This module is designed to introduce human biology to the learner in a way that connects it directly with health and disease. The student will identify the basic physiology of the human body; cells, organs, systems and their functions. Particular focus will be on the systems most likely affected by occupational health hazards. Students will be able to link fundamental biological concepts to cases of occupational disease.

1. Identify basic cell structure and function of plant, animal and bacterial cells.
2. Identify basic functions of the Respiratory and Circulatory Systems.
3. Recognise basic functions of the Digestive and Urinary Systems
4. Recognise and outline the basic functions of the Skleletal and Muscular Systems
5. Identify the basic functions of the Nervous systems and the Endocrine system.
6. Explain the structure and function of the ear and skin
7. Recognise the main routes of entry into the body of a range of occupational health hazards and their interactions within the human systems.

This module is aimed at those who require some knowledge of occupational safety and health (OSH). It is especially for those who have any responsibility for the general management of health and safety aspects associated with their work place or work activities or for providing general guidance to other employees on health and safety. The module aims to provide an overview of the main issues in OSH and the legislative context in which employers and employees must operate.

1. Outlinethe legalframework and requirements for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) within organisations.

2. Identify basic hazards in the workplace and outline how a risk assessment would be conducted.

3. Identify physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial and ergonomic hazards.

4. Outline appropriate strategies for the management of basic OSH risk.

5. Detailhow accidents should be investigated in the workplace and demonstrate anunderstanding of root cause analysis.

This module aims to build learners knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of communication skills relating to the field of Occupational Safety and Health.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal skills in listening, questioning, assertiveness and, verbal and non-verbal communication in a health and safetycontext.

2. Develop shorttechnical oral presentations.

3. Represent technical and /or scientific information in a manner that facilitates ease of communication.
4. Paraphrase and summarise written technical information, reference sources and write a bibliography.
5. Assess own communications skills and keep a personal learning journal.

This module introduces students of Occupational Safety & Health to essential principles and concepts of Chemistry and Physics.

1. Describe the basic composition of matter and atomic structure and explain chemical bonding
2. List the properties of chemicals commonly found in the workplace and explain the importance of these properties and their intrinsic hazards
3. Undertake basic scientific calculations and solve numerical problems
4. Select and apply an appropriate mathematical formula to solve a physical problem
5. Describe physical properties of noise vibration, radiation, electricity, heat and temperature
6. Explain the physical laws and definitions of waves, sound, energy, electricity, light and nuclear physics
7. Select and apply mathematical problem solving skills in chemistry in the workplace

8. Explain chemical laws and definitions in the field of chemistry.

On completion of this module, the participant will have the requisite skills, knowledge and competence to fulfil the role as Safety Representative in an organisation. They will understand their role as Safety Representative in promoting, representing employees, communicating and advising on matters relating to occupational safety and health. This module can be taken as a stand-alone module with participants receiving a 10 credit Minor Award at Level 6 or participants can take this module as part of the Higher Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health.

1. Identify the main legislation relating to health and safety in Irish workplaces

2. Understand the duties, functions and roles of those with responsibility for enforcing and complying with safety legislation with specific focus on HSA, employers, employees and safety representatives

3. Understand the functioning of an effective safety representative and safety committee.

4. Communicate safety and health information to peers and supervisors.
5. Conduct hazard identification and risk assessment in a prescribed workplace.

6. Conduct an investigation into a workplace accident.
7. Advise on a range of occupational safety and health issues in the workplace.
8. Demonstrate an ability to resource and keep abreast of health and safety information.

This module will introduce students to the workplace hazards associated with specific sectors including manufacturing industries, construction, agriculture, transport, healthcare etc.

1. Outline the generalworkplace hazards categories and those hazards associated with specific employment sectors.

2. Describe the standard international classifications used by the HSA for statistical data.
3. Explore the different HSA on-line learning courses aimed at different industrial sectors

4. Source and interpret current information and research on sector specific workplace hazards.
5. Work within groups to prepare and present reports.