CQUniversity Unit Profile
OCHS11027 OHS Fundamentals
OHS Fundamentals
All details in this unit profile for OCHS11027 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit introduces students to concepts, processes and procedures that are fundamental to the effective management of occupational health and safety in organisations. Topics include safety management, workplace communication and participation, compliance-driven and voluntary health and safety initiatives and emergency planning.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

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 2 - 2017

Adelaide
Brisbane
Bundaberg
Distance
Gladstone
Mackay
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Portfolio
Weighting: 20%
3. Portfolio
Weighting: 30%
4. Portfolio
Weighting: 20%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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

Feedback

Students found the Moodle site easy to navigate with the Collapsed Topics format.

Recommendation

Retain Collapsed Topic format for moodle site.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Students requested further detail for the assessment tasks.

Recommendation

Additional resources (templates and exemplars of completed procedures) to be provided. Detailed strategies on the development of procedures to be included as additional tutorials, in order to clarify assessment tasks. These tutorials will be recorded and posted in Moodle.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Students report that the Zoom tutorials were useful to improve understanding of assessments.

Recommendation

Continue the use of Zoom tutorials in addition to weekly lecture.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Develop, implement and maintain a simple health and safety management sytem.
  2. Plan work-related health and safety measures and initiatives.
  3. Develop and implement a health and safety consultation and participation process.
  4. Develop and implement strategies to manage work-related hazards.
  5. Develop and implement emergency management and incident response procedures.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Portfolio - 20%
3 - Portfolio - 30%
4 - Portfolio - 20%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
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 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Portfolio - 20%
3 - Portfolio - 30%
4 - Portfolio - 20%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Supplementary

WHS: A Management Guide

4th edition (2015)
Authors: R Archer, K Borthwick, M Travers & L Ruschena
Cengage Learning Australia
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9780170259828
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

This textbook should be available on loan from the CQU Library. However, limited copies are available and if you would prefer a personal copy you can order one from the CQUni Bookshop here.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Frank Bogna Unit Coordinator
f.bogna@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Jul 2017

Module/Topic

Introduction and the legal framework (including Worker's Compensation)

Chapter

Chapter 1, 2 & 16

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Jul 2017

Module/Topic

Developing a systematic approach to safety (Part 1)

Chapter

Chapter 4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Jul 2017

Module/Topic

Developing a systematic approach and WHS information systems (Part 2)

Chapter

Chapters 4 & 5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Jul 2017

Module/Topic

Risk management

Chapter

Chapter 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Aug 2017

Module/Topic

Consultation & communication

Chapter

Chapter 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Aug 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment 1


Written Assessment Due: Vacation Week Monday (14 Aug 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Aug 2017

Module/Topic

Managing the work environment (including noise, vibration, manual handling)

Chapter

Chapters 8, 9 & 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Aug 2017

Module/Topic

Managing physical risks (Plant)

Chapter

Chapter 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 04 Sep 2017

Module/Topic

Managing health and hygiene risks (Hazardous Chemicals)

Chapter

Chapter 9 & 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Portfolio 1


Portfolio Due: Week 8 Monday (4 Sept 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 11 Sep 2017

Module/Topic

Managing fitness for work

Chapter

Additional readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 18 Sep 2017

Module/Topic

Emergency procedures

Chapter

Chapter 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 25 Sep 2017

Module/Topic

Incident reporting & notification

Chapter

Chapter 15

Events and Submissions/Topic

Portfolio 2


Portfolio Due: Week 11 Monday (25 Sept 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Oct 2017

Module/Topic

Review

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Oct 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Portfolio 3


Portfolio Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (9 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Oct 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

Select a small to medium-sized business (up to 30 employees) for which you have been asked to develop a safety management system.

Part A (5%) (500 words)

1. Describe the business and the industry it operates in. Identify any aspects of the business or industry that you consider might require particular attention from a health and safety perspective.

2. What is the occupational health and safety performance of the industry or of relevant occupational aspects of the industry (e.g. high level of MSDs, working at heights, working in confined spaces, etc.) Access and provide references to statistical data to support your findings.

Part B (15%) (1 500 words)

1. Develop a Table of Contents or alternative format for an OHSMS Manual for the business. The Table of Contents should contain a range of elements (main headings) and their components (subheadings) reflecting the ways in which OHS will be managed. Provide a brief statement describing each element (heading).

2. Provide an explanation (150 words) of how the OHSMS operates in terms of its format, content, purposes and functions.

3. Prepare an Implementation Plan outlining one strategy the business has decided to undertake to improve OHS outcomes (i.e. a training initiative, a process for hazard reporting or a new method for conducting inspections). Include the following in the plan:

• The series of steps required to implement the strategy

• Methods or activities used to consult with others

• The allocation of key tasks to be undertaken in order to implement the plan, inclusive of dates/time frames

• A method of tracking the completion of tasks prescribed in the plan.

Part C (10%) (1 000 words)

1. List three sources of information and data that would be relevant to the business in the management of OHS risks (i.e. name specific reports, registers or records). Explain how information and data can be collected, recorded and analysed to assist in managing OHS risks in the business.

2. List the benefits to an organisation of having workers’ compensation, return-to-work and injury management integrated into the OHSMS.


Assessment Due Date

Vacation Week Monday (14 Aug 2017) 10:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (25 Aug 2017)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

1. Description of the business and industry

2. Identification of relevant aspects of business operation from an OHS/WHS perspective

3. Outline of the OHS performance of the industry and/or relevant occupational factors, supported by statistical data.

4. Outline of the importance of an OHS/WHS management system, particularly from a legislative perspective

5. Identification of relevant policies and procedures, particularly from a legislative perspective

6. Prepare an implementation plan for one OHS initiative

7. Format, grammar, punctuation

8. Harvard referencing style


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop, implement and maintain a simple health and safety management sytem.
  • Plan work-related health and safety measures and initiatives.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio

Task Description

Portfolio 1 (20%) (due Week 8)

1. Outline the need for, and benefits of, an OHS/WHS consultation procedure. How would you go about developing such a procedure? What evidence of consultation with stakeholders in the development of the procedure would be relevant?

(500 words) (5%)

2. Develop a comprehensive procedure for effective OHS/WHS consultation with workers and their participation in OHS/WHS matters at the workplace.(1500 words) (15%). Note: This procedure does not need to specifically relate to the business nominated in Written Assessment 1.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (4 Sept 2017) 10:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Friday (15 Sept 2017)


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

1.Outline of needs and benefits for OHS/WHS consultation procedure

2.Process for developing a procedure

3.Methods of consultation with stakeholders in the development of a consultation procedure

4. Develops a comprehensive procedure for worker consultation and participation

5. Format, grammar and punctuation

6. Harvard referencing style


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop, implement and maintain a simple health and safety management sytem.
  • Develop and implement a health and safety consultation and participation process.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio

Task Description

Portfolio 2 (30%) (due Week 11)

Develop procedures for the effective management of each of the following matters at a workplace:

(i) Plant and equipment (including specific requirements for the operation of high risk plant and licencing requirements (1000 words) (10%)

(Note: Include the identification of the specific legal requirements for high-risk work licences for specific plant).

(ii) Hazardous Chemicals (1000 words) (10%)

(iii) Fitness for work (1000 words) (10%)

Note: These procedures do not need to specifically relate to the business nominated in Written Assessment 1.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Monday (25 Sept 2017) 10:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (6 Oct 2017)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

1. Develops procedures for managing risks associated with plant and equipment, chemicals and fitness for work

2. Format, grammar and punctuation

3. Harvard referencing style


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop, implement and maintain a simple health and safety management sytem.
  • Develop and implement strategies to manage work-related hazards.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

4 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio

Task Description

Portfolio 3 (20%) (due Week 12)

Develop procedures for the effective management of each of the following matters at a workplace:

(i) Emergency response procedures (1500 words) (15%)

(ii) Procedures for incident reporting and notification (500 words) (5%)

Note: These procedures do not need to specifically relate to the business nominated in Written Assessment 1.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (9 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (20 Oct 2017)


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

1. Develops relevant procedures for emergency response and incident reporting and notification.

2. Format, grammar and punctuation

3. Harvard referencing style


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop, implement and maintain a simple health and safety management sytem.
  • Develop and implement emergency management and incident response procedures.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

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.

What can you do to act with integrity?