, OHS2602 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2026 - DUE March 2026; 100% Correct solutions
and explanations.
Question 1
1.1 Key Limits for Diseases Covered Under ODIMWA
(Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act 78 of 1973)
The Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (ODIMWA) 78
of 1973 is designed to provide compensation to employees who contract
diseases arising directly from their work in mines and related industrial
sectors. However, not all diseases qualify. There are key legal limits
that determine eligibility:
1.1.1 Work-Relatedness / Occupational Exposure
One of the most fundamental limits is that the disease must have a direct
causal link to the employee’s work environment or occupational
activities. The law recognises only diseases caused or significantly
aggravated by hazardous exposures inherent to mining and certain
industrial processes.
Example: An employee exposed to silica dust in a gold mine who
develops silicosis is covered, because the disease results directly
from workplace exposure.
Non-example: The same employee contracting TB from
community contact would not be covered under ODIMWA, as the
disease is not attributable to occupational conditions.
This limit ensures that compensation is restricted to occupational
risk, preventing abuse of the Act for illnesses unrelated to the job.
Semester 1 2026 - DUE March 2026; 100% Correct solutions
and explanations.
Question 1
1.1 Key Limits for Diseases Covered Under ODIMWA
(Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act 78 of 1973)
The Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (ODIMWA) 78
of 1973 is designed to provide compensation to employees who contract
diseases arising directly from their work in mines and related industrial
sectors. However, not all diseases qualify. There are key legal limits
that determine eligibility:
1.1.1 Work-Relatedness / Occupational Exposure
One of the most fundamental limits is that the disease must have a direct
causal link to the employee’s work environment or occupational
activities. The law recognises only diseases caused or significantly
aggravated by hazardous exposures inherent to mining and certain
industrial processes.
Example: An employee exposed to silica dust in a gold mine who
develops silicosis is covered, because the disease results directly
from workplace exposure.
Non-example: The same employee contracting TB from
community contact would not be covered under ODIMWA, as the
disease is not attributable to occupational conditions.
This limit ensures that compensation is restricted to occupational
risk, preventing abuse of the Act for illnesses unrelated to the job.
