Course coordinator
Associate Professor Margaret Cook
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course will introduce students to the scope of occupational health and safety practice (OHS) within Australia and internationally. Topics covered will include, the history of OHS, the role of risk management in OHS practice, the health and economic consequences of occupational injury and disease, national and international bodies with regulatory and advisory roles in OHS and the tools available to OHS professionals for the control and minimisation of workplace injury and illness. Students will be exposed to a range of OHS professionals and their roles in the prevention of injury and illness in the workplace.
OHSS1000 has been developed to provide an overview of the impact work has on society, and the role everyone can play in eliminating fatalities, injury and disease attributed to work. Through a range of online readings and worksheets students will develop an understanding of the importance of occupational health and safety and gain basic skills in OHS risk management.
This course is co-taught between OHSS1000 and OHSS7000.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is a popular elective with students from all Faculties across UQ, including Study Abroad students. All students are welcome and no prior knowledge is assumed, just an interest in making the workplace safer and healthier.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
OHSS7000 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Margaret Cook
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is offered in external mode only in Semester 2, it is designed as a fully self-directed study mode, but optional weekly drop-in sessions are offered. If you wish to study this course internally, you should enrol in Semester 1.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to introduce students to the key concepts of occupational health and safety.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of occupational health and safety principles and practice in the prevention of workplace illness and disease.
LO2.
Identify and use the basic concepts of OHS risk management.
LO3.
Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of the various OHS professionals in the prevention of workplace illness and disease.
LO4.
Identify and evaluate the hazards which may be present in common workplaces and determine appropriate control strategies.
LO5.
Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in recognising and appreciating the lived experiences of workers and understand how these stories drive the pursuit of decent work for all.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Worksheets
|
50% |
Worksheet #1: The impact of work globally [Week 2] 5/08/2024 2:00 pm Worksheet #2: Occupational diseases [Week 3] 12/08/2024 2:00 pm Worksheet #3: Accident Investigation [Week 4] 19/08/2024 2:00 pm Worksheet #4: Risk Management in practice [Week 7] 9/09/2024 2:00 pm Worksheet #5: OHS Management systems [Week 8] 16/09/2024 2:00 pm |
| Reflection |
Reflection
|
10% |
2/09/2024 2:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Quiz
|
20% |
4/10/2024 - 4/10/2024
The quiz will be available for a 24 hour period on Friday in Week 10. Students will need to complete the quiz in 1 hour once it is commenced. |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Case Study
|
20% |
25/10/2024 2:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Worksheets
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
Worksheet #1: The impact of work globally [Week 2] 5/08/2024 2:00 pm
Worksheet #2: Occupational diseases [Week 3] 12/08/2024 2:00 pm
Worksheet #3: Accident Investigation [Week 4] 19/08/2024 2:00 pm
Worksheet #4: Risk Management in practice [Week 7] 9/09/2024 2:00 pm
Worksheet #5: OHS Management systems [Week 8] 16/09/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
Task description
Each week students are required to engage with the module content and undertake a range of embedded activities. For FIVE (5) select weeks students will be required to submit completed worksheets which can be found in the Blackboard folder. The select weeks are:
Week 2: The impact of work globally
Week 3: Occupational diseases
Week 4: Accident investigation
Week 7: Risk assessment in practice
Week 8: OHS Management systems
Submission guidelines
Upload via the appropriate Turnitin links on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension guidelines relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the late submission guidelines relating to this assessment item.
Reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
2/09/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Students are required to write a personal reflection on content from Weeks 1-5 inclusive.
Submission guidelines
Upload via the appropriate Turnitin links on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension guidelines relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the late submission guidelines relating to this assessment item.
Quiz
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/10/2024 - 4/10/2024
The quiz will be available for a 24 hour period on Friday in Week 10. Students will need to complete the quiz in 1 hour once it is commenced.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Students will be required to complete an online timed (1 hour) Blackboard Quiz which will cover content from Weeks 1 - 9 inclusive. The quiz will include a mix of short answer and multiple choice questions.
Hurdle requirements
Students must gain 45% in this assessment item to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Completed via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the deferral guidelines relating to this assessment item.
Case Study
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
25/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Work integrated learning.
Task description
Students can access all course materials and other resources to assist in the completion of this case study. All answers should be presented in the student's own words and plagiarism will not be tolerated. The case study will be available via Blackboard at 2pm on Wednesday in Week 13, and will be due at 2pm on Friday in Week 13 (48 hour period). The case study is to be completed in the supplied word document and uploaded (in Word) via the provided Turnitin link. The case study will require consideration of all the material covered in the course, with a particular focus on Weeks 10 - 13.
Submission guidelines
Submitted via Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the deferral guidelines relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
As a timed assessment item, a 10% per hour penalty will be applied for late submission.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Translation Use
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing assessment tasks in this course. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing assessment tasks in this course. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after five days, will receive zero.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Not Timetabled |
Work and OHS: A History lesson An introduction to OHSS1000. A review of the history of OHS, with reference to Ancient Egypt, the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Renaissance mining boom, the founding of occupational medicine, and the introduction of OHS legislation in the 18th century. |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Decent work for all - an ILO Sustainability goal This topic presents the global perspective of workplace fatalities, including reference to the ILO's Decent Work program and a discussion of modern slavery. |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Getting sick: work-related disease and illness Students are introduced to the specialist field of "Occupational Health". The management of disease and illness in the workplace is discussed, including reference to International bodies such as the World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation. |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Accidents: When it all goes wrong This topic introduces accident investigation and discusses different theoretical models for accident analysis. |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
What is Risk? An introduction to the field of Risk Management. Risk terminology is presented. The field of risk perception is also explored with student's reflection on their own attitude towards risk. |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
No Content No content is delivered this week. |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Spot the hazard and assess the risk Students are introduced to the concepts of OHS risk management, including the hierarchy of controls. Discussion includes how to meet legal obligations for risk assessments, in particular how to take risk assessments beyond paperwork. |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Managing OHS risk: How to make work safer An introduction to OHS management, in particular the role of safe places and safe people. The concepts of safety culture and safety climate are introduced, along with reference to the concept of resilience engineering. |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Queensland OHS Legislation An introduction to the Queensland WHS Regulatory framework, including an overview of the historical development and current status. |
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Mid-semester break |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Plant and Machinery Safety An introduction to hazards and controls for plant and machinery in the workplace. |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Psychosocial Hazards: stress and violence at work An introduction to stress, violence and bullying in the workplace. Including a review of current preventative strategies. |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Occupational Hygiene: Chemicals at work An overview of the discipline of Occupational Hygiene, introduction to key concepts such as ALARA, workplace exposure standards, routes of entry. Review of legislative requirements in respect to hazardous substances and dangerous goods. Including a detailed review of the the Hazardous Chemicals Regulations, including an introduction to the ChemWatch software. |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Ergonomics - optimising human performance An overview of the discipline of Occupational Ergonomics, with particular reference to the concepts of manual tasks and cognitive ergonomics. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.