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Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
This course is delivered in fast-track mode for working professionals

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
A safe workplace is a necessity. Work health and safety (WHS) qualified personnel are needed in almost every business, and this Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety is the perfect way to play a role in the safety of your workplace, whilst future-proofing your career.
This nationally recognised Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety course aims to provide you with an understanding of the work health and safety (WHS) skills required to administer various work health and safety functions. You will learn WHS laws, incident response, managing claims, and hazard identification. The Swinburne Professional approach is to not only deliver the technical skills you need to be a qualified WHS professional, but also to develop the leadership and management skills needed to do the job.
This qualification focuses on real world, relevant global contexts. It is a practical program with projects and assignments you can integrate into your existing role or organisation. Undergoing the program gives you skills and tools you can use immediately and encourages you to think differently. Additionally, the qualification fully aligns to future trends in leadership capabilities.
Who should attend?
This qualification is suitable for junior WHS personnel seeking to add to their skills, existing WHS professionals who need a formal qualification, and those seeking careers as WHS consultants and contractors.
Duration
6 months (starting monthly)View dates on timetable
Study modes
Part-time, Face-to-face, Live online, workplace
Fees

Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Download this course brochure for more information about the qualification, and a detailed breakdown of the course units. This can also be given to your employer to pitch for funding or support of your program.
“Honestly, the entire experience with Swinburne has just been an utter delight from the minute I made the first phone call to enquire about doing this Certificate IV. In all my years of post-secondary study I have never found an educational institution so warm and inviting yet so professional and competent, along with simple and user friendly at the same time. The facilitator has been a great presenter using relevant examples, a confident approach to his presentations, a warm and inclusive manner. Overall, very positive.”
Andrew
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Swinburne Live Online Short Courses and Qualifications
Our Live Online training is delivered to you live, providing similar interactions as face to face training with the benefits of remote access. The training is delivered through video conferencing and discussion board platforms. Workshops are broken into interactive video sessions, including presentations and distribution of materials and discussion board based activities.
Our Live Online delivery
Our Live Online delivery is a dynamic, engaging and interactive way to learn remotely. It’s just like face to face but with the added benefits of digital technology. Your facilitator will present in real-time, and you will be able to participate in group discussions and collaborate on exercises and group activities using our interactive platforms.

Study this course for free in 2023
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2023 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available if you are under 20 years old, or enrolling in a course at a higher level than you have completed before.
If you don't tick either of these boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Course details
- Course delivery, learning objectives and benefits.
Course structure
This WHS certificate course is made up of 10 units delivered in four clusters.
For further information speak to one of our Customer Development Advisors on 1800 633 560.
WHS compliance and risk
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WHS leadership and management
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Implementing and maintaining WHS
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Responding to incidents, assisting employees and writing complex documents
Course delivery
Blended delivery
The blended delivery mode contains a series of Live Online workshops to cover theory and coaching sessions addressing industry contexts. Participants complete a webinar induction, e-Learning units and will submit assessments online via Swinburne’s e-Learning system, Canvas.
Live Online Workshops
Live Online workshops are just like face to face workshops but with the added benefits of digital technology. Your facilitator will present in real time and you will be able to participate in group discussions and collaborate on exercises and group activities using our interactive platforms.
Assessment
Students will be given six weeks to complete their assessment(s).
Assessor Guidance Session
Each unit of the program embeds a personalised guidance session, tailored to the learner’s needs. This key checkpoint in the blended framework provides the opportunity to clarify understanding, ask questions, and ensures learners are on track for successful course completion.
Workplace delivery
This course (or units from it) can be tailored to industry delivery within the workplace for groups of eight or more students. Students may enrol in the course at any stage during the year. Students have the chance to select from a range of dates for elective units to determine the duration of their course.
Learning objectives
- Individuals will learn the the skills and knowledge required to:
- Assist with determining the legal framework for WHS in your workplace.
- Assist with establishing and maintaining WHS legislative compliance
- Contribute to a wide range of WHS compliance requirements and workplace hazard identification.
- Contribute to WHS risk assessment and create, implement, and evaluate risk control processes and policies.
- Assist with monitoring contractor WHS compliance requirements and addressing contractor WHS noncompliance.
- Contribute to implementing, assessing, and improving of WHS consultation and participation feedback processes.
- Develop, implement, maintain, and review a WHS management system.
- Assist with implementing response procedures during incidents.
- Contribute to developing and implementing recommended measures and actions arising from incident investigation.
- Assist with preparing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating return to work for injured workers.
- Plan and produce documents; and draft and prepare final text.
By completing this WHS certificate course, individuals will also learn the skills and knowledge required to assist with the management of workers’ compensation claims, rehabilitation and return-to-work programs.
Benefits
Benefits of this Certificate IV in WHS course
- Understand how to comply with WHS laws.
- Contribute to WHS risk management.
- Show leadership at your workplace; including presentation skills, leadership skills, and writing complex documents.
- Confidently manage external WHS contractors.
- Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of WHS consultation and processes.
- Contribute to the implementation of WHS management systems.
- Assist with Workplace Incident Responses and the return-to-work process.
What to expect
- Networking opportunities with other working professionals.
- Access to industry experts who facilitate the workshops.
- Rolling monthly intakes.
- Program materials and manuals are used in the workshops. These double as take-home resources.
- Access to Customer Development Advisors to discuss further study options - to book an appointment call 1800 633 560.
- Live Online delivery available in the following states and territories – Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Tasmania.
Swinburne student benefits
1. Convenient Live Online delivery
Our unique Live Online training is delivered to you live, providing similar interactions as face to face training with the benefits of remote access. Our courses offer the same great quality course and human connection that our classroom delivery does from the comfort of your own home.
2. Be supported throughout every stage of your professional development journey
From initial enquiry through to graduation, our team will support students and offer the tools and guidance necessary for completing course requirements. Enjoy access to an Assessor guidance session to discuss assessment requirements and due dates. Every assessment you complete throughout your course will provide practical real-time learning.
3. Receive a practical tool kit and resources that can be used in the workplace
You will not need to purchase any additional textbooks as we provide comprehensive workbooks written specifically for each course. This means that content is 100% relevant. Receive the real time benefits of our tailored participant manuals, tools for assessments, and practical techniques and templates. The skills and resources that you gain can be implemented straight into the workplace during the course of your learning.
4. More one-on-one time to focus on individual needs
Capacity-restricted workshops provide Facilitators with the time to focus on individual needs and more one-on-one time. Unlike self-paced asynchronous online learning, workshop participants receive an interactive experience designed for asking questions and undergoing group discussions alongside learning peers.
5. Access to expert facilitators
To maintain their currency in knowledge for the courses and qualifications they deliver, Swinburne’s expert facilitators go above and beyond requirements set by the vocational educational training sector. As such, all facilitators undergo relevant professional development, attend industry conferences, read journals and industry newsletters, and engage with employers and trade unions to ensure they remain appropriately informed.
6. Swinburne discounts, benefits, and services
Swinburne’s student support services are available to offer you the care and support you need to have the best student life you can. Whilst studying with Swinburne, our students are provided access to a broad range of health and well being services, some of which can be accessed online. As a part of the Swinburne Alumni Community, enjoy access to a wide range of services and special offers, including a 15% discount for Swinburne Professional short courses. Please contact us for further information about this discount.
7. Swinburne’s commitment to sustainability and diversity
Driven by our dedication to sustainability, Swinburne procure 100% renewable electricity; bringing us one step closer to our goal of being carbon neutral by 2025. To support the mental, physical and emotional well being of its community, Swinburne also offer comprehensive professional health and medical services to its students and staff. Visit the Strategies and Initiatives and Giving to Swinburne pages to read more about Swinburne’s efforts to embrace sustainability, cross-cultural partnerships, diversity and equal opportunity.
Fees
- Fees for 2023.
Certificate IV in Work Health and SafetyEstimated course fees for 2023* |
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Price for the program | Full Fee: $4388 Skills First (Victoria only): $1,188 Concession (Victoria only): $238 |
How do I pay my fees?
Government funding available for eligible students. Check your eligibility.
Employer sponsored training
Many organisations are more than willing to help employees build on their skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities. In some circumstances, employers may be able to assist you in your professional development by sponsoring all or part of your fees.
The following documents can assist you with this process:
Find out more about fees.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Entry requirements
Please note: Students are required to have access to a suitable workplace, including relevant WHS policies, procedures and processes, to meet performance evidence requirements and complete the assessment tasks for the embedded units of competency.
Students must also have access to working professionals in the WHS industry to collaborate with in order to complete assessment activities.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about credit.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about RPL.
Enquire and enrol
- How to enquire and enrol in this course.

Register your interest
To register your interest and request an application form or to submit an enquiry, please fill in your details below and press submit. Alternatively, you can call us on 1800 633 560, or email us at indenrolments@swin.edu.au with the relevant information.
Arrangements can be made for group bookings.
Course downloads
- Timetables, course brochures and further information.
2022 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety - Timetable
Download this timetable planner as part of your registration.
2023 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety - Timetable
Download this timetable planner as part of your registration.
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety - Learning Journey
Download this learning journey as part of your registration
Download this document as a quick outline of the course that can be printed and presented to your employer.
Find out more
Make an enquiry
Make an enquiry
To register your interest and request an application form or to submit an enquiry, please fill in your details below and press submit.
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059