MFM1003

Occupational health and safety ( 8 points, SCA Band 3, 0.167 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr D Goddard

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: This elective involves the introduction, legislation and industrial relations, toxiocology, physical hazards and safety, occupational hygiene, dealing with organisations, health surveillance and biological monitoring, diseases of occupation, ergonomics, rehabilitation and fitness for work and worker's compensation.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students should be able to: 1. Understand the hazards and risks of workplace processes and activities; 2. Interact effectively at all levels within an organisation; 3. Identify information sources about workplace risks and hazards; 4. Identify those patients at risk from exposure to occupational hazards; 5. Develop management programs for patients, based on a knowledge of workplace risks and hazards and of workplace organisational structures and issues; 6. Advise patients and workplaces on the principles of hazard identification, assessment and control; 7. Advise patients about personal protective equipment; 8. Manage injured workers, particularly in their return to work, by providing effective intervention in rehabilitation; 9. Communicate effectively at all levels in the workplace, understanding the needs and constraints of those at each level; 10. Understand the influence of disability on work performance; 11. Understand ways to reduce risks at work and the mechanisms to achieve this; 12. Assist patients and employer-clients to understand the technical language of occupational health.

Assessment: Assessment: Assignment 1 (35%), Journal (30%), Assignment 2 (35%)