Units
Occupational Health and Safety Management
Unit code: PUN500
Contact hours: 3
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
In this unit, students learn about the nature of materials with regards to material failure, fire and explosions. Students are introduced to the concept of the hierarchy of controls and learn about the various safety systems used to control physical, chemical and biological hazards. Students are also introduced to specific legislative requirements that regulate the use of such substances, the configuration of appropriate safety systems, and the storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials. Students develop skills in accident investigation.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The complex nature of the working environment offers ample opportunity for individuals and groups of individuals to be exposed to a wide range of physical, chemical, biological and psycho-social hazards. This process of recognising and preventing occupational disease and injury takes place in the context of management and leadership in organisations. The ultimate purpose of this process is the elimination of hazards or, if that is not feasible, to put in place control measures that maintain an acceptable level of risk.
Aims
This unit explores legislative and practical requirements for managing safety at a workplace. It will provide you with the knowledge necessary to make recommendations that prevent occupational injury and disease. You will apply your knowledge of specific physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial hazards and your skills acquired in safety management systems and safety systems auditing to evaluate current or prospective hazardous situations. You will learn how to design appropriate safety systems that eliminate or control hazards and comply with the legislation, and investigate and report on any injuries or exposures that do occur.
Objectives
Upon successfully completing the unit, you will:
1. analyse, evaluate and control physical, chemical, biological hazards and psychosocial hazards present in the occupational environment
2. apply legislation and standards to the management of construction, hazardous substances and physical hazards.
3. apply the relevant workplace health and safety management methods
4. investigate, analyse and evaluate the causes of occupational injury and illness
Content
Topics covered in this unit include: theories of management, construction, mining, machinery safety, incident investigation, hazardous chemicals, fire safety, laboratory safety and biological safety.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit will be available in both external and internal mode. It is delivered in a flexible mode. The key features of the program delivery are:
*Content is provided through written materials which are available to download from the unit Blackboard site
*Face-to-face lectures/tutorials will be offered in an intensive four day block in week 4. These lectures are open to both internal and external students.
Podcasts of all lectures/tutorials are available on Blackboard. Collaborate sessions will also be offered on Blackboard.
Assessment
Assessment will comprise of the preparation of one Professional Plan and Plan Evaluation, and one exam.You will be provided with feedback on all your assessment as you progress through the unit.
Assessment name:
Professional Plan
Description:
Preparation of a Construction Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Management Plan. Evaluation of the role and effectiveness of the WHS Management Plan in contributing to the management of OHS.
Relates to objectives:
1-3
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid-semester
Assessment name:
Examination (theory)
Description:
You will be required to complete a written, invigilated theory exam based on learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Relates to objectives:
1-4
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Prescribed text
Archer, R. et al (2012).WHS: A Management Guide. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning Australia.
Recommended text
Quinlan, M., Bohle, P., and Lamm, F. (2010).Managing Occupational Health and Safety. (3rd ed). South Yarra: Palgrave McMillan.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 18-Jan-2013
