Workplace Health & Safety

Learn to recognise potentially dangerous situations, and avoid litigation, work disruption, and significant, unnecessary costs.

Course Code: VBS103

Fee Code: S1

Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours

Qualification Statement of Attainment

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Where are you located?

Within Australia
AUD $768.90inc GST

Outside Australia
AUD $799.00

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Delivery Method
   Online
   E-Learning (USB stick via post)
   Correspondence (Paper notes via post)

All prices in Australian Dollars.

BE SAFER IN THE WORKPLACE

Learn Occupational Health and Safety

Learn to recognise potentially dangerous situations
Learn how to respond to identified risks
Be prepared for when things go wrong
Self Paced 100 hour course
Expert, highly qualified and experienced tutors

Understanding Workplace Health and Safety is important for avoidance of litigation, work disruption, and significant, unnecessary costs. Make sure that an accident that could have been avoided is not the reason your business fails.
This course was developed by highly qualified professionals, who have years of experience in industry.

ACS student comment: Yes [I find the course valuable], because it is opening my eyes further to what I am studying and making me look for info and answers on the internet rather than being spoon fed info from the course notes. The feed back from the tutor is great and is very encouraging and the marking time frame very efficient. Paula Farrell, Australia, Workplace Health and Safety course.

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

Introduction
- Nature and Scope of Workplace Health and Safety
- Work Related Fatalities
- Duty of Care: employer, employee, other person, manufacturer
- Significance of Illness
- Protective Equipment; personal protection, machinery, equipment, signs and information
- Further Information and Resources
Legislation
- Legislation across different countries: Australia, UK, Canada, USA, NZ etc
- Examples: Worksafe Australia, Health & Safety Commision UK, Occupational Health & Safety Commission USA, etc
- International Commission on Occupational Health
Protective Equipment
- Introduction
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Selecting and Maintaining PPE
- Hand Protection
- Eye Protection
- Hearing Protection
- Respiratory Protection
- Body Protection
- Knee Protection
- Foot and Leg Protection
- Sunscreen
- Head Protection
- Machine and Equipment Guards
- Flooring
- Protective and Temporary Barriers
- Temporary Signs
- Protecting Hearing
Handling Chemicals
- Storage and Disposal
- Transporting Chemicals
- Protecting theEnvironment
- Protective Clothing
- Safe Use and Mixing Chemicals
- Toxicity of Pesticides
- Safe Application of Pesticides
- Hazardous Substances
- Personal Protective Equipment Plan
Handling Equipment
- General Safety Rules
- Manual Handling
- Employer Responsibilities
- Employee Responsibilities
- Safety with Different Types of Equipment
- Handling Tools and Equipment Safely
- Machinery Safety
- Machine Hazards
- Machine Guards
- Welding Equipment, Compressors, Conveyor Belts
- Horticultural Equipment; Mulchers, bruch cutters, mowers, chainsaws
- Tool Maintenance
- Safety with Electricity
Handling Objects
- How to Lift
- Strategies for Manual Handling
- Skin Penetrating Injuries
- Risk Categories
- Preventative Measures
- Treating Wounds: First Aid
- Case Studies of Manual Handling Injuries
Using Computer Work Stations
- Using VDU's
- Eyesight
- Repetative Strain Injuries
- Carpel Tunnel
- Headaches
- Radiation
- Creating a Healthy Work Station
- Rest Breaks, Stretching, Posture
Working Alone
- Duty of Care, Responsibilities
- Common Tasks Undertaken by a Lone Worker
- Mobile Workers
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Management
Standards and Rules
- Introduction
- Identifying Risks
- Hazard and Risk Management
- Workplace Policy
- Risk Assessment Safety Audits
- Identifying Risks
- Audit Forms
- Safety Audit
- Safety Outdoors; fire, bites, potential accidents, cuts, strains, poisoning, allergies, etc
- First Aid; Shock, Fainting, Fractures, Strains, Sprains, Heat Exhaustion, etc
- Skin Cancer
- First Aid Supplies
Signs and Signals
- Introduction to standard signs and signals
- Conventions in different countries; UK, Australia

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

Determine procedures followed in the workplace to control workplace health and safety practices.
Determine workplace health and safety legislation which is relevant to your industry and locality.
Identify procedures for the safe use of chemicals in the workplace.
Identify procedures for the safe use of equipment, including tools and machinery, in the workplace.
Identify procedures for the safe manual handling of objects in the workplace.
Develop workplace health and safety rules and practices, for a specified workplace.
Identify standard signs and hand signals used in workplace health and safety in Australia.

What You Will Do

Define workplace health and safety, for a specified industry.
List different individuals and groups within a workplace who have a responsibility with respect to workplace health and safety.
Identify the role of the workplace health and safety officer in a workplace.
Explain the operation of consultative processes in the management of workplace health and safety.
Define duty of care, for a specific industry.
Outline the scope of federal legislation in workplace health and safety.
Outline the scope of state legislation in workplace health and safety.
Explain workplace health and safety regulations within a specified industry.
Explain the legal standing of workplace health and safety codes of practice.
Assess different specified workplace situations to determine which are liable to prosecution, and which are not liable to prosecution.
- including:
- petroleum products
- cleaning chemicals
- explosives
- pesticides
Explain factors that contribute towards problems with dangerous chemicals.
Analyse a workplace situation to determine potential safety problems with dangerous chemicals.
Recommend changes in the workplace in response to the potential safety problems with dangerous chemicals.
List legal requirements for storage and use of dangerous chemicals in a specified workplace situation.
Explain appropriate storage procedures for different types of chemicals, including:
- pesticides
- petroleum products
- cleaning chemicals
- explosives
Explain appropriate disposal procedures for different types of dangerous chemicals.
Identify potential problems in the workplace with different types of dangerous chemicals.
List factors that contribute towards safety problems with equipment.
Analyse a workplace situation to determine potential safety problems with equipment.
Recommend changes in the workplace in response to the potential safety problems with equipment
Develop a procedure for the safe operation of a piece of machinery.
List factors that contribute towards problems with manual handling, in a specific industry.
Analyse three different case studies of injuries which resulted from incorrect manual handling.
Recommend changes in three different specified workplaces, in response to the analysis carried out on manual handling injuries.
Determine health risks in a specified workplace.
Determine accident risks in a specified workplace.
Develop a code of practice to minimise health risks in a specified work place.
Develop a code of practice to minimise accident risks in a specified workplace.
Distinguish between different classes of dangerous goods, for a specific industry
Interpret different standard hand signals used in a specific workplace.
Interpret different standard signs used in the workplace, including:
- hazardous chemicals
- vehicle and pedestrian
- fire
- dangerous machinery
- noise
- eye protection

DUTY OF CARE

Most WH&S laws require that participants in the workplace observe certain obligations to ensure that WH&S measures are effective and that practical steps are taken for that purpose. These responsibilities, referred to as 'duty of care', apply to all staff and employers. A particular onus is placed on those people controlling workplace activities to determine necessary and appropriate WH&S standards and to make sure these standards are maintained.

(A) Employer duties.

Employers are required to:

take all practical steps necessary to protect the health and safety of employees,
provide a healthy and safe working environment,
take all practical steps necessary to protect the health and safety of other people at or near the workplace, such as sales representatives and pedestrians,
provide a healthy and safe environment for people visiting the workplace.

(B) Employee duties.

Employees are required to:

act responsibly and perform their work in accordance with established WH&S standards
take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of other staff, non-staff and others.

(C) 'Other person' duties.

People other than employers or employees are required to:

comply with the WH&S standards and obey directions of staff at the workplace.

(D) Manufacturer duties.

Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of equipment, materials or substances are required to:

provide such items at a reasonable and acceptable standard,
provide all information relating safe use and handling,
provide for suitable safety mechanisms within the design of the item used in the workplace.

WORK PLACE SAFETY

Accidents do happen but can be prevented by making sure ‑

The job being done and all surrounds are safe,
Educate your employees to practice safety,
Enforce safety rules and be sure employees practice safety.

Accidents occur in five major areas ‑

Wherever materials are handled
Around machines (every type, even computers)
Wherever people walk
Wherever hand tools are used
Lifting:

A supervisor should stress safety at all times: it is his problem when an accident occurs, and production is reduced, machinery is damaged, etc.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ILLNESS

Sickness or injuries can result in:

Monetary loss to the worker
Suffering & stress for the worker & his family
Loss of production
Cost of repairs to equipment damaged by injuries
Loss of material spoilt in injury
Cost in money & time to train replacement staff
In case of repeated accidents, other employees may exhibit unwillingness to do that particular job.
Accidents which result in damage or injury to non-company people or property can result in bad publicity and high compensation payments.
Employees who are not in peak of health do not work their best.
Employees who are stressed, suffer from tension or nervous disorders and can be less productive themselves, and cause tension and stress amongst their work mates.

Employers should strive to achieve a good level of health amongst their employees for all of the above reasons.

AFTER STUDY -WHAT CAN THIS COURSE DO FOR YOU?

All industries need people proficient in workplace health and safety to work as WH&S officers or just to ensure that no problems arise from hazards in the workplace. Learn to detect the hazard and assess the risk and produce WH&S plans.
Understanding Workplace Health and Safety is important for avoidance of litigation, work disruption, and significant, unnecessary costs. Make sure that an accident that could have been avoided is not the reason your business or your employer's business fails.

What Next?

ENROL or Use our FREE Course Advice Service to Connect with a Tutor

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Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.

Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.

How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.

What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.

Take a look at their testimonials here.

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Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Jacinda Cole

Former operations manager for highly reputable Landscape firm, The Chelsea Gardener, before starting her own firm. Jacinda has over 20 years of industry experience in Psychology, Landscaping, Publishing, Writing and Education. Jacinda has a B.Sc., Psych.Cert., M. Psych. Cert.Garden Design, MACA.

Lyn Quirk

M.Prof.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Compl.Med (Naturopathy); Adv.Dip.Sports Therapy
Over 30 years as Health Club Manager, Fitness Professional, Teacher, Coach and Business manager in health, fitness and leisure industries. As business owner and former department head for TAFE, she brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role as a tutor for ACS.

Kate Gibson

Kate has 12 years experience as a marketing advisor and experience as a project manager. Kate has traveled and worked in a variety of locations including London, New Zealand and Australia. Kate has a B.Soc.Sc, Post-Grad. Dip. Org Behaviour (HR).

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Our Students Say

In my role within a large Aged Care Facility a great deal of my employment is spent in the area of Turf management and garden care/refurbishment. With ACS I was able to study at my own pace allowing me to put into practise and thoroughly research the subject matter broadening my knowledge and study experience further. I enjoyed the way in which the subject matter was presented as it allowed you to study each subject further, allowing for greater depth, clarity and knowledge.
Overall there are not many areas in which the course subject matter will not turn out to be invaluable, everything is covered to allow you to become successful within your own business or place of employment. A big thank you to Gavin Cole [tutor] and all at ACS. It was a pleasure to study with ACS, look forward to further study.

- Craig Ledbury