LAW5307 - Occupational health and safety - 2018

This unit involves a study of Victorian law on occupational health and safety, in particular the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, the Dangerous Goods Act 1985, OHS Regulations and compliance codes. Reference will also be made to Federal and other State and Territory OHS laws. The unit will explore the depth and scope of the duties and self-regulatory responsibilities which are cast upon employees and employers, contractors and occupiers and others at the workplace in Victoria with reference to relevant case law. These duties and responsibilities will be examined in an historical, sociological and wider legal context.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

• apply knowledge and understanding of the methods for prescribing and maintaining standards of safety in the workplace with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice;
• conduct research into the current and emerging OHS legislation and case law in Victoria based on knowledge of appropriate research principle and methods; and
• use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to the OHS laws within the context of other legislation dealing with behaviour in the workplace such as industrial relations legislation, equal opportunity legislation and workers' compensation legislation.

Research assignment (3,750 words): 50%

Take home examination (3,000 words): 40%

Class participation: 10%

OR

Research assignment (7,000 words): 90%

Class participation: 10%

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)