James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2000

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OT2004:03

Ergonomics Occupational Health and Safety

Townsville

Prerequisites: OT1004 (OT1001 if exemption granted for OT1004)

26 lectures, 13 tutorials, 10 hours flexible delivery, 36 hours fieldwork placement. Second semester or flexible delivery.

Available to level 2 Occupational Therapy students and level 2 students in other health science disciplines approved by the head of Occupational Therapy.

This subject provides an overview, application and competencies of Ergonomics, Occupational Health and Safety. The relevant legislation is identified and explored in relation to principles of risk management, job auditing and Occupational Health and Safety management systems. 36 hours field education is included.

Assessment and treatment techniques for common work related injuries is revised to enable development of Occupational Rehabilitation including functional capacity evaluation, assessing job and workplace demands (environmental factors, physical, psychosocial, mental and cognitive effects on workload), work conditioning and devising graduated return to work programs and ergonomic manipulation such as workplace modifications.

Ergonomics applies knowledge acquired in first and second year basic science subjects to enable the therapist to relate ergonomics to musculo-skeletal effort, physiological demand, endurance, posture and tool use.

Learning Objectives:

  1. identify key legislative requirements for practise in the area of Occupational Health and Safety;
  2. ability to audit the risks within the home, workplace and environment for employment and leisure activities;
  3. ability to devise assessments and treatment techniques for common work related injuries.

Assessment by mid-semester examination (25%); end of semester examination (50%); case study assignments (25%); successful completion of fieldwork education placement.


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