A mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height (e.g., boom lifts, scissor lifts).

A system designed to safely stop a person who is falling from height, typically consisting of a full-body harness, lanyard, and anchor point.

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. An international standard for hazard communication using pictograms, signal words, and hazard/precautionary statements.

Hand-Arm Vibration. Vibration transmitted through handheld power tools that can cause conditions like Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome.

A task requiring a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, move, hold, or restrain any person, animal, or thing that involves a risk of musculoskeletal disorder.

A system for controlling risks ranked from most to least effective: Elimination, Substitution, Isolation, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE.

A notice issued by a WHS inspector under s 191 requiring a contravention to be remedied within a specified timeframe.

Job Safety Analysis. A procedure for identifying hazards associated with each step of a job and developing solutions to eliminate or control those hazards.

The equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level over an 8-hour period. The Australian workplace exposure standard is 85 dB LAeq,8h.

A safety procedure ensuring that dangerous machines and energy sources are properly shut off and not started up again before maintenance or servicing is complete.

An incident that must be reported to the WHS regulator: death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident (near miss) as defined in the WHS Act.

Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking. Under the WHS Act 2011, a PCBU has a primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of workers and others affected by the work.

Personal Protective Equipment. Equipment worn to minimise exposure to workplace hazards — includes hard hats, safety glasses, hi-vis, gloves, steel-cap boots, hearing protection, and respiratory gear.

A notice issued by a WHS inspector under s 195 requiring an activity to stop immediately because it involves a serious risk to health or safety.

The process of identifying hazards, analysing the risk level (likelihood x consequence), and determining appropriate control measures.

A tool used to assess risk by combining the likelihood of an event with the severity of its consequences, typically producing a Low/Medium/High/Extreme rating.

Registered Training Organisation. An accredited training provider authorised to deliver and assess the CPCWHS1001 unit and issue the White Card.

Safety Data Sheet (formerly MSDS). A document providing detailed information about hazardous chemicals including identification, hazards, first aid, handling, storage, and disposal.

The three-point support base of a forklift formed by the front wheels and the pivot point of the rear axle. Keeping the centre of gravity within this triangle prevents tip-overs.

Safe Work Method Statement. A document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities, associated hazards, and the control measures to manage those risks.

The unit code for "Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck." A High Risk Work Licence is required to operate a forklift on any Australian workplace.

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 is the primary legislation governing workplace health and safety across most Australian states and territories.