Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis - ECU Access Only
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
First Supervisor
Jacques Oosthuizen
Second Supervisor
Kelly Juanzems
Third Supervisor
Anne Polley
Abstract
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) is a mandatory requirement for any business, regardless of size. Historically, WHS education has been significantly skewed towards the safety paradigm with little focus on occupational health, leaving many businesses vulnerable, and exposed to major health risks including disease and pandemics. As the complexities of workplace health are consistently changing, managing WHS has become more demanding. Comprehensive education in health management requires an inter-professional collaboration to effectively address novel challenges that may present in the workplace. It is therefore essential to shift from a safety-dominant approach to one that equally emphasises health in a WHS role. However, this can only be achieved and validated through a progressive, contemporary, and balanced WHS pedagogy.
The aims of this research project were to explore how WHS professionals perceived and valued their WHS education, identify in what way had they applied their knowledge and skills in managing COVID-19 and determine what recommendations would they suggest for future WHS education content.
Building upon a 2021 pilot project, this research used a qualitative methodology, investigating how WHS professionals perceived and valued their WHS education, and how their resulting knowledge and skills had been applied in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in recommendations for future WHS education.
Key findings of this research revealed several areas in the current WHS education across the higher education (university), and the vocational education training (VET) sectors, did not meet current workplace health management requirements. Where health units in university WHS courses are offered, these units are predominantly related to hygiene and hygiene management. It was putatively accepted that WHS education must provide education across both health and safety instruction equally. Results indicated that obtaining a WHS qualification, particularly from the VET sector whether through coursework, or recognised prior learning (RPL), lacked the in-depth detail required to manage workplace health, thereby missing the “H” for health as depicted in the WHS acronym. Other key issues identified included, insufficient and ineffective communication and conflict resolution skills and training, leadership and management skills, and the lack of a recognised WHS professional body. The absence of a comprehensive and balanced WHS education curricula and one that fails to incorporate these key identified areas, will result in diminished pertinent skills and competencies required in the workplace, thereby risking the professionalism of WHS practitioners. Overall, this research indicates that current WHS education must include a stronger and more inclusive focus on occupational health and health management that provides outcomes equitable in the elements of both health and safety.
Fundamentally, education in occupational health management must also be on a continuum, adapting to the dynamic nature of health in the workplace, thereby educating and enabling WHS practitioners to inform the necessary changes to policies and practices, whenever required. It should not only reflect business requirements but also ensure that the transfer of learned skills is applicable for both current, and emerging occupational health trends. The results and recommendations of this research will inform the development of a more inclusive WHS curriculum that will educate, and empower WHS graduates to implement proactive, preventative health measures, resulting in safer and healthier workplaces, with improved standards in occupational health management.
DOI
10.25958/skmj-dx33
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 11th January 2027
Recommended Citation
Cameron, B. (2025). Exploring perceived value of work health and safety (WHS) education to determine future educative needs for occupational health management: A qualitative study, of the lived experiences of WHS practitioners. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/skmj-dx33