Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Law

Module Objective

To introduce students to legal reasoning and to the sources of law; to give students an understanding of the statutory framework governing health and safety at work in Ireland and of the European context to the development of the law in this area; to introduce students to aspects of employment law and the law of torts that relate to occupational health and safety; to give students an understanding of the principles of environmental law as it relates to occupational health, safety and welfare.

Module Content

Introduction to law and the sources of law. The development of health and safety law and the influence of Europe. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and regulations made thereunder. The preparation of safety statements and the role of the Health and Safety Authority. Relevant aspects of the law of torts and employment law. International and comparative aspects of the law relating to occupational health, safety and welfare. Environmental law as it relates to occupational health, safety and welfare at work.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the major legal principles relevant to occupational health and safety and an ability to integrate these into broader legal frameworks.
• Apply these principles in practical workplace settings
• Review human resources and health and safety policy documentation in light of these principles
• Demonstrate an understanding of relevant aspects of employment law, the law of torts and environmental law as they apply to occupational health, safety and welfare.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

You may take up to 15 CPD credits in one academic year, up to a maximum of 20 credits in total.

This module is available for external individuals to attend as independent modules, having as target groups essentially: Health and Safety Professionals in Industry and Healthcare, Occupational Health Nurses, Self-employed Occupational Health and Safety Consultants, Human Resources Managers among others. This module is also available to Healthcare Professionals - doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, allied healthcare professionals among others.

A student, if admitted to the course, who successfully completes and passes a module under CPD will be eligible for exemptions if he/she is admitted to the MSc in Occupational Health or the MSc in Occupational Health (Online) within five years from the date of successful completion of the module (and subject to the module being offered on the MSc in Occupational Health or the MSc in Occupational Health (On-line)).

Practicalities

8 Weeks duration. Will run from 4th March 2024

Teaching Method(s)

90 x 1hr(s) Other (directed online learning); 110 x 1hr(s) Directed Study (recommended reading, independent research and project work).

Module Co-Ordinator

Dr. Darius Whelan.

Requirements

Candidates who satisfy the programme eligibility criteria may, subject to the approval of the Programme Director/Coordinator, be permitted to take the module as part of UCC's commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and be provided with a relevant transcript of marks.

Entry requirements (as per MSc Occupational Health and MSc Occupational Health (Online) modules):

Candidates for this CPD module must normally meet one of the following criteria:

• A Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a relevant area, for example, a health-related field (such as Public Health, Nursing, Medicine, Environmental Health, Psychology/Behavioural Science, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy); a business-related field (such as Human Resource Management, Management and Law), engineering-related (such as Ergonomics, Systems Engineering) or science-related (such as Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science). Relevant professional experience or work placement is desirable in an area relevant to occupational health, safety, welfare and well-being practice and/or research;
• Or
• A minimum of an NFQ Level 8 Diploma/Higher Diploma in Safety, Health and Welfare (minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 1), from UCC or an equivalent qualification from another Institution (NFQ Level 8 Diploma, minimum Second Class Honours Grade I) AND a minimum of one year's professional work experience in an area relevant to Occupational Health, Safety, Welfare and Wellbeing practice and/or research;
• Or
• Applicants with a minimum of three years of professional work experience and/or evidence of continuous professional development/ training in an associated area of Occupational Health, Safety, Welfare and well-being may be invited for an interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme, under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Technical Requirements

To access and interact with the course content, assignments and assessments etc., students will require access to at least a PC/Laptop running current Windows or Mac operating systems. Students will need to have admin rights on their PC/laptop to download UCC-approved software. Common plug-ins will also be required. Students must have access to MS Office or an equivalent suite of applications. They must also have access to a modern standards-compliant web browser. UCC recommends either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

Fees and Costs

935

How To Apply

To apply for this module, the full module fee of 935 will be payable on submission of your application.

Contact Details

For Content Queries: Dr Darius Whelan For Application Queries: Dr Mallorie Leduc

University College Cork

University College Cork is a registered charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority.

• Module Content:
• Introduction to law and the sources of law.
• The development of health and safety law and the influence of Europe.
• The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and regulations made thereunder.
• The preparation of safety statements and the role of the Health and Safety Authority.
• Relevant aspects of the law of torts and employment law.
• International and comparative aspects of the law relating to occupational health, safety, and welfare.
• Environmental law as it relates to occupational health, safety, and welfare at work.
• Learning Outcomes:
• Apply these principles in practical workplace settings.
• Review human resources and health and safety policy documentation in light of these principles.
• Demonstrate an understanding of relevant aspects of employment law, the law of torts, and environmental law as they apply to occupational health, safety, and welfare.
• Duration: 8 Weeks
• Start Date: 4th March 2024
• Teaching Method(s): 90 x 1hr(s) Other (directed online learning); 110 x 1hr(s) Directed Study (recommended reading, independent research and project work).
• Module Co-Ordinator: Dr. Darius Whelan.
• Health and Safety Professionals in Industry and Healthcare
• Occupational Health Nurses
• Self-employed Occupational Health and Safety Consultants
• Human Resources Managers
• Healthcare Professionals (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, allied healthcare professionals)
• A student who successfully completes and passes the module under CPD will be eligible for exemptions if admitted to the MSc in Occupational Health or the MSc in Occupational Health (Online) within five years from the date of successful completion of the module (subject to the module being offered on the MSc in Occupational Health or the MSc in Occupational Health (On-line)).
• To access and interact with the course content, assignments, and assessments, students will require access to at least a PC/Laptop running current Windows or Mac operating systems.
• Students will need to have admin rights on their PC/laptop to download UCC-approved software.
• Common plug-ins will also be required.
• They must also have access to a modern standards-compliant web browser.
UCC recommends either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
• Basic technical computer skills such as familiarity with word processing, web browsing, and email are recommended.

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• EU Fee: €900.00
• Non EU fee: €1,100.00

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.