CQUniversity Unit Profile
SAFE20011 Exposures and Health Risk
Exposures and Health Risk
All details in this unit profile for SAFE20011 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

In Exposures and Health Risk you will use current methods to analyse contemporary issues in occupational health and hygiene. The unit content will emphasise the role of toxicology, the nature of illness and injury caused by exposure to hazards and practical ways to assess risk. You will develop practical solutions for the advanced elimination and risk management of occupational health and hygiene hazards. On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to use a systems oriented approach to apply your knowledge to new issues of health risk as they arise in the workplace.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
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 - 2019

Online

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 Postgraduate 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: 40%
2. Group Work
Weighting: 40%
3. Online Quiz(zes)
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 Self reflection

Feedback

Self and peer assessment was used for the group assignment, however how it would be used for grading was not clear.

Recommendation

The assessment marking criteria will be reviewed and will include a team work component that will be assessed using the self and peer assessment tool.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Analyse actual occupational health cases and demonstrate individual initiative and effective teamwork skills in problem solving.
  2. Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in diverse occupational health environments.
  3. Apply the principles of critical assessment of severity and urgency in occupational health.
  4. Evaluate problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments.
  5. Research and evaluate toxicology and the principles of the monitoring of place and person.
  6. Appraise current knowledge of the nature of illness and injury associated with exposure to certain hazards.


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 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Group Work - 40%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - 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
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Group Work - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

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
Ryan Kift Unit Coordinator
r.kift@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 15 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Introduction to unit

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

No tutorial this week

Week 2 Begin Date: 22 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Occupational toxicology

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation

Week 3 Begin Date: 29 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Risk management and exposure

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation

Week 4 Begin Date: 05 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Chemical hazards 1- Dusts and particulates

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation

Week 5 Begin Date: 12 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Chemical hazards 2 - Chemical contaminants

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation

Vacation Week Begin Date: 19 Aug 2019

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 6 Begin Date: 26 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Biological hazards

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation


Week 6 Moodle quiz is open all week

Week 7 Begin Date: 02 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Control of Hazards - Chemical and biological

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation

Week 8 Begin Date: 09 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Physical hazards 1 - Noise, vibration and lighting

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation


Chemical and biological hazards Due: Week 8 Monday (9 Sept 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 16 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Physical hazards 2 - Radiation and temperature

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation

Week 10 Begin Date: 23 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Control of Hazards - Physical

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation

Week 11 Begin Date: 30 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Biological monitoring and fitness for work

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation

Week 12 Begin Date: 07 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Unit summary

Chapter

Readings provided via Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

No tutorial this week


Week 12 Moodle quiz is open all week


Information Booklet Due: Week 12 Monday (7 Oct 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Oct 2019

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Exam Week Begin Date: 21 Oct 2019

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Chemical and biological hazards

Task Description

The lecturer will give you a list of real case studies. You are to choose one and identify one hazard that is a chemical hazard and one hazard that is a biological hazard.

You will be required to:

  • Identify all potential health and hygiene related chemical and biological hazards in this case study.
  • Identify the two hazards that the report will focus on.
  • For each hazard, explain the type of hazard, routes of exposure and the states of matter (if relevant) in which the hazard occurs.
  • For each hazard, explain why the hazard presents a risk to workers’ health. This section must be justified using the literature such as legislation, texts and journal articles. You may include information about the toxicology of the chemicals, exposure, acute and chronic health effects as well as the health effects to workers and to industry as a whole.
  • Describe the different ways that the hazards would be monitored and analysed. This must be related to the case study given and include information about the standard methodology that is used for both the monitoring techniques and comparison of the findings against a benchmark or standard. You must include information about how the sampling and analysis would actually be carried out for the hazards.
  • Describe the relevant Legislation, Codes and Standards which apply to these hazards and the issues involved with meeting these requirements.
  • Use the hierarchy of control to outline the ways that the hazards can be controlled.

The report should be written as a consultant would write to a client (however, a letter of transmittal is not required).

Length- 3000 words


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (9 Sept 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (30 Sept 2019)


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
To pass this unit, students must attempt this assessment and obtain a minimum grade of 25%.

Assessment Criteria

This assessment will be graded according to the following criteria:

  • Correctly identifies all possible hazards, explains the route of exposure for the two selected hazards (15%)
  • Explains exposure and effect, and describes the potential health effects (20%)
  • Describes the way that you would carry out monitoring for the hazards (15%)
  • Outlines relevant legislative requirements and identifies the issues of compliance (15%)
  • Proposes appropriate control measures (15%)
  • Report structure and presentation including referencing (20%)

A detailed marking matrix will be provided in Moodle. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Word or PDF format via the link on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in diverse occupational health environments.
  • Apply the principles of critical assessment of severity and urgency in occupational health.
  • Evaluate problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Research and evaluate toxicology and the principles of the monitoring of place and person.
  • Appraise current knowledge of the nature of illness and injury associated with exposure to certain hazards.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

2 Group Work

Assessment Title
Information Booklet

Task Description

Working as a group you are required to develop a booklet on one physical hazard. You will be required to design a technical information/educational information booklet with the main emphasis of the assignment on the quality of the content presented.

Your assignment should include (but not be restricted to):

  • Introduction to the workplaces where the exposure occurs, target audience, important factors and specific concepts related to the working environment and exposure.
  • The physical/chemical breakdown of the hazard (what it is) and its relationship to the related health effects, mechanisms of injury and any other relevant information.
  • An explanation of the health effects of exposure, its manifestation and progression.
  • The monitoring techniques, equipment, methodologies, benchmarks and standards that should be used in relation to the evaluation of the hazards.
  • Control (using the hierarchy of control) and containment measures that could be introduced to reduce workplace exposure and prevent the occurrence of the adverse health effects or reducing its severity.

Bear in mind that this unit has an emphasis on the quantitative evaluation of occupational hazards, utilising standards, accepted methodologies, specialised equipment and benchmarks. It is expected that your information booklet will focus on developing an accurate, useful, and technically detailed information source that will cover the aspects mentioned previously. All information provided should be supported with relevant authoritative references and /or supporting documentation. You are encouraged to use graphics and other relevant resources in order to develop a visually appealing yet informative resource.

Ensure you reference and acknowledge all sources of information, graphics, etc.


Length- 12 pages max (inclusive of all pages).

You will be assigned a group and allocated a physical hazard in Week 7. This information will be communicated via the Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (7 Oct 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (21 Oct 2019)


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
To pass this unit, students must attempt this assessment with a minimum grade of 25%.

Assessment Criteria

This assessment will be graded with the following criteria:

  • Identifies and explains the background to the hazard, including the identification of the workplaces where exposure can be an issue (10%)
  • Explains the way exposure occurs, its impacts, and describes the potential health effects (25%)
  • Describes the way that monitoring would be completed for the hazard (20%)
  • Proposes appropriate control measures (20%)
  • Booklet structure and presentation including referencing (you may use Harvard or Vancouver style referencing for this assessment) (15%)
  • Teamwork - you will have to assess yourself and your other team members using the peer and self assessment link (10%)

A detailed marking matrix will be provided via Moodle. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Word or PDF format via the link on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse actual occupational health cases and demonstrate individual initiative and effective teamwork skills in problem solving.
  • Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in diverse occupational health environments.
  • Research and evaluate toxicology and the principles of the monitoring of place and person.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

3 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Moodle Quizzes

Task Description

In week 6 and in week 12 you will be required to access a Moodle quiz. (20% of total marks, 10% for each quiz)

Each quiz will be based on the information that has been covered in lectures until (and including) that week.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 quiz will close at 11:55pm on 01/09/19. Week 12 quiz will close at 11:55pm on 13/10/19


Return Date to Students

Feedback is given when each quiz closes


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
To pass this unit, students must attempt at least one of the quizzes and obtain a minimum grade of 25% for that quiz.

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for correct answers.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Access each quiz at the quiz link on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply the principles of critical assessment of severity and urgency in occupational health.
  • Evaluate problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Appraise current knowledge of the nature of illness and injury associated with exposure to certain hazards.

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?