Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course has been designed to provide students with high level skills and knowledge to develop, implement, evaluate and manage OHS Management Systems. The course also prepares students to undertake OHS related audits by evaluating and utilizing a variety of audit tools and criteria. Using a combination of underpinning theory and current practice the course will explore the various aspects of OHS management systems; including organisational theory, behaviour based safety, management system frameworks, the history of OHS management systems and future directions.
Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) began to emerge in the 1970s as a result of a number of serious industrial incidents such as Piper Alpha and Flixborough. OHSMSs provide a framework and systematic approach for the development, implementation and review of an organisation's plans and procedures for the management of OHS. Over time OHSMS theory and practice has developed through several stages and now has a strong focus on the influence that an organisation's culture and leadership style has on its OHS performance. Through a series of lectures, practicalsﾠand industry case studies, students will explore the history of OHSMS development, national and international standard frameworks on which many OHSMSs are developed, elements of effective OHSMSs, organisational theory and systems thinking, review and evaluation of OHSMS performance, performance indicators, behavioural based safety programs, and the vital role of culture and leadership. The course will also examine the unique attributes of High Reliability Organisations and the concept of resilience engineering.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
OHSS3004
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The course timetable involves online learning and a 3-hour contact each week. Several guest speakers, experts in their field, will provide lectures and guest presentations on industry case studies.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop, implement and maintain OHS management systems and to make recommendations and influence organisational decision-makers to improve OHS performance.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the role and the limitations of occupational health and safety (OHS) management systems and OHS theories to a range of stakeholders.
LO2.
Critically analyse and apply knowledge of systems and systems thinking to develop elements of an OHS management system in accordance with relevant standards and organisational requirements.
LO3.
Develop performance indicators and explain to key stakeholders the rationale underpinning their development.
LO4.
Develop processes to monitor and evaluate the impact of business, technology and industrial factors or conditions on OHS and OHS-related decision-making, ensuring decisions are made based on accurate data.
LO5.
Make recommendations for criteria to measure OHS performance and develop processes to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of an OHS management system, including audits.
LO6.
Critically analyse and apply concepts of safety culture and the role of leaders in creating culture to develop strategies to influence the organisational culture and resultant decision-making affecting OHS.
LO7.
Motivate and lead others within a team of OHS personnel, encouraging and empowering others.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | OHS Management Theory Case Study | 20% |
10/09/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
OHS Management System Audit Report
|
25% |
22/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Workshop Participation
|
15% |
1/08/2025 - 24/10/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
OHS Management Theory Case Study
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
10/09/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Students will be required to develop a written proposal for management and an accompanying 5-minute recorded presentation applying the OHS management theories and approaches covered during the semester to a case study. The written component of the assignment has a word limit of 2000 words.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. 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.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
OHS Management System Audit Report
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
22/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor, Work integrated learning.
Task description
Students will be required to complete an audit, as a group and following established audit criteria. The assignment has a word limit of 3000 words.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. 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.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Workshop Participation
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
1/08/2025 - 24/10/2025
Task description
Participants will be required to attend the 12 weekly workshops and participate in the class learning activities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. 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.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If students are absent for medical reasons they will need to liaise directly with the Course Coordinator to arrange alternative assessment.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
End of Semester Theory Exam - content assessed from the whole semester: short answer and short essay-style questions.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
You must obtain 50% or more on End of Semester Exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
- Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
- For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
- For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
- Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. 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.
ﾠ
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 seven 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not Timetabled |
Introduction to Organisations H5P Module introducing some basic concepts related to organisations: what is an organisation; why do we need to understand them; and viewing them through different frameworks. |
|
Not Timetabled |
OHS Drivers and Strategy H5P Modeule - What drives an organisation to manage OHS? Understanding different drivers to improve OHS in the workplace. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Learning Organisations H5P Modeul on learning organisations theory. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Auditing H5P Module introducing the use of auditing as part of continuous improvement of an OHSMS. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Safety Leadership H5P Module on safety leadership theory and practice and exploring the importance of safety leadership in achieving OHS performance. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Organisational Culture The H5P Module explores the concept of organisational culture and related theory as well as its impact on safety management. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Learning Organisations - Performance Monitoring The H5P Module will discuss the use of performance indicators in managing OHS. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Introduction to Systems Thinking & Complex Systems H5P Module that will explore the principles behind OHS management in a modern sociotechnical system. |
|
Not Timetabled |
HROs and Resilience Engineering The H5P Module will explore High Reliability Organisation (HRO) theory and Resilience Engineering theory. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Safety Differently The H5P Module will cover a range of current and emerging OHS management theories including the 'Safety Differently' theory. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Behaviour Based Safety The H5P Module will cover the theory involved with the behaviour-based safety approach to OHS management. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Management of Change and Safety in Design The H5P Module will cover the importance of management of change in OHS. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Future Directions of OHSMSs This H5P Module will cover future directions for OHS management systems and the implications of the changing work environment. |
|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Workshop |
Introduction to OHS Management Systems What is an OHS Management System (OHSMS)? History of OHSMSs. Characteristics of an OHSMS. |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Workshop |
Management System Frameworks Workshop to explore OHSMS frameworks in detail and how to apply them to the development of an OHSMS. |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Workshop |
Developing OHS Management Systems Workshop on developing OHS Policy and Procedures. |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Workshop |
Audit Planning and the Audit Process Workshop on the audit process, including planning for audits and the audit steps. |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Workshop |
Audit Evidence and Audit Reporting Second workshop on practical aspects of auditing. |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
Leadership and Organisational Culture Workshop on the role of safety leadership and organisational culture on OHS performance. |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Workshop |
Learning Organisations - Performance Monitoring Workshop will look at the use of performance indicators in managing OHS. |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Workshop |
Systems Thinking Workshop to further explore the concepts of system thinking and complex systems. |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Workshop |
Management of OHS Case Sudies Workshop including guest speakers from industry presenting best practice case studies. |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Workshop |
Safety-I and Safety-II This workshop will explore the Safety-I and Safety-II theory developed by Erik Hollnagel and includes a guest speaker from Griffith University. |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Workshop |
Behaviour Based Safety Programs This workshop will discuss the pros and cons of a behaviour-based safety approach to OHS management. |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Workshop |
OHS Influence Tactics This workshop will cover different influence tactics that OHS professionals can employ to effect needed change in the workplace. |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Workshop |
Review for Exam Closing lecture and review for end of semester exam. |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.