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    Overview

    Introduction to occupational health with an emphasis on the prevention of ill health caused by workplace hazards.

    Strategic management of health and safety risks in the workplace requires the development of a systematic and analytical approach to assessment. In this paper students develop investigative skills in the detection of chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial hazards. Using the bio-psychosocial model, they develop evidence-based strategies to manage and control health and safety risks.

    The graduate will have developed 'hands-on' expertise in the systematic evaluation of occupational health hazards and will be able to formulate a workplace specific health and safety management plan.

    About this paper

    Paper title Occupational Health
    Subject Occupational Health
    EFTS 0.25
    Points 30 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $3,289.50
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Restriction
    OCCX 401
    Limited to
    MHealSc, MPhty, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPhty
    Eligibility
    Candidates for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) endorsed in Hazard Assessment and Management must either be graduates or hold an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years of full-time tertiary study. Admission is always subject to the approval of the Board of the Division of Health Sciences, which will require evidence of the candidate's ability to undertake advanced academic study.
    Contact

    Occupational Health Administrator: Amara Boyd via occupational.health@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Academic Leader: Dr Moazzam Zaidi

    Paper Structure
    The key themes are the systematic evaluation of risks to health and safety in the workplace and the development of an evidence-based management plan.
    Teaching Arrangements

    This Distance Learning paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching.

    A three-day compulsory block weekend workshop in Dunedin and interactive expert-led seminars by video conferencing through Zoom.

    Textbooks

    These texts are available to students as an online resource through the University of Otago Library:

    Barry S. Levy, David H. Wegman, Sherry L. Baron, Rosemary K. Sokas. Occupational and environmental health - recognizing and preventing disease and injury. (7th Edition). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

    Vickerstaff S, Phillipson C,  Wilkie R  (2011) Work, Health and Wellbeing: The challenges of managing health at work. Bristol, Policy Press.

    Smedley J; Dick F. Oxford Handbook of Occupational Health. Oxford University Press, Incorporated.

    Tar-Ching Aw; Kerry Gardiner; J.M. Harrington. Occupational Health. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.

    John Hobson; Julia Smedley. Fitness for Work: The Medical Aspects. Ocford University Press.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Learn how to carry out a systematic evaluation of the workplace.
    • Be able to assist with the development of an evidence based workplace surveillance programme to make sure that controls are working.
    • Know what workers need in the way of education and training, so that they have the knowledge to protect themselves from hazards at work.
    • Be informed by up to date evidence, identify "best practice" in occupational health.
    • Identify, assess, control and monitor hazards, develop and implement management plans that are ethical, professional and conform to the highest standards of health and safety practice.

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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