Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Psychology and Social Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Psychology of Workplace Safety

• Unit Code

  PSY5433

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

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Description

This unit examines the psychological issues associated with safe work places. This unit will draw upon theory, research and current practice in occupational health and environment to understand the factors contributing to workplace safety. This unit is designed for those who are employed in roles related to occupational health and for external consultants as a foundation unit. Improving workplace safety is directly related to reduced overheads for business and reduced attrition of the workforce.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the principles and practices of workplace mediation.
2. Discuss the psychological research theories that underlie workplace safety.
3. Explain how psychological research and theories can be utilised to reduce the risk of harm in the workplace and to encourage safe behaviour in the workplace.
4. Explain person based approach versus behaviour based approach within workplace safety.

Unit Content

1. Conceptualising work place safety from a systems perspective, including the organisation, union, insurance companies, families and individuals.
2. Determine current best practice for organisations with healthy cultures.
3. Examine major types of psychological dysfunction in work settings.
4. Examine special issues such as bullying and harassment in the workplace and its impact on workers and work culture.
5. Examine the issues related to stress and wellbeing at work, especially psychological health.
6. Examine the models and evidence for critical stress debriefing in the workplace.
7. Explore incidents at work in terms of organisational responses and the training of occupational health officers to respond to incidents.
8. Explore methods for managing drugs and alcohol and family stress in the workplace.
9. Understand the principles and practices of workplace mediation.

Additional Learning Experience Information

E-learning.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Geller, E.S. (2001). The psychology of safety handbook. Washington, DC: Lewis.
• Workers' Compensation Code of Practice (Injury Management) 2005. Western Australia.
• National OHS Strategy 2002-2012. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (now the Australian Safety and Compensation Council, ASCC). Canberra: Commonwealth Government of Australia.
• Broadbent, D. (2006). Leading your business towards the Holy Grail: A transformational exploration of how your leadership impacts safety performance. Proceedings of The Safety Conference 2006, Sydney, Australia, 17-19 October.
• Neal, A., & Griffin, M. A. (2004). Safety climate and safety at work. The Psychology of Workplace Safety (pp. 15-34). In M. Frone & J. Barling (Eds.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

^ Mandatory reference

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