Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE CPM1211

 
TITLE Health and Safety 1

 
UM LEVEL 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Construction and Property Management

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit offers an overview of the fundamental concepts of health and safety in the construction sector. It encompasses essential concepts like risk assessment, hazard identification, legal frameworks, and optimal practices in occupational health and safety. Students will examine essential rules pertaining to workplace safety, namely within the Maltese and EU frameworks, and will acquire practical competencies in risk assessment and mitigation. The unit also emphasizes ethical issues and obligations in ensuring a secure working environment. Upon completion of this subject, students will possess the essential information required to execute efficient safety protocols and adhere to applicable rules.

Study-unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of health and safety principles in the construction industry. It will equip students with the necessary knowledge to identify, assess, and mitigate risks commonly encountered on construction sites. The unit will introduce students to legal frameworks, best practices, and ethical considerations that promote a culture of safety within the industry. By the end of the unit, students will be able to recognize hazards, apply preventive measures, and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Critically discuss fundamental health and safety concepts, including risk assessment and hazard control;
- Explain the key principles of occupational health and safety regulations, with a particular focus on Maltese and EU legislation;
- Identify common health and safety hazards in construction environments and understand their potential impact on workers and stakeholders;
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of employers, employees, and regulatory bodies in maintaining a safe work environment;
- Discuss the ethical and legal implications of health and safety non-compliance in construction management.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Conduct basic risk assessments and propose suitable risk control measures for construction sites;
- Apply health and safety principles to real-life construction scenarios and discuss solutions in group settings;
- Develop risk and safety plans or procedures in compliance with industry standards and legal frameworks;
- Communicate effectively about health and safety issues, including the preparation of reports and documentation pertaining to this trade;
- Work collaboratively within teams to implement safety measures and respond to workplace emergencies;
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills by identifying hazards and suggesting practical mitigation strategies.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Core Texts:

- Hughes, P. & Ferrett, E. (2016). Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction. Routledge.
- Chudley, R., Greeno, R. & Kovac, K. (2024). Building Construction Handbook. Routledge.
- Maltese Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations and Codes of Practice.

Supplementary Readings

- Channing, J. (2014). Safety at Work. 8th ed. Routledge.
- European Commission: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. (2011). Non-binding guide to good practice for understanding and implementing Directive 92/57/EEC on the implementation of minimum safety and health requirements at temporary or mobile construction sites. Publications Office. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2767/31797

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Reflective Diary SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Ivan Anthony Bondin
Louis Coleiro

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit