The aim of this module is to introduce you to the key legal, professional and ethical issues that are relevant to your practice in the field of occupational health so that they are able to practice from a well informed professional base.
Classroom-based induction days are usually scheduled for the first week of each term prior to the module start date. If you have not studied at the University of Cumbria in the past two years, attendance at an induction day is advised. Alternatively, a web-based induction programme is available for distance learning students.
The running of this module is dependent on there being sufficient numbers of interest.
Graduate destinations
This module can be studied as part of the University Advanced Diploma (UAD) Occupational Health.
Course outline
Course summary
At the end of this module you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the complex nature of delivering occupational health services, with reference to the key legal, professional and ethical frameworks that exist. This module will introduce those frameworks and enable you to develop your understanding and apply this knowledge to your field of practice.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key legal requirements placed on employers to protect the health and safety of their employees at work, and how these requirements may be fulfilled within a complex industrial environment.
- Critically discuss the key features of professional regulation, with reference to a recognised code of conduct, and discuss the importance of informed consent within an occupational health context.
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles of ethics, using the value criteria autonomy, beneficence, and justice.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically apply ethical and legal principles to a complex workplace situation.
Indicative core bibliography
- Hughes, P. & Ferrett, E. (2011)Introduction to Health & Safety at Work. 5thedition. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann
- International Commission on Occupational Health. (2002) Code of Ethics. ICOH Singapore.
- Kloss, D. (2010)Occupational Health Law 5thedition.London: Wiley-Blackwell
- Lewis, J. & Thornbory, G. (2010)Employment law & occupational health: a practical handbook. 2ndedition. London: Wiley-Blackwell
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (2007) The NMC Code of Professional Conduct: Standards for Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses & Midwives.
- Oakley, K. (2008) (ed)Occupational Health Nursing. 3rdedition. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- Royal College of Nursing (2011) Occupational Health Nursing: Career and Competence Development. Available at: http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/409438/004123.pdf
Modules
Programme Specification
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the programme specification.
Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
Entry requirements
Have a question about our entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.
Selection criteria
To be eligible to study this module, you must demonstrate the ability to study at this level and commit to attempting the assessment.
When taken as part of a specific named award, the module content and assessment must be focussed towards the subject of that award. Participation in the formative components of the module is required in order to pass the module.
Application information
The closing date for applications is 5 working days prior to the module start date or, if this is your first module, 5 working days prior to the induction date.
Please note that the direct entry application system will not recognise your current Student IT Network login. Please select the New User option from the Apply Now button.
Additional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc.
Resources and facilities
We are amongst the UK's leading health and science faculties and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students. We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Our employment record is excellent.