OHS2601 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 19 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Briefly discuss the steps or procedures that must be undertaken by an
inspector when an incident has resulted in serious injury or death of an
employee.
When an incident at the workplace results in the serious injury or death of an employee,
the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 ("OHSA") imposes a clear statutory
duty on the employer to report the incident to an inspector of the Department of
Employment and Labour. Once notified, the inspector is responsible for a series of
procedural steps to investigate the incident and ensure compliance with the law
(McGregor et al., 2021, p. 267). The key steps or procedures that must be undertaken
by the inspector are as follows:
1. Receipt of the Report and Initial Notification
The process commences with the employer's obligation to report the incident to an
inspector. Section 24(1) of the OHSA stipulates that any incident where a person dies,
becomes unconscious, suffers the loss of a limb, or is injured or becomes ill to such a
degree that they are likely to die, suffer a permanent physical defect, or be unable to
work for at least 14 days, must be reported to an inspector within the prescribed period
and in the prescribed manner (McGregor et al., 2021, p. 267). This report triggers the
inspector's involvement.
, 2. Securing the Incident Site
In the event of a fatality or an injury so severe that the person is likely to die, the
inspector must ensure the incident site is not disturbed. Section 24(2) of the OHSA
provides that no person may, without the consent of an inspector, disturb the site at
which the incident occurred or remove any article or substance involved in the incident
(McGregor et al., 2021, p. 268). The inspector is responsible for granting permission
to disturb the site only for limited purposes, such as to prevent a further incident, to
remove the injured or dead, or to rescue persons from danger.
3. Conducting an Investigation
Once notified, the inspector is required to conduct a thorough investigation into the
incident (McGregor et al., 2021, p. 269). The purpose of the investigation is to
determine the cause of the incident, identify any breaches of health and safety
regulations, and gather evidence. The inspector will interview witnesses, examine the
scene, inspect relevant plant or machinery, and review documentation, such as the
employer's incident records. The inspector may also question the employer and other
relevant persons to obtain a full understanding of the circumstances surrounding the
incident.
4. Compiling an Investigation Report
Following the investigation, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report
(McGregor et al., 2021, p. 269). This report, often referred to as a "competent file" or
DUE 19 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Briefly discuss the steps or procedures that must be undertaken by an
inspector when an incident has resulted in serious injury or death of an
employee.
When an incident at the workplace results in the serious injury or death of an employee,
the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 ("OHSA") imposes a clear statutory
duty on the employer to report the incident to an inspector of the Department of
Employment and Labour. Once notified, the inspector is responsible for a series of
procedural steps to investigate the incident and ensure compliance with the law
(McGregor et al., 2021, p. 267). The key steps or procedures that must be undertaken
by the inspector are as follows:
1. Receipt of the Report and Initial Notification
The process commences with the employer's obligation to report the incident to an
inspector. Section 24(1) of the OHSA stipulates that any incident where a person dies,
becomes unconscious, suffers the loss of a limb, or is injured or becomes ill to such a
degree that they are likely to die, suffer a permanent physical defect, or be unable to
work for at least 14 days, must be reported to an inspector within the prescribed period
and in the prescribed manner (McGregor et al., 2021, p. 267). This report triggers the
inspector's involvement.
, 2. Securing the Incident Site
In the event of a fatality or an injury so severe that the person is likely to die, the
inspector must ensure the incident site is not disturbed. Section 24(2) of the OHSA
provides that no person may, without the consent of an inspector, disturb the site at
which the incident occurred or remove any article or substance involved in the incident
(McGregor et al., 2021, p. 268). The inspector is responsible for granting permission
to disturb the site only for limited purposes, such as to prevent a further incident, to
remove the injured or dead, or to rescue persons from danger.
3. Conducting an Investigation
Once notified, the inspector is required to conduct a thorough investigation into the
incident (McGregor et al., 2021, p. 269). The purpose of the investigation is to
determine the cause of the incident, identify any breaches of health and safety
regulations, and gather evidence. The inspector will interview witnesses, examine the
scene, inspect relevant plant or machinery, and review documentation, such as the
employer's incident records. The inspector may also question the employer and other
relevant persons to obtain a full understanding of the circumstances surrounding the
incident.
4. Compiling an Investigation Report
Following the investigation, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report
(McGregor et al., 2021, p. 269). This report, often referred to as a "competent file" or
