Overview
In Exposures and Health Risk you will use current methods to analyse contemporary issues in occupational health and hygiene. The unit content will emphasise the role of toxicology, the nature of illness and injury caused by exposure to hazards and practical ways to assess risk. You will develop practical solutions for the advanced elimination and risk management of occupational health and hygiene hazards. On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to use a systems oriented approach to apply your knowledge to new issues of health risk as they arise in the workplace.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Academic integrity case submission
Large number of Academic integrity cases submitted
Review all assessments to ensure that it is less tempting or possible to use artificial intelligence to complete the assignment.
Feedback from Assessment marking
International students not understanding Australian Occupational Health and Safety contexts.
Content, examples and assessments to be reviewed with the current student cohort in mind.
- Analyse actual occupational health cases and demonstrate individual initiative and effective teamwork skills in problem solving.
- Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in diverse occupational health environments.
- Apply the principles of critical assessment of severity and urgency in occupational health.
- Evaluate problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments.
- Research and evaluate toxicology and the principles of the monitoring of place and person.
- Appraise current knowledge of the nature of illness and injury associated with exposure to certain hazards.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||
| 2 - Group Work - 40% | ||||||
| 3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||||
| 4 - Research | ||||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||||||
| 2 - Group Work - 40% | |||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
r.kift@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 04 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Introduction to unit
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
No tutorial this week
Week 2
Begin Date: 11 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Occupational toxicology
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Week 3
Begin Date: 18 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Risk management and exposure
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Week 4
Begin Date: 25 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Chemical hazards 1- Dusts and particulates
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Week 5
Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Chemical hazards 2 - Chemical contaminants
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Biological hazards
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Week 6 Moodle quiz is open all week and closes at 11:59pm on 21/04/24
Week 7
Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Control of Hazards - Chemical and biological
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Week 8
Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Physical hazards 1 - Noise, vibration and lighting
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Chemical and biological hazards Due: Week 8 Monday (29 Apr 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Week 9
Begin Date: 06 May 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Physical hazards 2 - Radiation and temperature
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Week 10
Begin Date: 13 May 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Control of Hazards - Physical
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Week 11
Begin Date: 20 May 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Biological monitoring and fitness for work
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Week 12
Begin Date: 27 May 2024Module/Topic
Lecture: Unit summary
Chapter
Readings provided via Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Zoom Tutorial - review questions and assessment preparation
Assessment 2- Information Booklet Part A due Monday (27/05/24) 9:00am
Week 12 Moodle quiz is open all week and closes at 11:59pm on 02/06/24
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2- Information Booklet Part B due Monday (03/06/24) 9:00am
Exam Week
Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
The lecturer will give you a list of real case studies. You are to choose one case study and use this information to identify one hazard that is a chemical hazard and one hazard that is a biological hazard.
You will be required to:
- Provide an overview of the case study including the jurisdiction and any other important information (you can provide your own made up detail if the case study does not include them).
- Identify all potential chemical and biological hazards in this case study.
- Identify the two hazards that the report will focus on.
- For each hazard, explain the type of hazard, routes of exposure and the states of matter (if relevant) in which the hazard occurs.
- For each hazard, explain why the hazard presents a risk to workers’ health. This section must be justified using the literature such as legislation, texts and journal articles. You may include information about the toxicology of the chemicals, exposure, acute and chronic health effects as well as the health effects to workers and to industry as a whole.
- Describe the different ways that the hazards would be monitored and analysed using occupational hygiene monitoring methods. This must be related to the case study chosen and include information about the standard methodology that is used for both the monitoring techniques and comparison of the findings against a benchmark or standard. You must include information about how the sampling and analysis would actually be carried out for each hazard. This will include information about how the sampling of workers would be decided, who should be sampled and if repeat samples are required.
- Describe the relevant Legislation, Codes and Standards which apply to these hazards and the issues involved with meeting these requirements.
- Use the Hierarchy of Control to outline the ways that the hazards can be controlled.
The report should be written as an OHS officer or Health officer would write to upper management to convince them that an external Occupational Hygienist is required to undertake monitoring (however, a budget is not required).
A limit of 3000 worlds will be applied.
Week 8 Monday (29 Apr 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Week 11 Monday (20 May 2024)
This assessment will be graded according to the following criteria:
- Introduces the case study, correctly identifies all possible hazards, explains the route of exposure for the two selected hazards (15%)
- Explains exposure and effect, and describes the potential health effects (20%)
- Describes the way that you would carry out monitoring for the hazards (15%)
- Outlines relevant legislative requirements and identifies the issues of compliance (15%)
- Proposes appropriate control measures (15%)
- Report structure and presentation including referencing (20%)
A detailed marking matrix will be provided in Moodle.
- Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in diverse occupational health environments.
- Apply the principles of critical assessment of severity and urgency in occupational health.
- Evaluate problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments.
- Research and evaluate toxicology and the principles of the monitoring of place and person.
- Appraise current knowledge of the nature of illness and injury associated with exposure to certain hazards.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
2 Group Work
There are two parts to this assignment:
Part A (Group component)
Working as a group you are required to develop a booklet on one physical hazard. You will be required to design a technical information/educational information booklet with the main emphasis of the assignment on the quality of the content presented:
Your assignment should include (but not be restricted to):
- Introduction to the workplaces where the exposure occurs, who your target audience is, important factors and specific concepts related to the working environment and exposure.
- The physical/chemical breakdown of the hazard (what it is) and its relationship to the related health effects, mechanisms of injury and any other relevant information.
- An explanation of the health effects of exposure, its manifestation and progression.
- The monitoring techniques, equipment, methodologies, legislation, benchmarks and standards that should be used in relation to the evaluation of the hazards.
- Describe the relevant Legislation, Codes and Standards which apply to this hazard and the issues involved with meeting these requirements.
- Control (using the hierarchy of control) and containment measures that could be introduced to reduce workplace exposure and prevent the occurrence of the adverse health effects or reducing its severity.
Bear in mind that this unit has an emphasis on the quantitative evaluation of occupational hazards, utilising standards, accepted methodologies, specialised equipment and benchmarks, so it is expected that your information booklet will focus on developing an accurate, useful, and technically detailed information source that will cover the aspects mentioned previously. All information provided should be supported with relevant authoritative references and /or supporting documentation. You are encouraged to use graphics and other relevant resources in order to develop a visually appealing yet informative resource.
Ensure you reference and acknowledge all sources of information, graphics, etc.
You will be assigned a group and allocated a physical hazard in Week 8.
Length 12 pages (max)
Part B (Individual component)
As an individual you will be required to review another teams Information booklet.
After submission of Part A, all teams information booklets will be deidentified and made available via Moodle. You are to select a booklet that is focused on a different physical hazard to the one that you completed. You will be provided with a marking criteria to review the chosen booklet.
Your review will then be submitted via Moodle.
Part A is due Monday (27/05/2024) of Week 12 at 09:00am. Part B is due Monday (03/06/2024) of Week 13 at 9:00am.
Exam Week Friday (14 June 2024)
This assessment will be graded with the following criteria:
- Identifies and explains the background to the hazard, including the identification of the workplaces where exposure can be an issue (10%)
- Explains the way exposure occurs, its impacts, and describes the potential health effects (20%)
- Describes the way that monitoring would be completed for the hazard (15%)
- Outlines relevant legislative requirements and identifies the issues of compliance (10%)
- Proposes appropriate control measures (20%)
- Booklet structure and presentation including referencing (you may use Harvard or Vancouver style referencing for this assessment) (15%)
- Review (Part B) - you will have to assess a different teams booklet (10%). If you do not complete this assessment you will receive zero marks for this component.
A detailed marking matrix will be provided via Moodle.
- Analyse actual occupational health cases and demonstrate individual initiative and effective teamwork skills in problem solving.
- Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in diverse occupational health environments.
- Research and evaluate toxicology and the principles of the monitoring of place and person.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
3 Online Quiz(zes)
In week 6 and in week 12 you will be required to access a Moodle quiz. (20% of total marks, 10% for each quiz)
Each quiz will be based on the information that has been covered in lectures until (and including) that week.
2
Other
Week 6 quiz will close at 11:55pm on 21/04/24. Week 12 quiz will close at 11:55pm on 02/06/24
Feedback is given when each quiz closes
Marks will be awarded for correct answers.
- Apply the principles of critical assessment of severity and urgency in occupational health.
- Evaluate problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments.
- Appraise current knowledge of the nature of illness and injury associated with exposure to certain hazards.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
