WHS Law Essentials (short course)

Build essential legal knowledge that will enable you to fulfill your Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations effectively. This comprehensive two-day course has been designed specifically for non-lawyers working in or around WHS roles.

By the end of this short course, you’ll have a practical understanding of WHS legislation, compliance requirements and meeting your legal duties. You be equipped to meet your legal WHS responsibilities for creating safer workplaces.

Key learning outcomes

Interpret and apply WHS legislation – Build your understanding of the Work Health and Safety Act, regulations, codes of practice and the hierarchy of WHS law in Australia, with specific focus on state/territory requirements
Understand PCBU duties and officer obligations – Be able to identify who is a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), understand primary duty of care requirements and exercise due diligence as an officer
Implement effective WHS consultation processes – Develop your ability to navigate WHS consultation requirements, work with Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), establish health and safety committees and meet legislative consultation obligations
Apply the risk management framework – Build your skills in using systematic hazard identification, implementing risk assessment methodologies and applying the hierarchy of controls. Also develop your ability to implement effective risk control measures in accordance with legal requirements
Manage incident investigation and reporting obligations – Be equipped to identify notifiable incidents, understand reporting timeframes and procedures, conduct effective incident investigations and maintain required documentation
Demonstrate compliance with WHS legal obligations – Understand WHS regulator enforcement powers, penalties, prosecution and evidence requirements. Also build your skills in implementing systems to ensure ongoing legislative compliance

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Key benefits of studying this course

Learn how to apply WHS legal requirements in your daily work – This course has been designed for professionals who have WHS responsibilities but lack formal legal training. It will build your practical understanding of WHS laws and how to implement them to create a safer workplace.
Enjoy an engaging learning experience – You’ll participate in expert-led interactive presentations, explore real-world case studies from Australian WHS prosecutions and undertake practical exercises. You’ll also receive a comprehensive course manual with templates and checklists.
Choose face-to-face or online delivery – Study this course in a format that suits your needs, or the needs of the employees in your organisation. If you’re an employer looking to upskill your workers, ACBI can also offer onsite training.
Gain a microcredential and recognition for your skills – When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have a microcredential you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Learn from experts – When you study with ACBI, you’ll learn from dedicated trainers who hold a wealth of WHS industry and training experience.
Be supported to succeed – Enjoy access to high-quality student and academic support. Whether you’re a professional looking to upskill or an organisation looking for employee training, ACBI is here to help you succeed.

Domestic students

Domestic students
International Students

2 days (approximately 8 hours per day)

Online

Face-to-face or online

Next on-campus intakes

Next online intakes

Course Guide

Apply now

2 days (approximately 8 hours per day)

Sydney Campus

Face-to-face or online

Next On-campus intakes

Please note that this course is designed for working WHS professionals, rather than international students. If you are an international student, we recommend considering one of ACBI’s courses in AI, IT, sustainability, design or project management instead.

Course Guide

Apply now

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Course content

Modules

Module name	What’s included in this module
Module 1: WHS Legislative Framework and Duties	Overview of Australian WHS law (harmonised vs state-specific legislation) Hierarchy of WHS law (Act, Regulations, Codes of Practice, Guidance) Understanding key WHS terminology and legal definitions The concept of “reasonably practicable” and its application Primary duty of care under section 19 of the WHS Act Who is a PCBU and what are their legal obligations Worker duties and obligations Officer duties and the requirement for due diligence (section 27) Volunteer, domestic and other specific duty holder obligations Penalties and prosecution for WHS breaches
Module 2: Officer Due Diligence and Legal Responsibilities	Who is an “officer” under WHS legislation The six elements of due diligence under section 27(5) Acquiring and maintaining contemporary WHS knowledge Understanding operations, hazards and risks in your business Ensuring adequate WHS resources and processes Implementing appropriate WHS management systems Ensuring effective incident reporting and response processes Verifying WHS compliance and performance Personal liability of officers for failing due diligence Practical steps to demonstrate due diligence Documentary evidence and record-keeping requirements
Module 3: WHS Consultation, Participation and Representation	Legal requirements for WHS consultation When consultation must occur How to conduct effective consultation with workers Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) – roles and powers HSR election processes and training requirements Work groups and designated work groups HSR rights to issue provisional improvement notices and direct cessation of work Health and Safety Committees – structure and functions Consultation with other PCBUs and coordination of shared duties Resolving WHS issues through consultation procedures Best practice consultation strategies
Module 4: Risk Management Process and Hierarchy of Controls	Legal requirements for hazard identification and risk management The risk management process: identify, assess, control, review Hazard identification techniques and workplace inspections Risk assessment methodologies and risk matrices The hierarchy of controls and legal application Elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls and PPE When Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are required High-risk construction work and permit systems Reviewing and revising control measures Documenting risk assessments for legal compliance Common WHS hazards and their control (manual handling, hazardous substances, psychosocial risks)
Module 5: Incident Notification, Investigation and Reporting	Understanding “notifiable incidents” under WHS law Deaths, serious injuries/illnesses, and dangerous incidents Immediate notification requirements to WHS regulators Preserving incident sites and evidence requirements Conducting effective incident investigations Investigation methodologies and root cause analysis Interview techniques and witness statements Incident reporting forms and documentation requirements Incident registers and record-keeping (minimum 5 years) Reporting to multiple parties (regulator, insurer, internal) Learning from incidents and implementing corrective actions Managing inspector visits following notifiable incidents
Module 6: WHS Compliance, Enforcement and Legal Consequences	WHS regulator powers and inspection rights Inspector powers of entry, investigation and enforcement Improvement notices and prohibition notices Responding to notices and compliance timeframes Right to review regulatory decisions WHS prosecutions and court proceedings Categories of offences (Category 1, 2, 3) and maximum penalties Corporate and individual liability Industrial manslaughter provisions (where applicable) Evidence and burden of proof in WHS proceedings Insurance considerations and coverage limits Building a positive safety culture and demonstratingcompliance Implementing WHS management systems for legal compliance

Hear from our students

“Completing a short course with ACBI was a game changer for me. Not only did I gain confidence in developing reports using frameworks, but I also had the chance to apply what I learned in real-time. The trainer’s teaching style made even the most complex topics engaging and easy to grasp, and I can always refer back to the comprehensive materials provided.” Sabina Bispo Sustainability Reporting Short Course

"The trainers were highly knowledgeable and engaging and facilitated interactive discussions, providing practical tools…Highly recommended for professionals seeking actionable solutions and expert guidance.” Sarah El-Moselhi Pathways to Net Zero for Business

“The feedback on the learning experience from the team at Richmond Dairies has been overwhelmingly positive. People were genuinely impressed by the knowledge, clarity, and presence of the trainer. They felt truly privileged to have someone of his caliber speaking to us.” Sabina Clara Gleicher Sustainability Reporting Short Course

Potential Salaries

$K

Source: Seek 2026

Australia’s Model WHS Laws are evolving and now’s the time to adapt – On 5 December 2025, Safe Work Australia released significant amendments to the national model Work Health and Safety Act (Model WHS Act), with major changes relating to the incident notification requirements. (Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, 2026)
There is increasing need to manage psychosocial hazards and risks – There is increasing need for organisations need to proactively manage psychosocial hazards when consulting with employees about workplace matters, rather than simply taking a reactive approach. For example, in 2025 SafeWork NSW issued a prohibition notice to halt a redundancy process at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), on the basis that workers would be exposed to a serious and imminent risk of psychological harm if the process proceeded as planned (Allens 2025)
The nature of work is changing, influencing WHS compliance considerations – The ongoing popularity of flexible, remote and hybrid working arrangements for employees is shifting WHS hazards and approaches. For example, in response to related psychosocial risks, sedentary work and blurred work life boundaries, as well as emerging concerns regarding workplace surveillance (Allens 2025).

After completing the WHS Law Essentials short course, you may wish to extend your skills and knowledge by studying a:

Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety – If you’re looking to advance your WHS career or formalise your WHS experience, gaining this Certificate IV can help.
Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management – Develop skills in improving an organisation’s environmental impact and open up the door to a rewarding career in WHSE (Work, Health, Safety and Environment).
Construction Law Essentials short course – If you work in the construction industry, or are hoping to transition into it, this course will build your practical understanding of key construction legislation requirements.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance that recognised their professional development in WHS Law Essentials.

You’ll be able to share this Certificate of Attendance with your current and future employers as proof of your professional development. You’ll also be able to add the completion of this microcredential to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Entry requirements

Domestic Students
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that people studying this course have:

Some experience working in a job with WHS requirements, or

Have completed a WHS qualification or course
International Students
Please note that this course has been designed for WHS professionals working in Australia.

If you are an international student, we recommend you consider studying a qualification in AI, IT, sustainability, design or management with ACBI instead. For example, some of our popular courses for international students include the:

Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management

Diploma of Graphic Design

Diploma of Project Management

Certificate IV in Information Technology

For more advice on what to study as an international student, connect with one of our helpful Course Advisors.

How to apply

Domestic Students

Simply complete this form to kickstart your application.

Once you’ve completed the application form, our Course Advisors will be in touch to confirm your enrolment details.

Need help with applying? Our friendly team is here to help. Connect with your Course Advisor or simply fill out this form to get in touch.
International Students
Please note that this course has been designed for WHS professionals working in Australia.

If you are an international student, we recommend you consider studying a qualification in AI, IT, sustainability, design or management with ACBI instead. For example, some of our popular courses for international students include the:

Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management

Diploma of Graphic Design

Diploma of Project Management

Certificate IV in Information Technology

For more advice on what to study as an international student, connect with one of our helpful Course Advisors.

Apply now

FAQs

Who is this course for?

This course has been designed for professionals who have WHS responsibilities but lack formal legal training. It will equip you to understand and apply WHS legal requirements in your daily work. It can be a great choice for:

WHS and other professionals looking to understand practical strategies for WHS compliance they can implement in their workplaces
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety graduates seeking to expand their skills set and increase their career opportunities

This course is ideal for:

WHS Coordinators and Advisors
Safety Officers and Managers
Human Resources Managers
Construction Site Supervisors
Operations Managers
Facility Managers
Line Managers and Team Leaders
Project Managers
Compliance Officers
Risk Management Officers
Training and Development Managers
Maintenance Supervisors
Building Managers
Workplace Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
Office Managers with WHS responsibilities

What is it like to study this course?

Your study experience will be informative and engaging. This course combines:

Expert-led interactive presentations from experienced WHS legal professionals
Real-world case studies from Australian WHS prosecutions
Group discussions and collaborative problem-solving
Practical exercises including risk assessments and incident investigations
Q&A sessions addressing specific workplace WHS legal queries
Application activities connecting legal requirements to workplace practice

I’m looking to enrol multiple employees into this course. Is this possible?

Yes, you can enrol as many employees as you like into this course. ACBI caters to businesses and public sector organisations looking to upskill and reskill their staff. We can offer you:

A choice of delivery formats, including in-person, online and on-site training
Customised training content tailored to the unique needs and skill gaps of your organisation
Pricing discounts when you enrol 3 or more employees

To discuss how ACBI may be able to cater to your organisation’s unique needs, connect with a Course Advisor.

Why should I study this course at ACBI?

When you choose to study the WHS Law Essentials course at ACBI you’ll enjoy:

Studying with a trusted training provider – ACBI is dedicated to offering great student experiences. We’ve been helping our students achieve good course outcomes over 10 years. When you complete this course at ACBI, you’ll join over 4,500 graduates who’ve had success studying with us.
Access to a range of training options, including corporate training options – Choose from in-person, online and on-site training. If you’re an organisation looking to upskill your staff, we can support you with flexible options for addressing employee skills gaps and learning needs.
An engaging learning experience – You’ll participate in expert-led interactive presentations, explore real-world case studies from Australian WHS prosecutions and undertake practical exercises. You’ll also receive a comprehensive course manual with templates and checklists.

Can I enrol in multiple short courses?

You absolutely can. ACBI also offers short courses in:

Sustainability
Construction law essentials
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Project Management
And more

You can browse all our short courses here.

Do you have any longer courses in WHS?

Yes, we do. If you’re looking to launch your WHS career or formalise your existing WHS experience, you may wish to study a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety. This course can be completed flexibly online over the course of 1 year (or less). For personalised advice on which WHS course might be best for your unique situation, our Course Advisors are here to help. Simply fill out this form and one will be in touch with you shortly.

I want to know something about this course but can’t find an answer. Who can I ask?

Our friendly Course Advisors are here to help. Simply fill out this form and an advisor will get in touch with you.