CQUniversity Unit Profile
OCHS12002 Occupational Health and Safety Practice
Occupational Health and Safety Practice
All details in this unit profile for OCHS12002 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 develops technical competencies for the developing occupational health and safety practitioner. Students will visit a range of worksites and gain practical experience in conducting routine occupational health and safety activities.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

OCHS11025 Health & Safety Risk Management and (OCHS11026 Introductory Occupational Health & Safety OR OCHS12001 Introductory Occupational Health & Safety).

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 - 2022

Mixed Mode

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).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

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. Group Work
Weighting: 30%
2. Portfolio
Weighting: 40%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%

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 evaluation comments

Feedback

Some students had reported assessments being due in close proximity to each other towards the latter part of the term.

Recommendation

Review the spacing and allocation of assessment tasks during the term.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate practical skills in hazard identification, assessment, control and review.
  2. Apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
  3. Apply legislation, occupational health and safety guidelines and scientific evidence toward safety strategies.
  4. Communicate occupational health and safety information professionally to a variety of audiences.
  5. Utilise skills in ethical practice, teamwork and reflection at the level of a developing OHS practitioner.
  6. Construct a formal inspection report demonstrating evidence based-practice.
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 6
1 - Group Work - 30%
2 - Portfolio - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%

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 - Group Work - 30%
2 - Portfolio - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Supplementary

WHS: A Management Guide

Edition: 6 (2021)
Authors: Archer, R, Ruschena, L, Bogna, F & Travers, M
Cengage
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9780170446877
Binding: eBook

Additional Textbook Information

Textbook is made available online through CQUniversity library (no requirement for students to purchase book).


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: 11 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

The Role of the OHS Professional

Chapter

International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations 2017, The Occupational Health and Safety Professional Capability Framework-A Global Framework for Practice, International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO), Park Ridge, Illinois, USA.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Professional Communication and Teamwork

Chapter

Prescribed readings

Presenting as a team: Belbin Team Roles (Self-Perception Inventory) - Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

OHS regulation, standards and guidelines (searching benchmarks for a presentation)

Chapter

Resources in Moodle

Legislation

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Workplace Inspections

Chapter

Resources in Moodle

Woodcock, K 2014, 'Model of safety inspection', Safety Science, Vol 62, pp.145-156.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Risk management and its linkage to Safety Management Systems

Chapter

Resources in Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Independent Study

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Residential School Rockhampton (CQUniversity - North Rockhampton Campus)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Group oral presentation is conducted in this week. 

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Technical Report Writing

Chapter

Resources in Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Team Presentation Due: Week 7 Friday (2 Sept 2022) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 05 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Evidence-informed OHS Practice

Chapter

Zardo, P & Pryor, P 2012, ‘The OHS Professional as a ‘Critical Consumer of Research’ in The Core Body of Knowledge for Generalist OHS Professionals, HaSPA (Health and Safety Professionals Alliance), Safety Institute of Australia, Tullamarine, Victoria.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 12 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Information and Data Systems

Chapter

Resources in Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Workplace Inspection Report Due: Week 9 Friday (16 Sept 2022) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 19 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Reflexive Practice & Professional Development

Chapter

International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations 2017, The Occupational Health and Safety Professional Capability Framework-A Global Framework for Practice, International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO), Park Ridge, Illinois, USA.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Review of unit

Chapter

Resources in Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

OHS Portfolio Due: Week 11 Friday (30 Sept 2022) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Students are required to attend an on-campus residential, to be held at the North Rockhampton campus of CQUniversity, from 1.00pm on 22/8/22 - 12.00pm on 26/8/22. 

Assessment Tasks

1 Group Work

Assessment Title
Team Presentation

Task Description

Purpose

The objective of this assessment item is to develop professional presentation and teamwork skills. For both study and work it is important that you develop confidence in presenting orally to a group. At university, teamwork is different to industry in that teams provide a learning experience for you. During this experience, you will learn:

  • about how comfortable you are speaking before others
  • how to persuade others in a variety of ways
  • how to avoid death by PowerPoint
  • how to engage the audience
  • about yourself as a team worker
  • how to build relationships, an important skill for building partnerships as an OHS Professional
  • how to work with others to draw the best out of each other
  • how to work through difficult situations, such as: disruptions to team progress, conflicts among team members and differences in ability, personality and motivation (Note conflict and differences of opinion enhance your learning experience)
  • project management.

Many of these skills relate to other situations beyond working in teams that will support personal growth expected of OHS professionals.


Task Description

There are two parts to this assignment:

  • 1a the Team Presentation (10%)
  • 1b the Individual Presentation Project (20%)

You will be assigned to a team (of three or four members) based on your team role preferences and level of OHS experience.

Preparation: By Friday of Week 2, you are required to perform the following tasks:

  • Undertake the Team Role Quiz. You will be asked to provide your results from the Team Role Quiz.
  • Complete the OCHS12002 Team Selection (Week 1) Survey.

1a The Team Presentation (10%)

Before Residential School:

By Monday of Week 2, you will be assigned to a team and provided with a team space within Microsoft Teams.


Details

As a team you are required to perform the following tasks:

  • Establish a team contract that includes: roles, communication, schedule of milestones and an issues resolution plan.
  • Select a presentation topic from the list provided in Moodle. The purpose of the presentation is to present information to management on a compelling case related to an OHS topic, where action needs to be taken.
  • Each team will present a different topic and selection of topics will be on a 'first in best dressed' basis.
  • The presentation is to take 15 minutes after which there will be 5 minutes for questions. All members must contribute to the development of the presentation. Delivery of the presentation should be equally divided among team members.
  • The content of the presentation should:

-Pitch to management who have the power to resource actions proposed

-Establish the context

-Provide details about the hazards

-Indicate the extent of associated risks and who is impacted

-Propose corrective actions in a persuasive manner

-Include an interactive component to engage the audience and aid learning that takes about 5 minutes. The interactive component can be done in a 5-minute block or spread across the presentation

-In developing the content, you may like to consider the Energy-Damage Model, the Hierarchy of Control Measures, legislation, Australian and International standards and any other reputable information source

-The presentation should be appropriate for managers and contain enough information to make a compelling case that requires management approval and resourcing

-Provide a reference list as the final slide.


Submission

Submit the final presentation PowerPoint slides in the Moodle Assessment Block by the due date (before the commencement of residential school).


During Residential School:

Your team will deliver your presentation virtually to your fellow classmates. Assign one team member to drive the slides during the presentation. You will also be required to introduce another team's presentation assigned to your team and chair questions. Share this task among the team.


Post Residential School:

After residential school you are required to complete the second half of this assignment (see 1b. Individual Presentation Project).


1b Individual Presentation Project (20%)

1. Reflect on how the presentation went and your contribution to it. Present, in a couple of paragraphs:

Your contribution to the presentation (slides, information, etc.), and a personal reflection on how well you felt your delivery went in less than 250 words.

2. Complete and submit this reflection in Moodle by the due date.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Friday (2 Sept 2022) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Friday (16 Sept 2022)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

1a. Team Presentation (100 marks) weighted at 10%

The Presentation:

  • Pitched to management appropriately (10 marks)

· Context is established (10 marks)

· Sufficient depth of discussion (10 marks)

· Provides details about the hazards (10 marks)

· Indicates the extent of associated risks and who is impacted (10 marks)

· Proposes corrective actions in a persuasive manner (10 marks)

· Interactive reinforcement activity/s (10 marks)

· PowerPoint design (10 marks)

· Delivery technique (breath control, pitch, pace, pause, dynamics…) (10 marks)

· Reputable sources and referencing (10 marks)


1b. Individual Presentation Project (20 marks) weighted at 20%

Describes personal contribution (10 marks)

-Depth of discussion (based on your contribution)

-Design of presentation (PowerPoint, video, reinforcement activity)

-Reputable sources and accurate referencing.

Personal reflection (10 marks)

-Critical thinking

-Consideration of delivery techniques

-Offers useful improvements.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate practical skills in hazard identification, assessment, control and review.
  • Apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
  • Apply legislation, occupational health and safety guidelines and scientific evidence toward safety strategies.
  • Communicate occupational health and safety information professionally to a variety of audiences.
  • Utilise skills in ethical practice, teamwork and reflection at the level of a developing OHS practitioner.


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

2 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Workplace Inspection Report

Task Description


Purpose

The purpose of this assessment item is to give you an opportunity to conduct a general workplace inspection within a workplace visit during the residential. During the process you will develop valuable practical skills such as hazard identification, risk assessment, control and monitoring skills. You will become acquainted with OHS legislation and other OHS codes, standards and guidelines. Formal report writing will hone written communication skills and develop various administrative skills required of an OHS Professional.


Task Description

This assessment item is an individual assignment.

You are required to do the following:

• Identify the work area (domestic or industrial) to be inspected.

• Before going on site, you are to:

- Prepare a general workplace inspection checklist. This will be added to and modified in draft format by yourself during the inspection and finalised by you after the completion of the inspection.

• During the inspection, you are to do the following:

- Be dressed in a appropriate PPE 

>Long cotton pants/jeans,

>Long sleeved, collared shirt (high vis, reflective stripes)

>Safety boots - steel capped

>Clear safety glasses.

- View/inspect the various areas provided and document the inspection with your observations. A refinement of your observations/notes can be made after the visual inspection is completed. 


Prepare the formal Workplace Inspection Report, which needs to contain the completed inspection checklist in the Appendix. Prepare the following for the report:

• Cover page (Including assignment details)

• Report title page

• Executive summary (one to two paragraphs only)

• Table of contents

• Contextualisation of the workplace (what work is performed there)

• Methodology (inspection approach, instruments used)

• Findings (includes good practice and areas for improvement)

• Evaluation of observed risks and additional risk treatment

• Corrective Actions Plan that is evidence-based and reasonably practicable

• Assertions with reference to reputable sources (i.e.,  legislation, Codes of Practice, Australian Standards, Textbooks – if relevant)

• Appendices: The completed Inspection Checklist and Corrective Actions Plan

• Complies with the limit of 2,500 words (select the most salient items to include in the report)

• Word count excludes the following: cover page, title page, executive summary, table of contents, reference list and appendices).


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (16 Sept 2022) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (30 Sept 2022)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Formal workplace inspection report 30% (100 marks)

  • Images and or sketches (capture of evidence) that  supports report assertions (10 marks)
  • Identifies aspects that manage the hazards and associated risks well and those that need improvement (20 marks)
  • Evaluates risks observed by utilising a suitable risk control framework (20 marks)
  • Develops an evidence-based risk control plan and associated Corrective Actions Plan (20 marks)
  • Assertions are supported with reference to reputable sources (10 marks)
  • Format is professionally and concisely presented, including document control (10 marks)
  • Appendix: contextualised workplace inspection template (10 marks).


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate practical skills in hazard identification, assessment, control and review.
  • Apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
  • Apply legislation, occupational health and safety guidelines and scientific evidence toward safety strategies.
  • Communicate occupational health and safety information professionally to a variety of audiences.
  • Utilise skills in ethical practice, teamwork and reflection at the level of a developing OHS practitioner.


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

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
OHS Portfolio

Task Description

Purpose

The purpose of this assessment item is to give you an opportunity to develop your risk assessment skills for a variety of items in either a domestic or light-to-medium industrial environment. During the process you will develop valuable practical skills such as hazard identification, risk assessment, control and monitoring skills. You will become acquainted with the OHS legislation and other OHS standards and guidelines.


Task Description

You are required to undertake the following three tasks:

1. Conduct a plant risk assessment (20 marks)

2. Develop a hazardous chemical risk register and conduct a hazardous chemical risk assessment (10 marks)

3. Reflect on professional practice (10 marks).


1. Risk assessment of plant (20%)

Your task is to select a type of plant and to conduct a Plant Risk Assessment.

You are required to do the following:

  • Conduct a Plant Risk Assessment, using the Plant Risk Assessment template provided to you in Moodle. You will need to use a risk assessment matrix to suit the risk context.
  • Provide some visual capture (i.e. photograph/s) that capture the item of plant to provide some visual context for the item of plant and to demonstrate that you have actually accessed the item of plant.
  • Submit the completed assessment in Moodle by the due date.

An exemplar of how to commence the risk assessment, along with an accompanying video file is provided in Moodle for your reference.


2. Hazardous chemical risk register and risk assessment (10%)

Your task is to:

  • Take a photograph of your chemical storage area at workplace or home (i.e. chemical storage area, kitchen, laundry or shed).
  • Develop a chemical risk register. Please use the sample template provided on the Safe Work Australia website (available at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/chemicals/hazardous-chemical-records-and-signs-workplaces/hazardous-chemicals-register).

Select one chemical and conduct a risk assessment. Please use the Hazardous Chemical Register Template provided in Moodle. 

Submit it before or by the due date.


3. Reflections on professional practice (10%)

The Board of Directors of the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO) established a Global OHS Capability Framework to provide greater clarity around the generalist OHS positions by defining levels of practice, roles and what capabilities, knowledge and skills they would require to be effective. Your task is to:

  • Use the skill list in Section Six of the INSHPO OHS Capabilities Framework to map your current skill levels (1 to 4) across each of the performance criteria. This should be presented in a matrix format (see Moodle for a template).
  • Based on this mapping exercise, self-analyse where you are positioned for each skill (i.e. 1 = Awareness, 2 = Routine Application, 3 = Skilled Application, and 4 = Creative Mastery)
  • Based on the analysis, identify the skill gaps or areas for improvement that you may have.
  • Reflect on these results and outline an action plan that will help you develop your OHS professional skills for the future and more immediately for your third-year studies.
  • Submit it before or by the due date.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (30 Sept 2022) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (7 Oct 2022)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria


1. Plant Risk Assessment Project (20%)

  • Digital capture provides evidence that is this student completed the work
  • Risk assessment worksheet is complete and shows all parts of plant are considered
  • Hazards are comprehensively captured and associated risks assessed accurately
  • Risk control measures are identified accurately and additional or changed control measures are appropriate
  • The risk matrix is appropriate for the context
  • The corrective actions plan reflects what might be reasonably practicable to do.

2. Hazardous Chemical Risk Register/Assessment Project (10%)

  • Risk register reflects photographic or video evidence
  • Risk assessment worksheet includes all essential items for one chemical
  • Hazards are captured and associated risks assessed accurately
  • Risk control measures are identified accurately and additional or changed control measures are appropriate
  • A suitable risk control plan has been developed that includes provisions for monitoring and reviewing the controls implemented.

3. Reflect & Review Project (10%)

You grade will be evaluated on the depth and breadth of your response.

  • Skill set mapped to all skills in Section 6 of the INSHPO Capability Framework. Matrix has a 1-4 rating
  • In-depth elf-analysis and discussion
  • Skill gaps and areas for improvement identified
  • A useful action plan is created for future work
  • Demonstrates reflective writing and critical thinking.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate practical skills in hazard identification, assessment, control and review.
  • Apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
  • Apply legislation, occupational health and safety guidelines and scientific evidence toward safety strategies.
  • Communicate occupational health and safety information professionally to a variety of audiences.
  • Utilise skills in ethical practice, teamwork and reflection at the level of a developing OHS practitioner.
  • Construct a formal inspection report demonstrating evidence based-practice.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology 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?