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Academy Documents

Kindly access the Students' Policies & Forms by clicking on the button below. The following documents, among others, can be found there: Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, Students' Privacy Notice, Deferral, Suspension, and Cancellation Policy, Assignment Extension Policy, Re-Sit Policy, Complaints Procedure Policy, Equality Policy, and Student Disciplinary Policy.

Students' Policies & Forms

Sessions' Venue

All sessions will be held at 21 Academy's Training Centre in Naxxar

21 Business Centre, No. 20., Triq in-Nutar Debono, Naxxar NXR 2525 - Room 3

Lecture Schedule & Notes

Lecture notes will be available during the week following the respective lecture. Schedule dates are indicative and may change. All changes, if any, may be communicated via email, SMS or telephone calls.

Lecturer

Mr Jean Paul Xuereb

Lecture Summaries & Suggested Reading

Lecture 1 - Foundations of Physical Hazards and Legal Duties

This lesson introduces students to the fundamental concepts of physical hazards in occupational settings and the legal responsibilities associated with managing them. Learners explore common physical hazards encountered across industries, including slips, trips and falls, work at height, machinery and moving parts, electrical hazards, noise, vibration, radiation, thermal extremes, and ergonomic and manual handling risks. The lesson emphasises how these hazards can cause injury, ill health, and operational disruption if not effectively controlled.Students are introduced to the legal framework governing workplace safety, with particular focus on the EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and Cap. 646 (Malta).

The lesson outlines employer duties to identify, assess, and control physical hazards, as well as worker rights and obligations in maintaining a safe workplace. This foundation supports informed hazard recognition, legal compliance, and proactive safety management

Following this session students will be given:

• Understand key categories of physical hazards
• Recognise employer and worker legal duties
• Interpret basic OHS legislation
• Appreciate the importance of hazard prevention and compliance

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.
• EU‑OSHA — E-fact 04: Physical Hazards
  ILO Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health & Safety — “Physical Agents”
  OHSA Malta — Guidance Documents on Physical Agents
  ISO 45001:2018 — Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (overview sections)
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.
• Health & Safety at Work Act XXXIII of 2024 Chapter 646
• Collins, L. R., & Schneid, T. D. (2001). Physical hazards of the workplace. CRC Press

Lecture 2 -Risk Assessment of Physical Hazards

This lesson focuses on the systematic assessment of physical hazards in occupational health and safety, distinguishing hazard identification from risk evaluation. Students learn how physical hazards require targeted assessment approaches that consider hazard-specific risk factors rather than generic risk assumptions. Emphasis is placed on evaluating frequency and duration of exposure, energy levels involved (mechanical, electrical, and thermal), and the degree of human interaction with hazardous processes or equipment.

The lesson introduces the use of risk matrices and scoring systems to prioritise physical hazards effectively, while also highlighting the increased risks faced by vulnerable workers and contractors. Legal obligations under Maltese law are examined, including mandatory risk assessment requirements, documentation standards, and the need for regular review to ensure continued effectiveness and compliance.

Student Gains

• Differentiate hazard identification from risk evaluation
• Assess physical hazard-specific risk factors
• Apply risk matrices and scoring methods
• Identify risks to vulnerable workers and contractors

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes
• NIOSH — Manual of Analytical Methods: Physical Agents
  UK HSE — Monitoring and measurement technical guidance
  EU‑OSHA — Monitoring Occupational Physical Agents
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Lecture 3 - Slips, Trips and Falls and Work at Height

This lesson examines falls, slips, and work at height as high-risk physical hazards that contribute significantly to serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Students explore same-level falls, falls from height, falling objects, and fragile surfaces, with attention to how these hazards arise in high-risk environments such as construction sites, warehouses, hotel maintenance areas, and school maintenance zones.

The legal requirements of SL 424.18 – Workplace Regulations (Minimum Health and Safety Requirements) are reviewed, emphasizing employer responsibilities for preventing falls. The lesson focuses on practical control measures, including edge protection, safe scaffolding systems, effective housekeeping, and permit-to-work systems for high-risk tasks. Case examples are used to reinforce prevention planning and compliance.

Student Gains

• Identify common fall and height-related hazards
• Recognise high-risk workplaces
• Understand relevant legal requirements
• Select appropriate fall-prevention controls

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.
• EU Directive 2003/10/EC — Noise
  EU Directive 2002/44/EC — Vibration
  NIOSH — Noise and Vibration Criteria Documents
  UK HSE — Noise and HAV/WBV Guidance
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Lecture 4 -Machinery, Equipment, and Mechanical Hazards

This lesson focuses on mechanical hazards arising from machinery and work equipment commonly used across multiple sectors. Students examine hazards associated with moving parts, entanglement, crushing and shearing points, and stored energy, which can lead to severe injuries if not properly controlled. The lesson highlights high-risk sectors including manufacturing, warehouses, retail back-of-house operations, and healthcare environments where medical equipment presents specific mechanical risks.

The legal framework under SL 424.17 – Use of Work Equipment Regulations is explored, with emphasis on employer duties, CE marking, and conformity requirements to ensure equipment safety. Practical control measures are discussed, including machine guarding, lock-out/tag-out procedures, safe operating procedures, and systematic maintenance and inspection programs. Real-world examples reinforce the importance of preventing accidental start-up and equipment failure.

Student Gains

• Identify common mechanical hazards
• Understand sector-specific machinery risks
• Interpret equipment safety legislation
• Apply effective machinery control measures

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.
• UK HSE — Controlling Physical Agents
  NIOSH — Engineering Controls Database
  EU‑OSHA — Control Measures for Physical Agents
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Lecture 5-Electrical and Energy-Related Physical Hazards

This lesson examines electrical and energy-related physical hazards that pose significant risks in many workplaces. Students explore hazards such as electric shock, electrical burns, arc flash incidents, and fire or explosion risks arising from faulty systems or unsafe practices. Particular attention is given to temporary electrical installations, which are common in construction and maintenance activities and present elevated risks if poorly managed.

High-risk environments discussed include construction sites, manufacturing plants, hospitals, and hotels and restaurants, where continuous electrical use and complex systems increase exposure. The lesson reviews relevant workplace safety regulations, emphasizing the legal duty to ensure work is carried out by competent persons. Requirements for electrical inspections, testing, and certification are highlighted as essential preventive measures to ensure system integrity and legal compliance.

Student Gains

• Identify key electrical and energy-related hazards
• Recognise high-risk electrical environments
• Understand legal duties of competent persons
• Appreciate the role of inspections and certification

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.
• NIOSH — Criteria for Hot Environments
  ISO 7243 — WBGT standard
  UK HSE — Thermal Comfort
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Lecture 6 - Noise, Vibration, and Thermal Physical Hazards

This lesson addresses physical hazards related to noise, vibration, and thermal conditions that can cause long-term health effects if not properly managed. Students examine occupational noise exposure and its link to hearing loss, as well as hand-arm and whole-body vibration and their impact on the musculoskeletal and circulatory systems. Thermal hazards, including heat stress and cold environments, are explored with reference to both indoor and outdoor work activities.

The lesson highlights sectors commonly affected, such as manufacturing, construction, warehouses, and healthcare settings, including laundries and plant rooms. Legal requirements under SL 424.22 (Noise Regulations) and SL 424.23 (Vibration Regulations) are reviewed. Control measures focus on engineering solutions, exposure monitoring, personal protective equipment, and health surveillance to protect workers and ensure compliance.

Student Gains

• Identify noise, vibration, and thermal hazards
• Recognise affected sectors and work activities
• Understand relevant Maltese legislation
• Apply appropriate control and monitoring measures

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.
• IAEA — Radiation Protection and Safety Standards
  WHO — EMF & Public Health
  EU‑OSHA — Radiation workplace guidance
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Lecture 7 -Manual Handling and Ergonomic Physical Hazards

This lesson focuses on manual handling and ergonomic physical hazards that commonly contribute to musculoskeletal disorders and long-term injuries. Students explore risks associated with lifting, pushing, pulling, repetitive movements, and poor workstation design across a range of workplaces, including offices, retail environments, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and schools.

The lesson reviews key legal requirements, including SL 424.10 on the protection against risks of back injuries and SL 646.07 covering minimum health and safety requirements for work with display screen equipment. Emphasis is placed on practical control measures such as task redesign, use of mechanical aids, ergonomic workstation setup, and effective training and supervision. Practical activities enable students to apply learning through manual handling risk assessments and ergonomic evaluations.

Student Gains

• Identify manual handling and ergonomic hazards
• Understand relevant legislation
• Apply ergonomic and task-based control measures
• Conduct basic risk and workstation assessments

Core Reading List

St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.

• UK HSE — Lighting at Work
  CIBSE — Lighting Guides
  EU‑OSHA — Good practices for workplace lighting
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Lecture 8 - Sector-Specific Physical Hazard Management 

This lesson explores how physical hazard management is applied across different industries to reduce workplace risks and promote Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Learners examine real-world examples from construction, manufacturing, offices, retail, hospitality, schools, and healthcare to understand how hazards vary by environment. Key focus areas include working at height, machinery safety, ergonomics, manual handling, slips and trips, electrical risks, and patient or equipment handling. The lesson highlights risk assessment, safe work procedures, and employer responsibilities in maintaining safe workplaces.

Student Gains:

• Identify sector-specific physical hazards
• Apply basic OHS risk control measures
• Recognise safe work practices across industries
• Understand employer and worker safety roles
• Improve hazard awareness and reporting skills

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.
• EU Directive 2006/42/EC — Machinery Directive
  OSHA — Machine Guarding eTool
  UK HSE — Safe Use of Machinery
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Lecture 9 - Inspections, Audits, and Incident Investigation (Physical Hazards)

This lesson focuses on how organisations monitor workplace safety and learn from incidents involving physical hazards through effective Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices. Students explore the purpose of inspections and audits in identifying unsafe conditions, unsafe acts, and potential risks before harm occurs. The lesson explains incident reporting processes, investigation steps, and the importance of analysing root causes rather than blaming individuals. Practical OHS tools such as inspection checklists, the 5 Whys technique, and fishbone diagrams are introduced to support structured hazard analysis and continuous improvement. Emphasis is placed on proactive prevention, accurate documentation, and developing a positive safety culture where hazards are reported and addressed promptly.

Student Gains:

• Conduct basic OHS inspections using checklists
• Differentiate unsafe acts vs unsafe conditions
• Apply simple root cause analysis methods
• Understand incident reporting procedures
• Strengthen hazard identification and prevention skills

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.
• UK HSE — Preventing Slips and Trips
  NIOSH — Confined Spaces Guidance
  EU‑OSHA — Confined space safety resources
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Lecture 10 -Integrated Physical Hazard Risk Management (OHS)

This lesson consolidates previous learning by showing how physical hazard management operates as a complete Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) system within an organisation. Students explore how risk assessments are reviewed and updated to reflect workplace changes, how preventive maintenance reduces equipment-related hazards, and how contractor activities are controlled to maintain safety standards. The lesson also covers emergency preparedness planning for physical hazards and practical steps for preparing for OHSA inspections, with emphasis on legal compliance in Malta and the EU. Learners complete a final integrated assessment by developing a full physical hazard risk management plan, mapping legal requirements, and presenting their findings to demonstrate applied OHS competence.

Student Gains:

• Integrate hazard identification, assessment, and control into one OHS system
• Understand preventive maintenance and contractor safety management
• Apply emergency preparedness principles
• Recognise legal compliance requirements (Malta & EU)
• Develop and present a complete physical hazard risk management plan

Core Reading List

• St. John Holt A (2009) Principles of Health and Safety at Work. IOSH.
  Spurlock B (2023) Physical Hazards of The Workplace. Routledge.
  Macdonald D (2004) Practical Machinery Safety. Newnes.
• ISO 45001 — Performance Evaluation
  UK HSE — Measuring Health & Safety Performance
  EU‑OSHA — Risk monitoring guidance
  Malta OHSA legislation

Supplementary Reading List

• Brauer RL (2022) Safety and Health for Engineers. Wiley.
  Scientific journals and publications related to specific physical hazards and their management.

Methods of Assessment

Quiz (20% of final grade)

Assignment (80% of final grade)

Quiz

There will be one online Quiz after the last lecture on Thursday, 9th July, 2026, at 5.30 p.m. Information on how this will be carried out may be obtained by clicking on the button below. The Quiz will carry 20% of the final score.

Quiz Notes

Assignment

You are required to choose one of the three questions available in the Assignment Submission Form made available by clicking the button below. The assignment must be submitted no later than Thursday, 20 August 2026, along with the Assignment Submission Form. Please ensure that you indicate the question you have addressed on the Assignment Submission Form.

Assignment Submission Form

For guidance on how to plan, draft, and submit your assignment, please refer to the 21 Academy presentation on Writing and Submitting Your Assignment by clicking the button below.

Writing and Submitting Your Assignment

We are also providing the 21 Academy's Assignments Rubric for your reference. This rubric is a performance-based assessment tool that tutors will use for grading, and it will help you understand the requirements of the assignment and how it will be assessed.

Assignments Rubric

Referencing Style

Your assignment should be referenced using the Harvard Referencing style. Please follow a short video, by clicking on the button below, to understand this referencing style.

Harvard Referencing Style

Submitting Assignments - Turnitin

The Academy will notify you via email when the assignment questions become available. Shortly after, you will receive another email from Turnitin, likely on the same day, confirming your enrolment in a "class" where you can upload your assignment(s).

Please ensure that your assignments are submitted no later than 23:59 on the assignment submission deadline, as indicated on the Assignment Submission form or in the Turnitin "class."

At 21 Academy, you have the option to submit multiple drafts before the final submission deadline. The version uploaded at the deadline will be treated as your final submission for assessment. Please note that Turnitin evaluates the same assignment twice within a 24-hour period, so any additional submissions during this time will not be reviewed until the 24-hour period has passed. Ensure that your final submission does not exceed 20% similarity, particularly when using direct quotations.

Follow this very short video to understand how to submit your assignment through Turnitin

Submitting a Paper

To understand the similarity report generated by Turnitin follow this 1 minute video

Understanding the Similarity Report