, OHS2602 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 - DUE March 2026
QUESTION 1.1
Name and discuss two key limits that decide whether a disease is
covered by the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act 78 of
1973 (ODIMWA). (5)
Two key limits determine whether a disease qualifies for compensation
under the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act 78 of 1973.
First, the disease must arise from occupational exposure at a
controlled mine or works.
ODIMWA only applies to diseases contracted as a result of work
performed at a controlled mine or controlled works as defined in the
Act. There must be a clear causal link between the employee’s work
environment and the disease. Diseases that arise from general living
conditions or non-occupational exposure fall outside the scope of the
Act. For example, lung diseases such as silicosis or tuberculosis must be
linked to prolonged exposure to mine dust or hazardous conditions
specific to mining or related works. If the disease cannot be causally
connected to the occupational risk, it will not be covered by ODIMWA.
Second, the disease must be a prescribed compensable disease and
meet statutory exposure or time requirements.
ODIMWA only compensates diseases listed or recognised under its
prescribed categories, such as silicosis, asbestosis, tuberculosis, and
certain other occupational lung diseases. In addition, the Act imposes
minimum exposure periods or latency requirements. For instance,
tuberculosis is compensable only if it is contracted after a prescribed
period of service in a controlled mine or works. Diseases diagnosed
QUESTION 1.1
Name and discuss two key limits that decide whether a disease is
covered by the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act 78 of
1973 (ODIMWA). (5)
Two key limits determine whether a disease qualifies for compensation
under the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act 78 of 1973.
First, the disease must arise from occupational exposure at a
controlled mine or works.
ODIMWA only applies to diseases contracted as a result of work
performed at a controlled mine or controlled works as defined in the
Act. There must be a clear causal link between the employee’s work
environment and the disease. Diseases that arise from general living
conditions or non-occupational exposure fall outside the scope of the
Act. For example, lung diseases such as silicosis or tuberculosis must be
linked to prolonged exposure to mine dust or hazardous conditions
specific to mining or related works. If the disease cannot be causally
connected to the occupational risk, it will not be covered by ODIMWA.
Second, the disease must be a prescribed compensable disease and
meet statutory exposure or time requirements.
ODIMWA only compensates diseases listed or recognised under its
prescribed categories, such as silicosis, asbestosis, tuberculosis, and
certain other occupational lung diseases. In addition, the Act imposes
minimum exposure periods or latency requirements. For instance,
tuberculosis is compensable only if it is contracted after a prescribed
period of service in a controlled mine or works. Diseases diagnosed
