Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

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

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Min Ing LOH

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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.

Core Reading(s)

• Geller, E. S. (2001). The psychology of safety handbook. Washington, DC: Lewis.

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