OHS2601 Assignment 1 semester 2 2024
Question 1
The term "reasonably practicable" in the context of the Occupational Health
and Safety Act of 1993 refers to the practicality of achieving a health and safety
goal taking into account various factors:
Severity and Scope of Hazard or Risk: This considers how serious the potential
harm is and how many people are exposed to the hazard.
State of Knowledge: Refers to what is known about the hazard or risk and any
available means to control or eliminate it.
Availability and Suitability of Means: Looks at whether there are practical ways
to control or eliminate the hazard, and if those methods are appropriate for the
specific situation.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Considers the financial cost of implementing measures to
control or eliminate the hazard versus the benefits gained from doing so.
According to the prescribed textbook information, "reasonably practicable"
means that an employer is expected to take practical steps to provide a safe
working environment, considering these factors. This duty acknowledges that
while absolute prevention of all risks is not feasible, employers must
implement measures that are within their means and commensurate with the
level of risk present in the workplace.
In summary, the term 'reasonably practicable' requires employers to assess
risks realistically and take appropriate measures that are both feasible and
effective in ensuring workplace health and safety, considering the factors
outlined in the Act.
Reference: Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993, Section 1(b)(xliii)
Question 1
The term "reasonably practicable" in the context of the Occupational Health
and Safety Act of 1993 refers to the practicality of achieving a health and safety
goal taking into account various factors:
Severity and Scope of Hazard or Risk: This considers how serious the potential
harm is and how many people are exposed to the hazard.
State of Knowledge: Refers to what is known about the hazard or risk and any
available means to control or eliminate it.
Availability and Suitability of Means: Looks at whether there are practical ways
to control or eliminate the hazard, and if those methods are appropriate for the
specific situation.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Considers the financial cost of implementing measures to
control or eliminate the hazard versus the benefits gained from doing so.
According to the prescribed textbook information, "reasonably practicable"
means that an employer is expected to take practical steps to provide a safe
working environment, considering these factors. This duty acknowledges that
while absolute prevention of all risks is not feasible, employers must
implement measures that are within their means and commensurate with the
level of risk present in the workplace.
In summary, the term 'reasonably practicable' requires employers to assess
risks realistically and take appropriate measures that are both feasible and
effective in ensuring workplace health and safety, considering the factors
outlined in the Act.
Reference: Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993, Section 1(b)(xliii)
