Level 3 Health + Safety Law Diploma

Level 3 Health + Safety Law Diploma Course Content

Module 1 – The legal sources

Health and Safety law is derived from a number of different sources. Some of them are comparatively old, for example common law [judge made law] whereas others are very much more recent, for example, European directives with which we the UK was party to during their membership of the European Union.  The purpose of this unit is to try to place the subject in its rightful perspective by providing an overview of the major sources.

Module 2 – The legal machinery

In this unit we consider how health and safety law is enforced; hence the need to consider the institutions and procedures in question. Therefore, we look at the various courts, tribunals, forms of alternative dispute resolution and the types of action which may be appropriate to a particular case; for example, criminal and civil procedures. We also consider the merits or otherwise of the system as it presently stands.

Module 3 – Civil liability

Civil liability is identified in contrast with criminal liability. We will be considering the liability that an employer may incur should he fail in his duty of care under common law. Although many statutory provisions have been put in place, the common law still provides important rules which contribute to health and safety law.

Module 4 – Vicarious liability

In this unit, we consider situations under which the employer will be liable for wrongful and, often, potentially dangerous acts committed by his employees. Having done this, we consider the primary statutory provisions which relate to this area.

Module 5 – Discrimination

During the course of this unit, we address the often distressing and harmful practice of discrimination in the workplace. We consider a whole range of areas which have been subject to protection by the various sources of law.

Module 6 – The Role of Common Law and Equity

The essence of this unit is a review of the common law mechanisms coupled with an insight into the relevance of the law of equity, a system of law that runs side by side with the common law.  Having completed this, we then review some of the important cases within the syllabus area.

Module 7 – Consumer Protection

This unit provides an overview of consumer law provisions and how it is necessary to input criminalise certain activities within this area with a view to protecting the health and safety of the consumer. We consider a range of criminal offences coupled with their enforcement mechanisms.

Module 8 – Corporate Manslaughter

In this unit we look at the influence of European Law with regards to our safety as consumers. Students are required to draw their knowledge of both legal sources and mechanisms gained in earlier unit.

Module 9 – The Human Resources Element

During the course of this unit, we consider the implications for the human resource practitioner and how they can best seek to ensure that the major legal requirements are adhered to whilst still trying to ensure that the needs of staff remain a paramount consideration at all times.

Module 10 – Management Responsibilities

In this final unit, we look at the major legal implications for management and some of the essential processes of which they need a basic awareness; for example, the dismissal process and accident investigation.