AD1074 Health and Safety Legislation Assignment 2026/27: Crane Hook Case Study on the 2005 Act (UCC)
| Module | AD1074 Health and Safety Legislation |
| University | University College Cork (UCC), adult continuing education |
| Assessment | Continuous assessment: research and writing case study (100%) |
| Word limit | 1,500 words +/- 10% (excluding footnotes and bibliography) |
| Key law | Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, common law duty of care, case law |
| Submission | Canvas via Turnitin |
This 2026/27 AD1074 assignment gives you a construction-site injury to analyse: a worker spots a cracked crane hook, is told by his foreman to carry on, and is badly hurt when the hook fails. You must advise him on his rights and his employer’s duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and at common law, support your advice with Irish case law and reflect on how the learning applies to your own organisation.
Assignment Overview
Continuous assessment for this module is 100% of the overall marks; this research and writing assignment is worth 100% of your grade. Word limit: 1,500 words +/- 10% (excluding reasonable footnotes and the bibliography). Marks are deducted if these limits are exceeded, and late penalties apply as set out in the module descriptor. Upload the assignment to Canvas via Turnitin and read the guidance notes before you begin.
Case Study
Benny is a construction worker with a large construction firm. Part of Benny’s duties is preparing loads for lifting with a crane. One day, while getting some scaffolding bars ready to be lifted by the crane, Benny noticed a visible crack in the crane hook.
As his foreman happened to be walking past, Benny brought the weakened crane hook to the foreman’s attention. The foreman replied, “don’t worry about the hook, it’ll be okay, just tie up them bars and attach them to the crane”. Although he was concerned about the hook, Benny did exactly as his foreman told him. As the crane was lifting the scaffolding bars the hook broke and the bars fell onto Benny, causing him severe injuries.
Question
Advise Benny as to his rights and his employer’s obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and any common law, or other, provisions which may apply. Please support your answer with relevant case law.
Assessment Criteria
| Introduction | Clear, concise; outlines the plan of the assignment | 10% |
| Knowledge and understanding | Comprehensive account of legislation, specifically the 2005 Act, and case law beyond the classroom | 30% |
| Critical thought | Ability to analyse and evaluate material and align it with relevant legislation and case law | 25% |
| Self-reflection | Level of self-reflection relating the learning from theory to your own organisation | 15% |
| Overall presentation | Logical flow, clear structure, layout, spelling and grammar | 10% |
| Resources | Evidence of reading additional material and accurate referencing | 10% |
Guidance Notes
- This is an individual assignment and must be entirely your own work.
- The maximum word limit is 1,500 words; reasonable footnotes and the bibliography are not counted.
- The assignment must be typewritten and submitted through Canvas (Turnitin).