Module 5 – Monitoring, Evaluation and Safety Culture

The final module explores the ongoing processes required to maintain and strengthen workplace health and safety systems. Students will examine methods for monitoring workplace health and safety performance, conducting inspections and audits, evaluating organisational systems and measuring safety outcomes. The module concludes by exploring the development of a positive workplace health and safety culture that values leadership, collaboration, inclusion, psychological safety and continuous improvement. These principles support sustainable assistance animal partnerships and promote safe, ethical and high-quality occupational therapy practice across diverse settings.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, learners will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of monitoring workplace health and safety performance within assistance animal practice settings.
2. Identify key indicators used to evaluate WHS effectiveness, including incidents, hazards, reporting trends, compliance and improvement activities.
3. Describe methods for collecting, analysing and reviewing WHS information to support evidence-informed decision-making.
4. Explain the purpose and process of workplace health and safety inspections and audits.
5. Identify how inspections and audits can be used to assess compliance, identify hazards and improve workplace safety systems.
6. Apply principles of systematic review and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of WHS policies, procedures and practices.
7. Explain the importance of identifying gaps, emerging risks and opportunities for improvement within WHS systems.
8. Describe the role of continuous improvement in maintaining safe and effective assistance animal practice environments.
9. Explain how workplace culture influences safety behaviours, reporting practices and overall WHS outcomes.
10. Identify characteristics of a positive workplace health and safety culture, including communication, accountability, consultation and shared responsibility.
11. Describe strategies for promoting worker engagement and participation in workplace safety initiatives.
12. Demonstrate an understanding of how leadership, teamwork and ongoing evaluation contribute to a proactive WHS culture.
13. Apply monitoring and evaluation principles to recommend improvements to workplace health and safety systems within assistance animal practice.

Learning Outcome Mapping