OHSE6010 Occupational Health
Course Outline
Semester 1, 2015
Master of Workplace Health and Safety Graduate Certificate Workplace Health and Safety
Master Occupational Health and Safety Graduate Certificate Occupational Health and Safety
Master Workplace Injury Management and
Occupational Rehabilitation
Environmental and Occupational Health
School of Health Sciences
The University of Newcastle
- i -
CONTENTS
Semester 1 , 2015 ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Academic Misconduct: .............................................................................................. 2
1.1.3 Alteration of this Course Outline .............................................................................. 2
1.1.4 Student Email Account .............................................................................................. 2
2.1 Course Objectives ............................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Brief Course Description .................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Course Content ................................................................................................................. 4
2.4 Learning Resources .......................................................................................................... 5
2.4.1 Prescribed Textbook .................................................................................................. 5
2.4.2 Short Loans Online ................................................................................................... 5
2.4.3 Other learning material: Websites ............................................................................. 6
2.4.4 Other online resources available through the University library is ........................... 6
2.4.5 University Learning Resources ................................................................................. 6
2.5 Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.5.1 Assessment Items ...................................................................................................... 7
2.5.2 Essays/Written Assignments ..................................................................................... 7
2.5.3 Examination .............................................................................................................. 7
2.5.4 Examinations for students studying via Distance Learning ....................................... 7
2.5.5 Minimum Assessment Outcome to Pass the Course ................................................. 8
2.5.6 Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items ............................................... 8
2.6 Course evaluation and development ................................................................................. 8
3.1 Assignment length .......................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Assignment submission and return ................................................................................. 10
3.3 Referencing .................................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Assessment Task 1: Online Test ..................................................................................... 11
3.5 Assessment Task 2 ......................................................................................................... 11
Assignment aim ..................................................................................................................... 11
Assignment task .................................................................................................................... 11
3.5.2 Notes: ...................................................................................................................... 11
3.6 Examination .................................................................................................................... 12
2
OHSE6010 Course Outline
1 Preface
Course Code: OHSE6010
Course Title: Occupational Health
Unit Value: 10
Term: Semester 1 , 2015
Mode of Delivery: Online
Campus: WebLearn (GradSchool.com)
CRICOS Provider No: 00109J (The University of Newcastle)
Assumed Knowledge: Nil.
Course Requisites: Nil
Contact Hours: Self-directed learning - 10 hours per week for the full term
Workload: Students are required to spend on average 120 – 140 hours of effort or total load (contact and non-contact including assessment) per term per 10 unit value, whatever the discipline or the mode of delivery of the Course
Core Component: This course is a Compulsory Program Component of the
Masters of Workplace Health and Safety, Graduate
Certificate Workplace Health and Safety, Master of
Occupational Health and Safety, Graduate Certificate
Occupational Health and Safety, Master of Workplace Injury Management and Occupational Rehabilitation programs
Course Coordinator: He Wang
Email: he.wang@newcastle.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 4921 7735
Office: +61 2 4921 7053
School Office: School of Health Sciences,
Faculty of Health and Medicine
Email: SchoolHealthSciences@newcastle.edu.au
Fax: +61 2 4921 7053
Room: Room HA15, Hunter Building
GradSchool: Email: postgradstudy@newcastle.edu.au
Phone 1800 88 21 21
+61 2 4921 8856
Room: Industry Development Centre
1.1.1 Academic Integrity
All new students will be required to complete the University Academic Integrity Module (AIM) before the end of their first enrolment period (Trimester, Semester or Block). The University AIM is an online test in Blackboard and students must achieve 100% to pass. However, the test can be attempted as many times as required to achieve the pass.
Successful completion will be automatically stored against the student record. A 'hold' will be placed on this record if the AIM is not completed within the designated period. This will prevent re-enrolment, access to exam results and graduation, until the module is successfully completed.
You are strongly encouraged to complete the AIM module promptly, as it is essential preparation for the completion of assignments in accordance with University policy.
1.1.2 Academic Misconduct:
Academic integrity, honesty, and a respect for knowledge, truth and ethical practices are fundamental to the business of the University. These principles are at the core of all academic endeavour in teaching, learning and research. Dishonest practices contravene academic values, compromise the integrity of research and devalue the quality of learning. To preserve the quality of learning for the individual and others, the University may impose severe sanctions on activities that undermine academic integrity.
The Student Academic Integrity Policy, Student Academic Integrity Procedure and Student
Misconduct Rule are available in the University Policy Library at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000608.html, and http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000935.html, respectively.
1.1.3 Alteration of this Course Outline
No alteration to the approved course outline will be permitted without Head of School approval. Students will be notified of any change and the revised Course Outline will be provided to students in the same manner as the original.
1.1.4 Student Email Account
All enrolled students have an official UON email address – generally expressed as firstname.familyname@uon.edu.au. This email should be checked regularly. This is the email address that the university uses for ALL communications with students, including the transmission of important information about exams, university policies, course assessments etc.
2
1.2 IMPORTANT UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
This information is now available to students via the ‘For Students’ tab within every Blackboard account. The modules within this tab include:
? Student Services
? Learning Development
? Assessment and Exam Information
? Academic Intergrity
? Rules Governing Awards and Programs
• Complaints
Further information is available within....
Section 10 of the Course Management and Assessment Procedure Manual [000996]
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Policy%20Library/00
0996%20-
%20Course%20Management%20and%20Assessment%20Procedu re%20Manual.pdf and the Course Outline Policy and Procedure
Course Outlines Procedure [000938]
2 Course Outline Body
2.1 Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Discuss in general terms the main occupational health problems associated with the major body systems, their nature, relationship to work exposures and prevention;
2. Discuss the provision, organization and limitations of occupational health services; and
3. Locate and assess the literature on occupational diseases and related conditions.
2.2 Brief Course Description
This course illustrates some aspects of the structure and function of the human body and goes on to look at the way hazards in the workplace can affect the body (diseases and injuries). It includes an introduction to the health services required to address these problems and the particular problem faced by certain groups of workers.
2.3 Course Content
The topics covered in this course are:
• The relationship between health and work
• General overview of the functioning of the body
• Occupational skin disease
• The liver and work
• Occupational lung disease
• The blood
• Work and the nervous system
• Occupational hearing loss
• Eyes and eye injuries
• Cardiovascular system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Work and the reproductive system
• Hot working conditions
• Cancer and work
• Infectious hazards in the workplace
• Shiftwork
• Aspects of psychiatry in the workplace
• Absence from work
• Occupational health services
• Examining healthy people
• Pre-employment examinations
• Workers compensation
• Occupational rehabilitation
• Women in the workplace
Table 1 Weekly Schedule
Week Week beginning Module Module Topic
1 - 2 23 February 2015
1 An introduction to Health, Work and Environment, as these apply to Occupational Health. The changing workplace will be reviewed and Occupational Health Determinates will be introduced.
3 – 5 9th March 2015 2 Overview of the functioning of the body cells and Body Systems.
20 March 2015 Collaborate session will be provided at 8pm
8am on Friday 27 to 8pm on Saturday 28 March Online test
6 – 7 30 March 2015 3 Body Reponses to various occupational exposures..
8 -9 27 April 2015 Preparation of assignment
10 - 11 May 2015
11 4 Special Topics in Occupational Health such as Cancer, Ageing, Mental Health and extreme work environments.
11 May 2015 Collaborate session will be provided at 8pm
18 May 2015
Assignment 2 due
12 25 May 2015 5 Occupational Health Services and Workplace Health Promotion.
1 June 2015 Collaborate session (8pm)
9 June – 26 June 2015
Exam period commences at the end of course delivery onwards
2.4 Learning Resources
Please ensure that you have the following. Contact the course coordinator if you have any queries.
• A CDROM containing course notes with web links to a set of journal articles and readings in the University of Newcastle Online Library. Some readings may also be available on the
CDROM.
• Printed copies of the course outline, modules and associated essential readings.
• The textbook:
• Reliable web access
2.4.1 Prescribed Textbook
Levy BS, Wegman DH, Baron SL, Sokas RK. Occupational and Environmental Health:
recognising and preventing disease and injury. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2011.
2.4.2 Short Loans Online
http://library.newcastle.edu.au/search/?searchtype=r&searcharg=OHSE6010
2.4.3 Other learning material: Websites
Australia: Safe Work Australia http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/ There are hot links from this site to the Australian State regulators (e.g. WorkCover NSW)
UK: The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) http://www.hse.gov.uk
USA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration http://www.osha.gov
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/
Canada: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety http://www.ccohs.ca
United Nations: International Labour Organisation http://www.ilo.org/global/lang-- en/index.htm
European Union: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work http://osha.europa.eu/en
2.4.4 Other online resources available through the University library is
Additional online texts are available through the University’s library including:
• Rosenstock L, Cullen M, Brodkin CA, Redlich CA, editors. Textbook of Clinical Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders; 2004.
• Snashall D, Patel D, editors. ABC of work-related disorders. London: BMJ Publishing Group; 2003.
• Wald PH, Stave GM. Physical and Biological Hazards of the Workplace. 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2002.
2.4.5 University Learning Resources
The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the websites http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/connect-2-success/ and http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/centre-for-teaching-and-learning/
2.5 Assessment
2.5.1 Assessment Items
Two types of assessment are used in OHSE6010
1. Online test
2. Written assessment
3. Formal examination in the examination period.
Students are required to provide written assessment items in electronic form. For details of the test and assignment see Section 3 below. The assignment must be submitted online through Blackboard.
2.5.2 Essays/Written Assignments
Students may be required to provide written assessment items in electronic form as well as hard copy. For details of Assessment items see Section 3, below. All essays and assignments must be submitted online through the links provided in Blackboard.
The table below outlines the mapping of the course objectives to the assessment items.
Table 2 Assessment Schedule and mapping information
Item Form of Assessme
nt Schedule Du
e dat e Weighting Relevant course
aims/objective
s Returnabl e Item
(Yes/No)
1 Assignment 1—
online test Week 6 Available 27 – 28 March 2015 20% Objective 1 & 3 No
2 Assignment 2 Week 11 18 May 2015 @
8am 30% All objectives Yes
3 Formal Examination
(2 hours) Examination period
5 June onwards
50% All objectives
No
2.5.3 Examination
Final Examination worth 50%.
The exam will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester
2.5.4 Examinations for students studying via Distance Learning
The University Examinations and Timetabling Office arrange examination venues. Generally your start time will be the standard UoN start times of 9:15am or 1:45pm however; some Centres actual start time may slightly vary but will always be either a morning or afternoon session.
Students within 100kms of the Callaghan, Ourimbah and Sydney and Port Macquarie campuses of the University of Newcastle will be automatically allocated to the nearest UoN campus to sit examinations.
Students who reside outside of 100kms of a UoN campus will automatically be allocated to the nearest Distance Learning Examination Centre. Where you live in a location where the University has not arranged examinations previously you may be asked to assist locating a suitable centre. Preferences are carried forward to semester 2 of the same year but not into the following year. If you have a preference you can advise the Examinations Office, however no changes to your venue will be permitted after the final timetable email has been sent out.
Examinations and Timetabling Office will confirm arrangements with individual centres. This process can take several weeks. Students will be advised prior to their first timetable email of their closest venue and queried if the venue is suitable. Students should respond only if the centre is not appropriate.
Students will receive a second email to their student mail address with a personalised examination timetable and confirmation of centre and examination details, one month prior to the exam period. Approximately 2 weeks before the examinations a third email will be issued repeating the date and time and centre but also containing special instructions from the allocated centre.
Students can also view the exam timetable at the following link http://webapps.newcastle.edu.au/exam_tt/exams_default.cfm
Students are responsible for checking the date, time and venue for each of their allocated examinations. Students must also follow their examinations special instructions and contact their centre if advised to do so.
Students are expected to available for all examination periods, including supplementary exam periods.
If you have any queries regarding your examination timetable - you are advised to contact the Examinations & Timetabling Office via email at: examtimetable@newcastle.edu.au
2.5.5 Minimum Assessment Outcome to Pass the Course
Students must achieve a combined assessment of 50% in order to pass this course.
2.5.6 Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items
Students must apply via the online application system
(https://intraweb.newcastle.edu.au/sc/). The Adverse Circumstances Policy and Procedure can be found at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000939.html and http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000940.html, respectively
2.6 Course evaluation and development
Each year feedback is sought from students and other stakeholders about the courses offered in the University for the purposes of identifying areas of excellence and potential improvement. The key themes of previous feedback and any major changes that were made as a consequence of this are outlined below
• We appreciate all the feedback that you can give - firstly it is important to us that you have an opportunity to comment on this course, secondly it also provides an avenue for us to respond to those issues you have raised that need our attention/action and thirdly it facilitates further opportunities to sustain our efforts towards the continuous improvement of our courses and programs - so please, spend a few minutes on these surveys and make your opinion count!
• Changes that have occurred as a result of feedback previously include modifying the structure of the course modules to be more relevant to the OHS professional, and the introduction of i-lectures / collaborate lectures to discuss assignment requirements.
• Collaborative Sessions including online lectures or tutorials will be provided one week before due date of assignment.


3 Assessment Detail
3.1 Assignment length
The length of each assignment will be specified, typically in words and sometimes in pages. You may be penalised (typically 10% of the possible mark) if you significantly exceed or fall below the word limit guide for an assignment. Part of the discipline of preparing your assignment is honing your written communication skills, so that you can say everything you want to say in the required number of words.
3.2 Assignment submission and return
All assignments must be submitted electronically through Blackboard. A link for each assignment is set under the Assessment section on Blackboard – this is connected with ‘Turnitin’ in most cases. There is no need to place an item cover sheet with each assignment as, by submitting it electronically, you declare:
• that this assessment item is my own work unless otherwise acknowledged and is in accordance with the University’s Policy on Student Academic Integrity available from the Policy Library on the web at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policylibrary/000608.html
• that this assessment item has not been submitted previously for academic credit in this or any other course.
• that I have not given a copy or have shown a copy of this assessment item to another student enrolled in the course.
• that you agree to the assignment being submitted to the plagiarism checking service.
Assignments will be returned electronically or via Australia post. Students who have any questions concerning their grades should contact the course coordinator.
3.3 Referencing
All assignments are to be referenced accurately. Please reference using the Vancouver or Harvard style:
This link provides more information on referencing how and why and also links to the endnote software which will assist you with referencing:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/library/information-skills/referencing.html
3.4 Assessment Task 1: Online Test
Weighting: 20%
Due: Online test will be available from 8am on Friday 27 to 8pm on Saturday 28 March
Length: 1.5 hour
Objectives: On successful completion of this online test students will have demonstrated
knowledge of basic occupational health and body systems
The online test will comprise multiple choice questions based on Module 1(introduction) and Module 2 (overview of body systems) and a related journal article, which will be provided one week prior to the test.
The test will be available on Blackboard during the period specified above, however once you begin you have 1 hour to complete the test. You are not permitted to start and then return to the test at a later time. Specific details regarding the online test will be provided on Blackboard and you will also be given an opportunity to have a practice test.
3.5 Assessment Task 2
Weighting: 30%
Date Due: 18 May 2015
Word limit: 4 Pages
Assignment aim
The aim of this test is for you to integrate the issues associated with occupational health services.
Assignment task
Discuss the benefits & challenges in an aging working population. Specifically identify here (3) indirect health effects and three (3) direct health effects associated with an aging workforce.
Provide a brief description of each and discuss the implications for the worker in the workplace.
Support your discussion with evidence related to the health effects for the individual and the workplace.
A rubric will be placed on Blackboard. Use this rubric to assist you to structure your assignment.
3.5.2 Notes:
1. Please do not attach any appendices, rather reference appropriate resources.
2. This assignment must include appropriate references to the literature using the Vancouver referencing style.
3. The assignment is limited to four (4) pages, excluding the cover page and reference list.
3.6 Examination
The examination is worth 50% of the total marks for the course and will take place in the formal examination period of semester 1.
The examination paper is divided into 2 parts:
• Multiple choice questions
• Short answer questions
Each of the modules is represented in the examination paper, either as part of the MCQ section OR as the short answers question section. Therefore the examination includes questions from Module 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The examination is scheduled during the formal examination period for Semester 1.