Main Aim(s) of the Unit:

This unit aims to provide the student with a system of steps which can be followed to provide the cornerstone for developing an organisations entire Health and Safety Management System.

Main Topics of Study:

1. Policy - Role of The Health & Safety Policy / 3 Key Elements of a comprehensive Health and Safety Policy / Setting Targets / The impact of effective health and safety policies on business thinking – Corporate strategy and social responsibility, Finance, human resources, marketing, product design and product liability, manufacturing and operating policy / information management and systems.
2. Organising for Health and Safety – Management Control through commitment / Key Personnel and their duties / Cooperation through Communication / Consultation and Committee / Employee, Management and Contractor Competence / Principals of Training / Training matrix development
3. Planning & Implementing – Precautions at Key stages of the business process / Risk Control Systems through input, process and output / Planning for Safety Management Systems / Implementing Safety Management Systems
4. Measuring performance - Active Monitoring / Reactive Monitoring / Comprehensive Investigation and response systems / Prioritising and implementing action plans
5. Auditing and reviewing performance - Why Audit? / Methods of Audit / Methods of Reviewing Performance / Key Performance Indicators

Learning Outcomes for the Unit

At the end of this Unit, students will be able to:

1. Write a comprehensive health and safety Policy document for an organisation, including a statement of intent, organisation structure with individual’s responsibilities and a schedule of arrangements for activities which the organisation undertakes.
2. Evaluate the needs of an organisation and develop an appropriate Health and Safety Management System for the key activities. Discuss appropriate methods of implementing and reviewing the system
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of monitoring systems and practices. List the core elements of a comprehensive accident investigation
4. Discuss Key Performance indicators when auditing safety systems

Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

Learning takes place on a number of levels through lectures, class discussion including problem review and analysis. Formal lectures provide a foundation of information on which the student builds through directed learning and self managed learning outside of the class. The students are actively encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material which fosters a greater depth learning experience.

Assessment methods which enable student to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the Unit:

Examination : 3 Hours duration : 100%

Indicative Reading for this Unit:

Main Text:

Introduction to Health & Safety at Work : Hughes & Ferrett, Taylor & Francis

Alternative Texts and Further Reading:

Successful Health and Safety Management
HSE Books HSG65
ISBN 978 0 7176 1276 5

Guideline for Teaching and Learning Time (10 hrs per credit)

50 hours: Lectures / Seminars / Tutorials / Workshops
Tutorial support includes feedback on assignments and may vary by college according to local needs and wishes.

50 hours: Directed learning
Advance reading and preparation / Class preparation / Background reading / Group study / Portfolio / Diary etc

100 hours: Self managed learning
Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time. In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.