Overview
This foundation unit introduces you to the principles of risk management and their application within a health and safety context. You will be able to define the terms utilised in the broader principles of risk management and learn to identify, prioritise and manage hazards according to their risk in a variety of environments.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2017
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students commented that the assignment resources were very useful.
Continue to provide resources that help students complete assessment items.
The same resources were provided to students.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students found assessment items challenging and asked to have them spread out more to enable a greater opportunity to incorporate changes based on the feedback from previous submissions.
Review assessment items.
Assessment items were reviewed and redesigned. Improvements were shown, in the achievement of higher grades and fewer fails.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students found the case studies useful for reinforcing risk concepts.
Continue this practice.
Case studies help students learn from failure and these were continued.
- Define terms utilised in risk management.
- Recognise and apply the principles of risk management in a health and safety context.
- Identify and prioritise hazards according to their risk in a variety of settings.
- Apply the hierarchy of control in recommending appropriate interventions to control risk.
- Demonstrate diverse and critical thinking in risk management decision making.
- Differentiate between compliance-based and evidence-based practice.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||||
2 - Portfolio - 40% | ||||||
3 - Written Assessment - 40% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
1 - Communication | ||||||
2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
5 - Team Work | ||||||
6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||||||||
2 - Portfolio - 40% | ||||||||||
3 - Written Assessment - 40% |
Textbooks
Set phasers on stun and other true tales of design, technology and human error
Edition: 2 (1998)
Authors: Casey, S
Aegean Publishing
Santa Barbara Santa Barbara , CA , USA
ISBN: 9780963617880
Binding: Hardcover
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
e.crawford@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Exploring risk
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk concepts
Chapter
In Search of the Lost Cord (p. 177)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk decision-making
Chapter
Never Cry Wolf (p. 89)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk context
Chapter
Silent Warning (p. 133)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk identification
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk analysis
Chapter
Zzzs in Zeebrugge (p.142)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk control I
Chapter
Return to Salyut (p. 23)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk control II
Chapter
Genie in the Bottle (p. 117)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Risk communication
Chapter
Rental Car (p. 35)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Set Phasers on Stun (p. 13)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Pre and post risk management
Chapter
Murphy's Law and Newton's Law (p. 241)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
[No exam set for this unit]
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
The purpose of this assessment item is to assess your ability to define and critically think about the terms and principles of health and safety risk management, including compliance and evidence-based practice.
Your task is to complete two quizzes by the nominated due dates. Each online quiz is composed of 20 questions. Quiz 1 questions are drawn from the unit material presented in weeks 1 and 2. Quiz 2 questions are drawn from the unit material presented in weeks 3 and 4. Each quiz is made available for two weeks during which time you will have 1 hour to complete the quiz. In case of internet failure during quiz completion, you will be allowed a second opportunity after a 30-minute lock-out period between each access.
- Quiz 1 opens Week 2 - Thursday 16-03-17 (08:00 AEST) and closes Week 4 - Wednesday 29-03-17 (23:45 AEST).
- Quiz 2 opens Week 4 - Thursday 30-03-17 (08:00 AEST) and closes Vacation Week - Wednesday 12-04-17 (23:45 AEST).
- QuizQuiz
2
Fortnightly
Vacation Week Wednesday (12 Apr 2017) 11:45 pm AEST
Monday (17 Apr 2017)
Assessment Criteria
Immediate indication of the number of correct responses will be available via Moodle, each quiz representing 10% of the total unit grade.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
- Define terms utilised in risk management.
- Differentiate between compliance-based and evidence-based practice.
2 Portfolio
The purpose of this assessment item is to assess your ability to conduct a number of risk management activities and to communicate your findings meaningfully. Starting from Week 2, you will be presented with a case study for discussion in Moodle. You are to select two case studies, one for each task. Your completed task is to be posted in the designated discussion forum. Once posted you will be able to view the work of other students. You can start these tasks after the first case study has been presented, but must complete both tasks before the due date.
You are required to complete the following:
Case Study Task 1 - Risk Identification (15%)
In 300 words or less:
- Select and identify your chosen case study
- Describe the context in which risks arose in the case study (internal and external)
- Identify who was at risk
- Identify and discuss any hazards, vulnerabilities or other contributing factors that exposed people to risks
- Cite at least 1 reputable source
Case Study Task 2 - Risk Analysis (25%)
In 500 words or less:
- Select and identify your chosen case study
- Describe the context in which risks arose in the case study (internal and external)
- Identify who was at risk
- Identify and discuss any hazards, vulnerabilities or other contributing factors that exposed people to risks
- Identify any existing risk control measures and discuss any weaknesses noted
Select one risk to analyse and do the following:
- Identify associated hazard(s) or contributing factor(s)
- Describe the nature of the harm that this hazard could cause (support with a reference)
- Determine how severe the harm could be (consequences)
- Determine the likelihood of the harm occurring (likelihood)
- Based on this analysis, assess and determine the level of risk arising
- Cite at least 2 reputable sources
Due dates
- Case Study Task 1 due Week 6, Friday 21-04-17 (23:45 AEST)
- Case Study Task 2 due Week 8, Friday 05-05-17 (23:45 AEST)
Week 8 Friday (5 May 2017) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Friday (19 May 2017)
Feedback for both tasks will be provided in the designated discussion area so that all students can benefit from the learnings.
You will be assessed against the following criteria:
Case Study Task 1 (Grade converts to 15% of the total unit grade)
50% Content
- Describes all relevant contextual factors
- Identifies who is at risk to health and safety
- Identifies hazards accurately
- Demonstrates understanding of how risks arise
50% Communication
- Written expression is clear, concise and free of spelling and grammatical errors
- Accurate use of Harvard Referencing Style
- Utilises reputable sources(s) - at least 1
Case Study Task 2 (Grade converts to 25% of the total unit grade)
60% Content
- Describes all relevant contextual factors
- Identifies who is at risk to health and safety
- Identifies hazards accurately
- Demonstrates understanding of how risks arise
- Identifies existing risk controls and weaknesses associated with them (as applicable)
- Describes the nature of the harm that associated hazard(s) (of chosen risk) could cause
- Determines the severity of the harm
- Determines the likelihood of harm occurring
- Assesses and determines the level of risk arising
40% Communication
- Written expression is clear, concise and free of spelling and grammatical errors
- Accurate use of Harvard Referencing Style
- Utilises reputable sources(s) - at least 2
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
- Recognise and apply the principles of risk management in a health and safety context.
- Identify and prioritise hazards according to their risk in a variety of settings.
- Apply the hierarchy of control in recommending appropriate interventions to control risk.
- Demonstrate diverse and critical thinking in risk management decision making.
3 Written Assessment
The purpose of this assessment item is for you to demonstrate that you can apply and communicate risk management principles to improve the health and safety of people associated with a particular task.
In about 1200 words you are required to formally communicate the risks to health and safety associated with a task and offer recommendations to reduce the identified risk(s). The report is to be directed to a higher authority (or partner) in a convincing manner in order to persuade this authority to accept your proposed risk control plan. To be appropriate for this assignment, the task must be observable, should take about 6 discrete steps to complete, be work-related, and present a risk to someone's health and safety. To ensure your task is suitable for this assignment, there is a dedicated discussion forum set up and active until the end of week 10. Here you can seek early feedback on your task to check suitability. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of this opportunity before embarking on the rest of the assignment.
The report needs to include the following:
- Description of task, worker (user) and contextual factors that may influence health and safety
- Analysis of the task to identify hazards, risks and existing control measures
- Outcome of the risk assessment (analysis and evaluation)
- Evaluation of risk control options by utilising a suitable risk control framework (i.e. the hierarchy of control, and what might be reasonably practicable to do)
- Risk Control Plan and associated Corrective Actions Plan
- Consideration of relevant WHS legislation within an evidence-based framework
- Assertions are supported by reputable sources
- CQUniverisity Harvard Referencing Style
- All completed worksheets
A formal report structure is required:
- Assessment title page
- Short letter/email of transmittal
- Executive summary
- Introduction - purpose of the report
- Background - the task and context
- Method - how you investigated the problem
- Findings - results of the risks assessment
- Discussion - implications of the results and an evaluation of potential risk control options
- Conclusion
- Recommendations (prioritised)
- References (current CQU Harvard Referencing Style)
- Appendices (i.e. completed worksheets including the corrective actions plan).
Week 12 Friday (2 June 2017) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Friday (9 June 2017)
This assignment will be assessed on the following criteria:
70% Content
- Describes a task, worker (user) and contextual factors that may influence OHS.
- Selects an appropriate method to analyse a task for hazards and conducts proficient analysis.
- Identifies hazards and associated risks to health and safety.
- Considers existing control measures.
- Develops appropriate OHS risk control options.
- Evaluates risk control options in consideration of the hierarchy of control measures and what may be reasonably practicable to do.
- Demonstrates diverse and critical thinking skills
- Recommends a suitable Risk Control Plan and associated Corrective Actions Plan that suitably utilises WHS legislation within an evidence-based framework.
- Completes all worksheets (i.e. Task Analysis, Risk Assessment and Corrective Actions Plan). Worksheets are located in the appendix.
30% Communication
- Report is professionally presented
- Written expression is clear, concise, logical and persuasive
- Accurate spelling and grammar
- Relevant and reputable use of the literature
- Resources are appropriately acknowledged (i.e. current CQUni Harvard Style)
- Contains at least 6 reputable references
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
- Define terms utilised in risk management.
- Recognise and apply the principles of risk management in a health and safety context.
- Identify and prioritise hazards according to their risk in a variety of settings.
- Apply the hierarchy of control in recommending appropriate interventions to control risk.
- Demonstrate diverse and critical thinking in risk management decision making.
- Differentiate between compliance-based and evidence-based practice.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.