LEGL6004

Law for Workplace Health & Safety

10 Units 6000 Level Course

Available in 2014

WebLearn GradSchool Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

Gives students an understanding of the impact of the legal and regulatory system on health and safety in the workplace. Topics covered include: structure and functions of law and legal institutions in Australia as they relate to WH&S; an introduction to the employer/employee relationship; Tort liability: Negligence, Breach of Statutory Duty; the Work Health & Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and related legislation; an introduction to the principles of Workers' Compensation; issues in litigation and WH&S and anti-discrimination laws. This course is taught by distance education.

Objectives The objectives of this course are that by the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Australian Legal System in the context of workplace health and safety laws, and the ability to access recent developments in the law;
2. Describe the common law requirements which relate to workplace health and safety, and their relationship to the contract of employment;
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relevant statutory requirements with particular emphasis on the Work Health & Safety Act 2011(NSW);
4. Discuss the concepts of negligence and liability in relation to workplace health and safety;
5. Discuss the remedies available for breaches of legal standards;
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles of workers compensation and of the scheme of legislation applying in NSW;
7. Appreciate some of the issues raised by other workplace laws such as those relating to discrimination as they relate to this area.
Content * Structure and functions of law and legal institutions in Australia as they relate to OH&S; basic legal research skills.
* An introduction to the law of contract and the employer/employee relationship.
* Tort Liability: Negligence; Breach of Statutory Duty.
* The Work Health & Safety Act 2011(NSW).
* Related legislation - State and Commonwealth.
* An introduction to the principles of Workers' Compensation.
* Issues in Litigation
* WH&S and anti-discrimination laws
Replacing Course(s) OHSE6080
Transition N/A
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge The course assumes no prior knowledge of law.
Modes of Delivery Distance Learning : IT Based
External Mode
Teaching Methods Email Discussion Group
Self Directed Learning
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Mid-semester assignment
End of Semester assignment
Contact Hours Self Directed Learning: for 4 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for LEGL6004