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Faculty of Safety Engineering

ECTS Course Overview



Occupational Psychology

* Exchange students do not have to consider this information when selecting suitable courses for an exchange stay.

Course Unit Code040-1113/01
Number of ECTS Credits Allocated5 ECTS credits
Type of Course Unit *Choice-compulsory
Level of Course Unit *First Cycle, Second Cycle
Year of Study *
Semester when the Course Unit is deliveredWinter, Summer Semester
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
Language of InstructionEnglish
Prerequisites and Co-Requisites Course succeeds to compulsory courses of previous semester
Name of Lecturer(s)Personal IDName
SLO0110Mgr. Ivana Slováčková, Ph.D.
Summary
The course explores the application of psychological knowledge in the field of occupational safety, emphasizing the critical role of human factors in workplace accidents. Since most incidents result from unsafe behaviors, modern occupational safety management focuses on promoting safe habits, motivating employees to comply with safety regulations, and fostering a strong safety culture.
To achieve these objectives, OSH managers must develop a fundamental understanding of human behavior and its influence on workplace safety. The course covers key psychological principles, including models of human behavior, motivation theories, and behavioral interventions. Special attention is given to the concept of safety culture, comparing different models and strategies for its improvement.
In addition, the course enhances soft skills essential for OSH professionals, particularly in communication and leadership. Students will engage in practical training in presentation skills, ensuring they can effectively convey safety messages and influence employee behavior.
An integral part of the course is the assessment and management of psychosocial risks, including workplace stress, burnout, and organizational factors affecting employee well-being. Students will also be introduced to research methods in occupational psychology, equipping them with the skills to conduct workplace safety studies, analyze behavioral patterns, and apply data-driven strategies for accident prevention.
Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
This course equips students with practical knowledge of occupational to enhance health and safety management in companies. Through theoretical insights and applied exercises, students will learn to identify psychological and psychosocial factors influencing workplace safety, motivate employees for safe behaviour, and analyse human factors in accident prevention.
Course Contents
1. History and basic theories in psychology and occupational psychology
2. I/O (managerial) psychology
3. Principles of human behaviour; Safe and unsafe routines
4. Cognitive biases
5. Safety culture and safety leadership
6. Stress and psychosocial risk assessment
7. Qualitative research in occupational psychology
8. Quantitative research in occupational psychology
9. Communication and conflict resolution
10. Motivation and engagement
11. Model of human behaviour, promoting safe behaviour, group behaviour
12. Safety II and human factor
13. Training and education in workplace environment
Recommended or Required Reading
Required Reading:
PEETERS, M. C. W., JONGE, DE, J., & TARIS, T. W. (Eds.) (2014). An introduction to contemporary work psychology. Wiley-Blackwell.
HOLLNAGEL, E. (2018). Safety-I and safety-II: the past and future of safety management. CRC press.
KLETZ, T. (2001). An Engineer's View of Human Error. CRC press, 3 Edition. ISBN: 978-156032910
PEETERS, M. C. W., JONGE, DE, J., & TARIS, T. W. (Eds.) (2014). An introduction to contemporary work psychology. Wiley-Blackwell.
KAHNEMAN, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Penguin Books: 2012.
HOLLNAGEL, E. (2018). Safety-I and safety-II: the past and future of safety management. CRC press.
KLETZ, T. (2001). An Engineer's View of Human Error. CRC press, 3 Edition. ISBN: 978-156032910
Recommended Reading:
KAHNEMAN, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Penguin Books: 2012.
KAHNEMAN, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Penguin Books: 2012.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures, Individual consultations, Tutorials, Project work
Assesment methods and criteria
Tasks are not Defined