OTHM L6 OHS - Assignment Briefs January 2021

OTHM LEVEL 6 DIPLOMA IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS
Assignment Briefs
OTHM Level 6 Diploma in
Occupational Health and Safety
Qualification Number: 603/5002/7 | January 2021
JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK Page 1 of 34

Table of Contents
Assessment guidance for criterion referenced marking ............................................................ 3
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5
Qualification Structure ............................................................................................................... 5
Centre Assessment Guidance ................................................................................................... 6
Learner Task Guidance ............................................................................................................. 6
Command Word Definitions ....................................................................................................... 8
Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy ......................................................... 9
Health and Safety Management Practice ............................................................................ 12
Risk and Incident Management ........................................................................................... 16
Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture ................................................................. 13
Maintaining a Safe Working Environment ........................................................................... 16
Health and Safety Law, Regulation and Influence .............................................................. 22
Development of the Health and Safety Practitioner ............................................................ 25
JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 2

Assessment guidance for criterion referenced marking
The assessment grading criteria characterises the level of complexity and demand expected of students at each level of qualification. Please
note that these are generic descriptors which apply mainly, though not exclusively, to written academic work.
Any further unit-specific assessment criteria, such as number of words, should be clearly stated in each individual assignment brief.
Result. Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7

Pass Detailed answers to all Detailed response to all Very full, independent Excellent links between The work demonstrates
parts of the questions relevant parts of the response to the assignment, relevant ideas, theories and engagement in an
or tasks. questions or tasks, with applying relevant material practice. academic debate which
evidence of clear well beyond any module presents clear evidence
Clearly structured and understanding of the input, demonstrating Evidence of independent of a considered
focused, demonstrating issues. independent study. learning and the ability to understanding of the
overall coherence and engage critically and topics studied.
in-depth understanding Well-structured with Excellent understanding and analytically with a wide
of the unit content and evidence of independent application of relevant theory, range of contextually There is evidence of
assessment reading supporting the concepts and models. Very relevant resource material. clear synthesis of
requirements. argument. clear logical structure. theoretical issues and
Demonstration of original practice.
Evidence of the use of Clear evidence of a range insights supported by well
independently sourced of independently sourced Very few errors in referencing structured overall argument. A critical analysis of
material, well applied in material, well applied in all or grammar or syntax as theoretical models
all contexts. contexts. appropriate. Very few errors in and/or practical
referencing or grammar or applications has
Very few errors in Very few errors in syntax as appropriate. resulted in originality.
grammar as referencing or grammar or
appropriate. syntax as appropriate. Very few errors in
referencing or grammar
or syntax as
appropriate.

Result. Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7

Not Little attempt to engage Little attempt to engage Little attempt to engage with Little attempt to engage with Whilst some of the
achieved with assignment brief. with assignment brief. assignment brief. assignment brief. characteristics of a
pass have been
Learning outcomes not Learning outcomes not Learning outcomes not fully Learning outcomes not fully demonstrated, the work
fully met. fully met. met. met. does not address each
of the outcomes for the
Inadequate Inadequate demonstration Inadequate demonstration of Inadequate demonstration specified assessment
demonstration of of knowledge or knowledge or understanding of knowledge or task.
knowledge or understanding of key of key concepts, theories or understanding of key
understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. concepts, theories or The work may be an
concepts, theories or practice. practice. overly descriptive
practice. account demonstrating
minimal interpretation,
and there is very limited
evidence of analysis,
synthesis or evaluation.
No counterarguments
or alternative frames of
reference are
generated or
considered.
JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK Page 4 of 34

Introduction
This assessment brief document is designed to provide support and guidance to Tutors,
Assessors, Internal Quality Assurers and Learners, in successfully meeting the learning
outcomes and assessment criteria for the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and
Safety (RQF) Qualification.
Qualification Structure
In order to be awarded the qualification learners are required to successfully complete all units
and meet all learning outcomes, within the current qualification specification. The qualification
and unit grading structure is pass or fail.
OTHM Level 6 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
The Level 6 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety consists of 4 mandatory units for a
combined total of 32 credits, 320 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 120 Guided
Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.
Unit Ref. No. Unit Title Credit GLH TQT
H/617/7539 Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy 8 30 80
Y/617/8526 Health and Safety Management Practice 10 40 100
Y/617/7540 Risk and Incident Management 8 30 80
Y/617/8543 Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture 6 20 60
OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety consists of 7 mandatory units
for a combined total of 60 credits, 600 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 220 Guided
Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.
Unit Ref. No. Unit Title Credit GLH TQT
H/617/7539 Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy 8 30 80
Y/617/8526 Health and Safety Management Practice 10 40 100
Y/617/7540 Risk and Incident Management 8 30 80

Y/617/8543 Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture 6 20 60
R/617/9092 Maintaining a Safe Workplace Environment 12 40 120
H/617/7542 Health and Safety Law, Regulation and Influence 8 35 100
K/617/7543 Development of the Health and Safety Practitioner 8 25 80

OTHM OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY – LEVEL 6 QUALIFICATIONS | ASSIGNMENT BREIFS
Centre Assessment Guidance

Centre’s are advised to follow the assessment guidance and methods set out by OTHM
qualifications within the specification and this document, if a Centre wishes to devise their
assessment methods then this first must be provided by OTHM Qualifications, prior to
implementation.
Tutors are expected to assess evidence submitted by learners to determine that the work is
suitable in meeting the assessment criteria and provide learners with appropriate feedback.
Learner Task Guidance

All assessment evidence submitted by the learner must be their own work. Evidence submitted
which is not the learners work without suitable and appropriate acknowledgement of the
original sources or author, whether a published source, internet or company documentation
may be considered as plagiarism and could result in learner or learners being withdrawn from
the qualification.
Learners are required to make reference where appropriate to arrange of internal and external
sources, these could including but not exhaustive, organisational policies and procedures,
guidance or legislation from regulatory bodies both national and internally for example Health
and Safety Executive (HSE) or International Labour Organisation (LOC), published academic
sources e.g. books or journals, member organisations publications and guidance for
Chartered Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or appropriately verifiable
internet sources.
At level 6 learners are required to be able to;
• Apply methods and techniques that they have learnt to review, consolidate, extend,
and apply their knowledge and understanding, to initiate and carry out projects.
• Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions abstract concepts and data (that maybe
incomplete), make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a
solution or identify a range of solutions to a problem.
• Communicate ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist
audiences.
Holders of a Level 6 qualification should be able to demonstrate the following qualities and
transferable skills necessary for employment requiring;
The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making in complex and
unpredictable contexts and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further
training of professional or equivalent nature.
• The assessment should be taken place at the end of the period of learning.
• The task will cover all learning outcomes and assessment criteria within the unit. This task
is necessary to map and claim knowledge and competence.
• Learners are expected to adhere to the word count, provided as a range within the question
text. A 10% leeway either side of this range is permitted before the assessor is instructed
to stop reading any further.
• There is no formal time limit for the completion of the tasks, besides that of the validity of
assessment materials.

• The task response should be submitted as a word document.
• Learners will be required to sign a statement of authenticity, confirming all evidence

provided as their own.
• As well as the content of your answers, your tutor/assessor will be scrutinising the following
aspects:
o Plagiarism and collusion

o Critical writing, style
o Sentence structure
o Grammar, punctuation
o Argument, setting out
o Rationale for choosing this research to review
o Presentation of research findings and conclusion
o Referencing and citation

Command Word Definitions
The descriptor verb highlights the level of detail expected within each answer. This expectation
correlates with the qualification specification and the marking scheme.
It is important to read the whole question and to understand what the question requires as the
command word on its own will need to be reinforced by the remainder of the question.
Learners need to think about each question carefully.
What is the command word?
What is or is not relevant to the question?
In many cases a brief answer plan is an essential aid to ensuring that answers are well thought
out and structured.
Command Verb Description
Assess / Assessment Consider several options or arguments and weigh them up

so as to come to a conclusion about their effectiveness or
validity.
Describe Detailed account with explanation of the distinctive features
of the context.
Discuss ‘Discuss’ question words typically require an in-depth answer
that takes into account all aspects of the debate concerning a
research topic or argument. .
Evaluate / In depth analysis with evidence of exploration of the pros and
Critically Evaluate cons of the context.
You must provide your opinion or verdict on whether an
argument, or set of research findings, is accurate.
State your conclusion clearly and state the reasons for this
conclusion, drawing on factors and evidence that informed
your perspective..
Explain Using knowledge and understanding to apply to a context in
a coherent form.
Justify Must demonstrate/provide evidence to support the answer.
When the learner is being asked to justify something, they
will have to demonstrate/provide evidence to support it.
Identify Learners indicate the main features or purpose of something,
and/or are able to discern and understand facts or qualities.
Outline Brief summary of the essential key aspects of the context

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES AND POLICY
Unit Reference Number H/617/7539

Unit Title Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy
Unit Level 6
Number of Credits 8
Total Qualification Time (TQT) 80 hours
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 30
Mandatory / Optional Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure Pass / Fail
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of the key principles of health
and safety policy, the internal, external and change factors that influence practice, and how
these are operationalised in an organisation’s health and safety systems. Learners will also
develop the knowledge and skills to undertake a critical review of an organisations health and
safety policy.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content

Learning Outcomes- Assessment Criteria-
The learner will: The learner can:
1. Understand the principles 1.1 Explain the role of performance objectives and
of health and safety targets in effective health and safety management.
management and its 1.2 Explain in detail the key aspects of effective health
organisational systems. and safety.
1.3 Evaluate the use of recording and communication
systems to identify, manage, and distribute relevant
health and safety information.
1.4 Critically evaluate an organisation’s health and
safety management system including its integration
with other management systems (eg quality, human
resources, etc), and recommend future
developments.
2. Understand the principles 2.1 Justify the moral, legal and financial need for health
of health and safety policy. and safety policies in an organisation.
2.2 Articulate the key impacts of an organisation’s
health and safety policies on a range of
stakeholders in the organisation.
2.3 Explain the information and consultation required for
the purpose of health and safety policy development
at all organisational levels.
2.4 Outline the objectives of a health and safety policy
document.
2.5 Explain how a health and safety policy document
drives a health and safety management system in
an organisation.
3. Be able to conduct a 3.1 Conduct a critical review of a health and safety
critical review of a health policy in an organisation.

and safety policy in an

organisation.
4. Be able to assess internal 4.1 Assess the internal and external factors, including
and external factors that change factors, that affect occupational health and
influence health and safety safety policies and practice.
practices. 4.2 Recommend actions for organisational practice that
takes account of the internal and external
influencing factors.
Task 1 of 2 - Case Study - Assessment Criteria 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4
Instructions:
Conduct a detailed review of an organisation’s health and safety management
system.
The following must be included within the review.

• A detailed explanation of the organisation, including the type of work carried out,
number of employees and sites.
• A detailed explanation of the organisation’s performance objectives and targets

and their roles in effective Health and Safety Management.
• A detailed explanation of the key aspects of effective health and safety

management systems within the organisation.
• Carryout a critical evaluation on the organisation’s health and safety

management systems including its integration with other organisational
management systems (for example Quality Management System and Human
Resources) and provide recommendations for further developments.
Delivery and Submission:

• Case Study written in Word format
• Word count: 2000 words
• Learners are expected to adhere to the word count, provided as a range within the
question text. A 10% leeway either side of this range is permitted before the assessor
is instructed to stop reading any further.
• You must explain and evaluate your answers and provide evidence or research to
Referencing:
• You should use and cite a range of academic and reliable sources.
• A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Task 2 of 2 - Health and Safety Policy Review

Assessment Criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2
Instructions:
Conduct a policy review of an organisation’s health and safety policy.
This must include:

• A detailed policy review of the organisation’s health and safety policy.
• A detailed justification of the moral, legal and financial need for a health and
safety policy with the organisation.

• A detailed assessment of the organisation’s key impacts in terms of health and

safety policies in relation to both internal and external stakeholders.
• A detailed explanation of the process in terms of information and consultation

required for the development of health and safety policies within the organisation,
in relation to key stakeholders.
• An outline of the key objectives of a health and safety policy document.
• A detailed explanation of how the health and safety policy document drives a
health and safety management within the organisation.
• An assessment of the internal and external factors which influence the

development and change of the organisation health and safety policies and
practices.
Delivery and Submission

• Policy Review written in Report format
Referencing:

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Unit Reference Number Y/617/8526

Unit Title Health and Safety Management Practice
Unit Level 6
Number of Credits 10
Total Qualification Time (TQT) 100
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to
translate organisational policy into an effective occupational health and safety management
operation, including the planning, organising, controlling, reviewing and auditing of health and
safety management performance and operations, the application of corporate social
responsibility and ethical codes of conduct on management, and the critical factors in
managing the occupational health and well-being of workers.

1. Understand the process of 1.1 Explain the role of the board and/or senior
planning and organising management in the planning and organising
occupational health and safety of health and safety practices in the
practices in the workplace. workplace.
1.2 Explain the importance of the planning
process to ensure changing policies,
regulations and legal requirements are met.
1.3 Assess the resources and skills required to
plan health and safety practices in the
workplace.
leading and controlling health and management in the leading and controlling
safety practices in the workplace. of health and safety practices in the
workplace.
2.2 Evaluate the use of goals and targets in
health and safety management practices in
the workplace.
lead and control health and safety practices
in the workplace.
reviewing the performance of management in reviewing the performance
health and safety practices in the of health and safety practices in the
workplace. workplace.
review health and safety practices in the
workplace.

3.3 Explain and justify the use of results and

outputs from a performance review.
3.4 Assess the advantages and disadvantages
of proactive and reactive performance
indicators.
monitoring and auditing health management in monitoring and auditing of
and safety practices in the health and safety practices in the workplace.
workplace. 4.2 Explain a range of health and safety
monitoring techniques.
carry out health and safety audits.
4.4 Explain the importance and use of audit
outputs.
5. Understand corporate social 5.1 Explain the importance of having a
responsibilities and ethical codes corporate social responsibility objective on
of conduct and their impact on health and safety management.
health and safety management. 5.2 Outline how ethical codes of conduct are
applied to health and safety management.
6. Understand the critical factors in 6.1 Explain the key principles of occupational
the management of occupational health.
health and well-being in the 6.2 Outline the features of vocational
workplace. rehabilitation including the role of outside
support agencies.
6.3 Articulate the key aspects of the
management of occupational health
including legal considerations.
6.4 Explain the causes, effects, identification
and control of common types of mental ill-
health in the workplace.
6.5 Explain the causes, effects identification
and control of work-related violence or
aggression.
Task 1 of 3 - Management plan + Performance review + Audit report

Assessment Criteria 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
Instructions:
Carry out an analysis of an organisation’s health and safety management practices.
The following must be included:

• An organisation chart or structure detailing the organisations health and safety
management structure including your own role where applicable.
• A detailed explanation of the roles of the board and / or senior managements

within the health and safety practices of the organisation, in terms of
o Planning and organisation
o Leading and Controlling
o Reviewing and Performance
o Monitoring and auditing
• An explanation of the importance of the planning process to ensure policies and

regulatory requirements are met and updated as required, within the

organisation.
• An assessment of the organisation’s resources and skills relation to the

o Planning and organisation
o Leading and Controlling
o Reviewing and Performance
o Monitoring and auditing of health and safety practices and recommend
any improvements required.
• An evaluation the use of goals and targets in health and safety management
practices within the organisation.
• An assessment of the organisations resources and skills for reviewing health and
safety practices.
• An explanation and justification of the organisations use of results and

performance review data and any outputs.
• An assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of proactive and reactive

performance indicators in the organisation.
• An explanation of the health and safety monitoring techniques used within the
organisation and improves which could be made.

• Management plan + Performance review + Audit report in Word format
Referencing:
Task 2 of 3 - Essay - Assessment Criteria 5.1, 5.2
Instructions:
Explain the importance of corporate social responsibilities and ethical conduct within
Health and Safety Management and provide and outline of how your organisation
applies ethical codes of conduct within health and safety management.

• Essay in Word format
is instructed to stop reading any further
Referencing:
• A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work

Task 3 of 3 - Report - Assessment Criteria 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5
Instructions:
Carryout a detailed review of an organisation’s management of occupational health and
well-being.

• An explanation of the key principles of occupational health and well-being within
the organisation.
• A detailed outline of the key aspects of the management of occupational health

and wellbeing, including any legal considerations are applied within the
organisation.
• An outline of the features of vocational rehabilitation and the role external support
agencies play in this process.
• An explanation of the causes, effects, and identification of controls for common

types of mental ill-health within the organisation.
• An explanation of the causes, effects, and identification of controls for work

related violence and aggression.

• Report in Word format
is instructed to stop reading any further
Referencing:

RISK AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

Unit Title Risk and Incident Management
Unit Level 6
Number of Credits 8
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 30 hours
Unit Aims
This aim of this unit is to enable learners to identify, address and manage risk and
incidents in relation to their roles as health and safety practitioners, including
understanding strategies to assess and evaluate risk, strategies and techniques to
control risk, cause of loss events and analysis of loss data, and managing incidents.

1. Understand the processes 1.1 Outline sources of information to identify
and strategies for identifying hazards and assess risks.
hazards and evaluating risk 1.2 Explain techniques to identify hazards.
levels when carrying out risk 1.3 Explain how to implement a risk
assessments in an assessment system and to evaluate risk.
organisation. 1.4 Explain how to measure, monitor
and report hazards.
1.5 Explain how to maintain records of risks
assessment to meet regularly and statutory
requirements.
1.6 Explain how to use calculations in the
analysis and improvement of systems
reliability and failure tracing.
2. Understand the strategies and 2.1. Evaluate the use of common risk
techniques of risk control. management strategies.
2.2. Justify when to use risk avoidance, risk
reduction, risk transfer, risk analysis, risk
evaluation and risk review strategies.
2.3. Explain the development and characteristics
of safe systems of work and safe operating
procedures.
3. Understand the models of loss 3.1. Outline a range of loss causation
causation, analysis of loss theories and techniques.
data and the importance of 3.2. Justify the use of quantitative methods in
incident investigation. analysing loss data.
3.3. Assess the needs and impacts of
reporting of loss events.
3.4. Explain the importance and impact of
incident
investigations.

4. Understand processes and 4.1. Outline the critical stages for managing
strategies to manage health incidents in the organisation.
and safety incidents in an 4.2. Outline organisational policies to
organisation. identify, investigate, report and
record incidents.
4.3. Explain how to maintain records of incidents
to meet regularly and statutory
requirements.
4.4. Evaluate an organisational process for
managing health and safety incidents.
Task 1 of 4 - Essay - Assessment Criteria 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
Instructions:
Detail the processes and strategies used to identify and analysis risk and how
this influences risk management within the organisation.

• An outline of the sources of information used identify hazards and assess risks,
within the organisation.
• An explanation of techniques used in the organisation to identify hazards.
• An explanation of how risk assessments are implemented and evaluated within

the organisation.
• An explanation of how the organisation measures, monitors and reports

hazards.
• An explanation of how the organisation records risk assessments to meet

regulatory and statutory requirements.
• An explanation of how calculations and analysis are used within the

organisation to make improvements and identify failure.

Referencing:
• A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the
work.

Task 2 of 4 - Report - Assessment Criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Instructions:
Carry out an evaluation of the organisation’s strategies and techniques for controlling
risk.
The following must be included in your report:

• An evaluation of the common risk management strategies used within the
organisation.
• A justification of the organisation’s use of risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk

transfer, risk analysis, risk evaluation, and risk review strategies.
• An explanation of characteristics and development process for safe systems of

work and safe operating procedures used within the organisation.

Referencing:
Task 3 of 4 - Essay - Assessment Criteria 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Instructions:
Assess the organisations approach to incident investigation.

• An outline of the range of loss causation theories and techniques used within the
organisation.
• A Justification for the use of quantitative methods in analysing loss data.
• An assessment of the needs for reporting events and the impact on the
organisation.
• An explanation of the importance of incident investigations and the impact on the

organisation.

Referencing:

Task 4 of 4 - Report - Assessment Criteria 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
Instructions:
Outline the organisations processes and strategies to manage health and safety
incidents.

• An outline of the critical stages for managing incidents within the organisations.
• An outline of the organisations policies used to identify, investigate, report and

record health and safety incidents.
• An explanation of how records are maintained within the organisation to ensure

compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.

Referencing:

PROMOTING A POSITIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURE

Unit Title Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture
Unit Level 6
Number of Credits 6
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of a range of factors
that influence health and safety behaviours, performance and culture in the workplace,
including the impact of human and organisational factors, leadership styles,
organisational structure and consultation arrangements. Learners will develop the
skills to evaluate the health and safety culture and performance within an organisation,
and to develop a coherent strategy to improve these.

1. Understand key 1.1 Assess the importance of health and safety
organisational factors that culture within an organisation.
influence the health and 1.2 Evaluate the promoting factors and potential
safety culture in the barriers to health and safety culture in an
workplace. organisation.
1.3 Explain how to communicate and engage with
staff to promote positive health and safety
awareness and behaviour.
1.4 Produce a plan to promote a positive health
and safety culture.
2. Understand key human 2.1 Outline the human factors that contribute to
factors that influence health individual behaviour.
and safety performance 2.2 Explain human perception of risk and the
and behaviour in the classification of human failure.
workplace. 2.3 Assess the impact of job factors and
organisational factors on human reliability.
2.4 Outline methods of improving individual human
reliability.
2.5 Evaluate the optimum conditions of
behavioural change and behaviour change
courses and programmes.
3. Understand the impact of 3.1 Assess the impact of different leadership types
leadership, structure and on health and safety performance.
consultation on the health 3.2 Outline the structure and function of a range of
and safety culture of an organisation types and the benefits and
organisation. limitations of each.
3.3 Explain the challenges of third party
management in regards to maintenance of
health and safety.
3.4 Explain the nature and importance of formal

and informal consultation with workers.
4. Be able to develop a 4.1 Outline techniques and assessment criteria
strategy to improve the used to assess the health and safety culture of
health and safety culture of an organisation.
an organisation. 4.2 Critically evaluate the current health and safety
culture of an organisation by analysing
assessment data.
4.3 Recommend measures to improve health and
safety culture of an organisation.
4.4 Develop a strategy to implement
recommended measures for improving the
health and safety culture of an organisation.
4.5 Produce a business case to support the
improvement strategy.
Task 1 of 2 - Report and Plan - Assessment Criteria 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4
Instructions:
Assess the health and safety culture of the organisation and produce a plan to
promote a positive health and safety culture within an organisation.
• Assessment of the importance of health and safety having a positive health

and safety culture within an organisation.
• Evaluation of the benefits of positive health and safety culture within the
organisation and the potential barrier to achieving a positive health and safety
culture within an organisation.
• Explanation of how-to communication positive health and safety information

and behaviour to staff at all level within an organisation.
• A detailed plan to promote health and safety culture within an organisation and
how you aim the implement the plan.

• Report and Plan in Word format
Referencing:
• A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the
work.

Task 2 of 2 - Health and Safety Policy Review and Plan
Assessment Criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5
Instructions:
Carry out a critical review of the health and safety culture within an organisation
and provide recommendations for improving health and safety culture, with
associated strategy for implement of recommendations and supporting business
case.

• An outline of the human factors that contribute to individual behaviour within the
organisation and the methods for improving individual human reliability.
• An explanation of human perception of risk and the classification of human

failure.
• An evaluate the optimum conditions for behaviour change with an organisation

and the need for programmes and training to support behaviour change.
• An assessment of the different type of leadership styles within the organisation

and its impact on health and safety performance.
• Outline of the different organisational structures and functions and their benefits
and limitations to health and safety within the organisations.
• An explanation of the challenges in relation managing and maintaining health

and safety arrangements of third-party organisations (including contractors).
• An explanation of the nature and importance of formal and informal consultations

with workers.
• An outline of techniques and assessment criteria for assessing an organisations

health and safety culture.
• A critical evaluation of the organisation’s current health and safety culture,

through the analysis and assessment of data.
• A detailed action plan to improve the organisations health and safety culture,
including a detailed strategy for implementation of actions and recommendations
and supporting business care for the improvement strategy.

• Health and Safety Policy Review and Plan in Word format
Referencing:

MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Unit Reference Number R/617/9092

Unit Title Maintaining a Safe Working Environment
Unit Level 5
Number of Credits 12
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the critical technical knowledge that underpins
the maintenance of safe working environments. This covers a wide range of aspects of the
work environment and factors that must be considered by health and safety managers and
those responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the workforce. This unit takes the
learner on a journey through the immediate work environment, risk analysis and control for a
range of workplace contexts that may be encountered, fire safety and protection against
explosion, management of hazardous substances and materials, and management of
workplace equipment and machinery. This unit intends to build upon the learners previous
grounding in occupational health and safety, and covers the technical knowledge required by
a learner/practitioner who wishes to develop in a range of managerial roles.
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content

1. Understand the range of factors 1.1 Outline the critical factors when maintaining the
to consider to maintain a safe working environment, ie temperature, light,
work environment. space, ergonomics, lifts, access.
1.2 Justify the full range of welfare facilities that
must be available in a workplace.
1.3 Explain the hazards and risks posed by electrics
in an organisation
1.4 Review and evaluate control measures for
electrics in relation to current legislation.
1.5 Assess the hazards and risks associated with
the structural integrity of buildings.
1.6 Review and evaluate control measures for
structural integrity in relation to current
legislation.
2. Understand the hazards, risks 2.1 Evaluate the control measures in place within
and controls applicable to a your organisation to control the following risks:
range of workplace contexts. o temporary works
o workplace transport
o working in confined spaces
o working at height
o lone working
o manual handling.

2.2 Outline the types of noise and vibration, the

effects of being exposed to these, and their
control measures.
2.3 Explain the measurement, assessment and
methods to control exposure to noise and
vibration.
2.4 Describe effects of being exposed to the
different types of radiation.
2.5 Explain the measurement, assessment and
methods to control exposure to different types of
radiation.
3. Understand the maintenance of 3.1 Outline the ways that common flammable and
fire safety and protection against explosive materials can catch fire.
explosion. 3.2 Describe the behaviour of buildings and building
contents in the event of a fire.
3.3 Explain the hazards, risks, and control measures
in an organisation (including detection systems,
alarm systems and evacuation procedures
currently in use) for prevention and
protection against fire and explosion.
3.4 Outline the factors that must be considered to
ensure safe and effective fire-fighting and
egress in the event of different types of fire.
4. Understand safe storage, 4.1 Outline how hazardous substances are
handling and management of classified and the effects of their exposure to
hazardous substances, human health.
including biological agents. 4.2 Explain the key standards for safe storage,
handling and transport of hazardous substances
in an organisation.
4.3 Outline the features of effective risk assessment
and measures of control for exposure to
hazardous substances in line with the hierarchy
of control.
4.4 Describe the control measures for working with
asbestos and lead.
4.5 Explain the factors to consider when choosing
appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) and requirements for PPE in an
organisation.
4.6 Explain the impact of hazardous work
environments on the installation and use of
electrical systems and equipment.
5. Understand safe management 5.1 Explain the selection criteria for work equipment
of work equipment and for specific tasks and processes in order to
machinery. manage risk.
5.2 Explain the key safety characteristics, including
protective devices, of general workplace
machinery control systems.
5.3 Explain the features of effective risk
assessment and control measures for work
equipment and machinery, including the skills,
training and supervision to install, test, maintain
and operate equipment.

5.4 Outline the main hazards and control measures

associated with mobile work equipment.
5.5 Outline the main hazards and control measures
associated with lifting equipment.
Task 1 of 5 - Report - Assessment Criteria 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
Instructions:
Provide a detailed account of how the organisation ensures a safe working
environment is maintained.

• An outline of the critical factors when maintaining a safe working environment
making reference to the following: temperature, light, space, ergonomics, lifts,
access.
• A justification of the organisation welfare facilities in terms of current legislation.
• An explanation of hazards and risks posed by electricity within the organisation

or the organisations work and provide a review and evaluation of control
measures in line with current legislation.
• An explanation of the impact of working in hazardous environments on the

installation and use of electrical systems and equipment.
• An assessment of the hazards and risks associated with structural integrity of

buildings with may impact an organisation.
• A review and evaluation of control measures associated with structural integrity

of buildings in relation current legislation.

Referencing:

Task 2 of 5 - Report - Assessment Criteria 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5
Instructions:
Assess workplace approaches to noise, vibration, and radiation.

• An outline the different types of noise and vibration and the effects of being
exposed to these hazards, and their control measures.
• An explanation of ways to measure and assess exposure to noise and vibration

and control measures to reduce the risk from exposure.
• A description of the effects of being exposed to the different types of radiation.
• An explanation of the ways measure and assess exposure to radiation and

control measures to reduce the risk from exposure to different types of radiation.

Referencing:
Instructions:
Assess the organisations Fire Management Plan.

• An outline of the ways that common flammable and explosive materials can catch
fire.
• A description of the behaviour of buildings and their contents in the event of a

fire.
• An explanation of the hazards, risks and controls measures with the organisation
for the prevention and protection against fire and explosion (including detection
systems, alarm systems and evacuation procedures in place within the
organisation).
• An outline of the factors that must be considered to ensure safe and effective
firefighting and egress in the event of a fire within the organisation.


Referencing:
Task 4 of 5 - Report - Assessment Criteria 4.1, 4.2 , 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
Instructions:
Carry out an assessment of an organisation’s management of hazardous
substances
• An outline of how hazardous substances are classified and the effects of their
exposure to human health.
• An explanation of the key standards for safe storage, handling and transportation
of hazardous substances in relation to the organisation.
• An outline of the features of effective risk assessment and control measures for
minimising and reducing exposure to hazardous substance in accordance with
the hierarchy of controls.
• A description of the control measures for working with asbestos and lead.
• An explanation of factors to consider when selecting appropriate Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE) in relation to organisational risks.

Referencing:
Task 5 of 5 - Report - Assessment Criteria 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5
Instructions:
Carry out an assessment of the organisation’s management of work equipment and
machinery.
• An explanation of the criteria for the selection of safe work equipment for organisational
tasks and the processes for managing associated risks.
• An explanation of the key safety characteristics, including protective devices of general

workplace machinery control systems.
• An explanation of the features of effective risk assessment and control measures for
workplace equipment and machinery within the organisation (including skills, training,
and supervision to install, test, maintain and operate equipment).
• An outline of the main hazards and control measures associated with mobile work
equipment.
• An outline of the main hazards and control measures associated with lift equipment.

Referencing:

HEALTH AND SAFETY LAW, REGULATION, AND INFLUENCE
Unit Reference Number H/617/7542

Unit Title Health and Safety Law, Regulation and Influence
Unit Level 6
Number of Credits 8
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 35 hours
Unit Aims
This aim of this unit is to is to give learners an understanding of international frameworks
for health and safety legislation and regulation, how these frameworks are set, and the
subsequent obligations on organisations to comply. The learner will explore the role
played by industry, professional bodies and media communities to influence the promotion
of positive health and safety outcomes locally, nationally and globally.

1. Understand international 1.1 Outline the role of the International
frameworks for legislation, Labour Organisation (ILO).
regulation and enforcement. 1.2 Explain how international conventions
can be used to set H&S legislation and
legislative frameworks.
1.3 Evaluate the benefits and limitations of
national legislation in securing
organisational health and safety standards.
1.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of a range of
national and international health and safety
bodies to secure health and safety
standards.
1.5 Explain the purpose and principles of
enforcement on H&S legislation and
regulation.
1.6 Review the effectiveness of a range of safety
audit techniques against national and
international standards.
2. Understand statutory and 2.1 Evaluate statutory and regulatory
regulatory obligations for obligations applicable to an organisation.
maintaining health and safety 2.2 Evaluate workplace health and safety
in an organisation. requirements relating to input / output of
products, services, contractors, visitors,
employees, equipment, goods, materials and
other activities of the organisation.
2.3 Describe in detail the unique organisational
challenges to maintain compliance with health
and safety regulations.
3. Understand the industry and 3.1 Outline the function of professional and
community roles in employer bodies, trade associations, media
influencing and promoting and community groups and organisational
partnerships in influencing and promoting
positive health and safety outcomes.
3.2 Outline the ethical and social responsibilities of
organisations to develop high standards of
health and safety.
3.3 Assess the role of corporate governance and
self-regulation in supporting continual
improvement of organisational health and
safety standards.
Task 1 of 2 - Report - Assessment Criteria 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Instructions:
Evaluate the organisation’s compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations
against national and international standards.

• An evaluation statutory and regulatory obligations applicable to an
organisation.
• An evaluation of workplace health and safety requirements relating to input /

output of products, services, contractors, visitors, equipment, goods, materials,
and other activities of the organisation.
• A detailed description of the challenges to maintain compliance with health and

safety regulations unique to the organisation.
• An outline of the role of the international Labour Organisation (ILO).
• An explanation of how internal conventions can be used to set health and

Safety legislation and legislative frameworks.
• An evaluation of the benefits and limitations of national legislation in securing

organisational health and safety standards.
• An evaluation of the effectiveness of a range of national and international

health and safety bodies to secure health and safety standards.
• An explanation of the purpose and principles of enforcement, of health and

safety legislation and regulations.
• A review of the effectiveness of health and safety of arrange of safety audit

techniques against national and international standards.

Referencing:
Task 2 of 2 - Report - Assessment Criteria 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Instructions:
Review the organisation’s understanding of industry and community roles in
influencing and promoting positive health and safety at local and national levels.

• An outline of the role of professional and employer bodies, trade associations,
media and community group and organisational partnerships in influencing and
promoting health and safety standards.
• An outline of the ethical and social responsibilities of organisations to develop

high standards, of health and safety.
• An assessment of the role of corporate governance and self-regulation in

supporting continual improvements of organisational health and safety standards
within the organisation.

Referencing:

DEVELOPMENT OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTITIONER
Unit Reference Number K/617/7543

Unit Title Development of the Health and Safety Practitioner
Unit Level 6
Number of Credits 8
Unit Aims
This aim of this unit is to provide learners with a deep understanding of the roles and
responsibilities of health and safety practitioners, the challenges and conflicts facing them,
how they support safe working environments, and the skills required to meet these
challenges. Learners will develop the skills to assess organisational competence and skills
requirements, recommending training and/or recruitment strategies to meet these. Learners
will also enhance their own personal and professional development with particular reference
to utilizing a reflective learning approach.

1. Understand roles and 1.1 Explain the role and purpose of health and safety
responsibilities of health practitioners.
and safety practitioners. 1.2 Evaluate the potential challenges and conflicts
that face health and safety practitioners in the
workplace.
1.3 Describe responsibilities and obligations of health
and safety practitioners in relation to promoting a
safe working environment in an organisation.
1.4 Outline the role professional bodies play in
supporting organisations to maintain an effective
workforce of health and safety practitioners.
2. Be able to assess 2.1. Identify skills required to manage health and
organisational competence safety in the organisation.
and skills requirements for 2.2. Assess the application of different management
health and safety and leadership styles to address a range of
practitioners. health and safety workplace situations.
2.3. Outline the range communication skills required
by a Health and safety professional.
2.4. Assess organisational skills and knowledge gaps.
2.5. Produce a health and safety training plan to meet
the requirements of an organisation, legislation
and industry best practice.
2.6. Outline how a health and safety training plan
supports an organisation’s legal and moral
obligations to health and safety best practices.
3. Be able to produce a 3.1. Explain the importance of continuous professional
personal and professional development and a reflective learning approach.
development plan in own
area of responsibility as a 3.2. Assess the value of group discussion and shared
health and safety personal reflections to support professional
practitioner. development within an organisation.
3.3. Evaluate own strength and weaknesses in
relation to an organisational role.
3.4. Set and prioritise goals to improve own
performance as a health and safety practitioner.
3.5. Produce and maintain a personal and
professional development plan.
3.6. Outline own application of professional ethics in
relation to health and safety in an organisation.
3.7. Outline own performance in relation to the values
of equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Instructions:
You are required to write a report about the role of a health and safety professional
within an organisation. You can use your own personal experience to formulate your
answer.

• An explanation of the role and purpose of a health and safety professional.
• An evaluation of the potential challenges and conflicts that a health and safety
professional faces within an organisation.
• A description of responsibilities and obligations of a health and safety professionals

in relation to promoting safe working environment within an organisation.
• Outline the role professional bodies play in supporting organisations to maintain an

effective workforce of health and safety practitioners.

Task 2 of 3 - Assessment Criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6
Part A: Skills Audit
Instructions:
Assess the organisation’s competence and skill requirements in terms of health and
safety professionals. You can use your own personal experience to formulate your
answer.

• An identification of the skills required to manage health and safety within an
organisation.
• An assessment of the different types of management and leadership styles used to

deliver health and safety requirements with an organisation.
• An outline of the communication skills required by health and safety professional to

deliver health and safety within an organisation.
• An assessment of the organisation skill and knowledge gabs in terms of health and
safety.
Part B: Training Plan

Instructions:
Produce a training plan to meet the health and safety requirements of an organisation
with reference to legal, moral, and industry best practice aims and expectations.

• A health and safety training plan for the organisation, to ensure compliance with
relevant legislation and industry best practice.
• An outline of how the health and safety training plan supports the organisation in
meeting their moral and legal obligations to health and safety.

• Skills Audit and Training Plan
• Word count: 1500 - 2500 words
Task 3 of 3 - Portfolio of Evidence Assessment Criteria 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7
Instructions
Produce a portfolio of evidence to include:
- Up to date CV
- Learners reflective account on their development journey
- Development plan, to include goals, objectives, SWOT analysis and list CPD
activities
- Essay – based on their personal application of professional ethics and their
performance in relation to the values of equality, diversity and inclusivity in
relation to health and safety in an organisation.
Delivery and Submission

• CV must be up to date (to the last calendar month)
• Learners reflective account must be up to date (to the last quarter or three months)
• Development plan can be an organisational template
• Essay has no word count, this is likely to be less than 1000 words, but can be more
if needed

OTHM L6 OHS - Assignment Briefs January 2021

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

OTHM L6 OHS - Assignment Briefs January 2021

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

OTHM LEVEL 6 DIPLOMA IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK Page 1 of 34

Assessment guidance for criterion referenced marking ............................................................ 3

Centre Assessment Guidance ................................................................................................... 6

Learner Task Guidance ............................................................................................................. 6

Command Word Definitions ....................................................................................................... 8

Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy ......................................................... 9

Health and Safety Management Practice ............................................................................ 12

Risk and Incident Management ........................................................................................... 16

Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture ................................................................. 13

Maintaining a Safe Working Environment ........................................................................... 16

Health and Safety Law, Regulation and Influence .............................................................. 22

Development of the Health and Safety Practitioner ............................................................ 25

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 2

Result. Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 3

Result. Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK Page 4 of 34

Unit Ref. No. Unit Title Credit GLH TQT

H/617/7539 Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy 8 30 80

Y/617/8526 Health and Safety Management Practice 10 40 100

Y/617/7540 Risk and Incident Management 8 30 80

Y/617/8543 Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture 6 20 60

OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Unit Ref. No. Unit Title Credit GLH TQT

H/617/7539 Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy 8 30 80

Y/617/8526 Health and Safety Management Practice 10 40 100

Y/617/7540 Risk and Incident Management 8 30 80

R/617/9092 Maintaining a Safe Workplace Environment 12 40 120

H/617/7542 Health and Safety Law, Regulation and Influence 8 35 100

K/617/7543 Development of the Health and Safety Practitioner 8 25 80

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 5

Centre Assessment Guidance

Learner Task Guidance

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 6

• The task response should be submitted as a word document.

• Learners will be required to sign a statement of authenticity, confirming all evidence

o Plagiarism and collusion

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 7

Command Word Definitions

Command Verb Description

Assess / Assessment Consider several options or arguments and weigh them up

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 8

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES AND POLICY

Unit Reference Number H/617/7539

Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 9

and safety policy in an

Task 1 of 2 - Case Study - Assessment Criteria 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

The following must be included within the review.

• A detailed explanation of the organisation’s performance objectives and targets

• A detailed explanation of the key aspects of effective health and safety

• Carryout a critical evaluation on the organisation’s health and safety

Delivery and Submission:

Task 2 of 2 - Health and Safety Policy Review

This must include:

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 10

• A detailed assessment of the organisation’s key impacts in terms of health and

• A detailed explanation of the process in terms of information and consultation

• An outline of the key objectives of a health and safety policy document.

• An assessment of the internal and external factors which influence the

Delivery and Submission

JANUARY 2021 WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 11