Equal Opportunity, Duty of Care & Ethical Considerations
Complete the following assessment tasks/portfolio entries for this element/competency:
Discuss what is meant by equal opportunity and state the Australian legislations that ensure equal opportunity and prevent discrimination in workplaces.
Discuss what is meant by duty of care and ethics in the laboratory. Include in this the organisational, local and national policy or legislation which govern these.
Competency/Element Standard 2.2: Equal Opportunity, Duty of Care, Ethical consideration
Discuss what is meant by equal opportunity and state the Australian legislations that ensure equal opportunity and prevent discrimination in workplaces.
Discuss what is meant by duty of care and ethics in the laboratory. Include in this the organisational, local and national policy or legislation which govern these.
Discussion points/thoughts for this Element/Competency (Tasks/Activities 1 & 2)
1. What is meant by “Equal Opportunities”?
2. What are “Protected Characteristics”? List them.
3. What is the meaning of each type of discrimination? Direct, Indirect, Harassment, Victimisation.
4. Discrimination can occur when another person discriminates against you or a colleague, or if you discriminate against another person. What are some examples of discrimination in the workplace?
5. What can you do if workplace discrimination occurs?
6. You should have (and list) an understanding of the basic principles of anti-discrimination laws in Australia.
7. You should know the role of the Australian Human Rights Commission in the area of anti-discrimination.
8. What is meant by “Duty of Care”? Define and give examples.
9. You need to be aware of and list the state and national legislations relating to Duty of Care.
10. What might be some of the consequences of not providing a reasonable duty of care to patients, clients, etc (i.e. negligence)?
11. You should have an appreciation that Australian State laws can vary from the Federal law.
Research…
It is important to use only trusted sources of information, and to remember that laws can change over time.
The most reliable and up to date source of information on Australian Anti-discrimination law is the Australian Government Website. The Australian Human Rights Commission oversees acts of discrimination. This Australian Government page and its various links will provide more information…http://www.ag.gov.au/RightsAndProtections/HumanRights/Pages/default.aspx
For information relating to Duty of Care towards patients/clients you may consult the Department of Health website http://www.health.gov.au/ that has some important information relating to Duty of care.
All references must follow Vancouver Guidelines.
Answers must be written on the Proforma provided.
