Assignment 5 PORTFOLIO Semester 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 5 November 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Four occupational health and safety hazards
The first hazard is excessive noise from heavy construction machinery, delivery
vehicles and the neighbouring busy roadway. Machine operators, general labourers
and other employees who spend long periods near this equipment can receive
repeated high noise exposure during the working day. Noise is an important
workplace stressor because uncontrolled exposure can damage hearing and can
also make verbal communication between workers more difficult (Schoeman, 2020,
p. 220).
The second hazard is airborne dust created by activities such as cutting, drilling,
mixing cement, breaking concrete and moving dry building materials. Some
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Four occupational health and safety hazards
The first hazard is excessive noise from heavy construction machinery, delivery
vehicles and the neighbouring busy roadway. Machine operators, general labourers
and other employees who spend long periods near this equipment can receive
repeated high noise exposure during the working day. Noise is an important
workplace stressor because uncontrolled exposure can damage hearing and can
also make verbal communication between workers more difficult (Schoeman, 2020,
p. 220).
The second hazard is airborne dust created by activities such as cutting, drilling,
mixing cement, breaking concrete and moving dry building materials. Some
construction dust can contain fine mineral particles that remain suspended in the air
and may be breathed in by workers who are close to the source. The work process
therefore creates an inhalation risk that should be recognised, measured where
necessary and controlled before workers experience harmful exposure (MNO2608
Study Guide 2021: 21).
The third hazard is manual material handling and awkward body movement.
Bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and general labourers may lift bags, carry tools,
bend repeatedly, work above shoulder height or remain in uncomfortable positions
while completing tasks. These activities can place strain on the back, shoulders,
knees, hands and other parts of the body, especially when heavy materials are
handled repeatedly over a long shift.
The fourth hazard is work pressure created by tight deadlines, simultaneous
activities and the constant movement of people and vehicles across the site. The
company wants to keep the project on schedule, but workers may feel rushed when
different trades are expected to work in the same area at the same time. This can
increase mental strain, fatigue, poor concentration and the likelihood of unsafe
decisions, particularly when employees are also watching for moving machinery and
delivery trucks.