OHS2602 Occupational Health and Safety Law IIB
SEMESTER 2 ASSIGNMENT NO:1 2025
, 1.1 Occupational hygiene is a field within occupational health focused on protecting
workers from hazards that can affect their health at work. It involves identifying and
measuring harmful physical, chemical, and biological agents in the workplace and then
finding ways to control or eliminate them (Nel et al., 2019). For example, in industries
like mining, occupational hygienists monitor dust levels to prevent respiratory illnesses
such as silicosis by recommending controls like improved ventilation or protective gear
(Roberts, 2021). Ultimately, occupational hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining
safe working environments and preventing occupational diseases.
1.2 The statement that The Glass Factory provides one pair of safety shoes to each
employee, but if an employee wants an extra pair, they must order it through the
employer and have the cost deducted from their salary raises important legal questions
under occupational health and safety law, as well as labour law.
According to occupational health and safety legislation, employers are responsible for
providing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees at no cost
when it is required for their safety at work (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993,
Section 8). This includes safety shoes, which are considered essential PPE in many
industries.
The law mandates that the employer must supply PPE without charge as part of their
duty to ensure a safe working environment. However, it does not explicitly require
employers to provide more than one pair of safety shoes free of charge. The initial pair
is typically provided as part of this obligation.
Therefore, if an employee wants an additional pair beyond the one required for safety, it
is permissible for the employer to require that the employee pay for it, including
deducting the cost from the salary provided this deduction is lawful and agreed upon,
following the rules in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act regarding permissible
deductions (BCEA, Section 34).
SEMESTER 2 ASSIGNMENT NO:1 2025
, 1.1 Occupational hygiene is a field within occupational health focused on protecting
workers from hazards that can affect their health at work. It involves identifying and
measuring harmful physical, chemical, and biological agents in the workplace and then
finding ways to control or eliminate them (Nel et al., 2019). For example, in industries
like mining, occupational hygienists monitor dust levels to prevent respiratory illnesses
such as silicosis by recommending controls like improved ventilation or protective gear
(Roberts, 2021). Ultimately, occupational hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining
safe working environments and preventing occupational diseases.
1.2 The statement that The Glass Factory provides one pair of safety shoes to each
employee, but if an employee wants an extra pair, they must order it through the
employer and have the cost deducted from their salary raises important legal questions
under occupational health and safety law, as well as labour law.
According to occupational health and safety legislation, employers are responsible for
providing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees at no cost
when it is required for their safety at work (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993,
Section 8). This includes safety shoes, which are considered essential PPE in many
industries.
The law mandates that the employer must supply PPE without charge as part of their
duty to ensure a safe working environment. However, it does not explicitly require
employers to provide more than one pair of safety shoes free of charge. The initial pair
is typically provided as part of this obligation.
Therefore, if an employee wants an additional pair beyond the one required for safety, it
is permissible for the employer to require that the employee pay for it, including
deducting the cost from the salary provided this deduction is lawful and agreed upon,
following the rules in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act regarding permissible
deductions (BCEA, Section 34).
