OHS2601 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) - DUE 9 March 2026

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OHS2601 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) - DUE 9
March 2026
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026



Contents
Question 1 .............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 The Meaning and Determination of the “Reasonably Practicable” Standard under
the OHSA (7 Marks) ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.1.2 Statutory Definition................................................................................................................ 2
1.1.3 Factors Used to Determine “Reasonably Practicable” ................................................ 3
1.1.4 Application to the Scenario (Mr X)..................................................................................... 4
1.1.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Occupational Incidents That Must Be Reported to an Inspector (3 Marks) ................... 5
1.2.1 Legal Framework .................................................................................................................... 5
1.2.2 Three Reportable Incidents ................................................................................................. 5
1.2.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 6
References ................................................................................................................................................. 6

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Question 1

1.1 The Meaning and Determination of the “Reasonably Practicable” Standard
under the OHSA (7 Marks)

1.1.1 Introduction

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (hereafter “OHSA”) places a
general duty on employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and
safety of employees while they are at work (OHSA, 1993: s 8(1)). This duty is not
absolute. Instead, it is qualified by the concept of “reasonably practicable”, meaning that
employers are required to take all steps that are reasonably possible under the
circumstances, but they are not expected to guarantee absolute safety.

The determination of what is “reasonably practicable” depends on the specific
circumstances of each case.

1.1.2 Statutory Definition

Section 1 of the OHSA defines “reasonably practicable” as meaning practicable having
regard to:

1. The severity and scope of the hazard or risk concerned;
2. The state of knowledge reasonably available concerning that hazard or risk and
any means of removing or mitigating it;
3. The availability and suitability of means to remove or mitigate the hazard or risk;
and
4. The cost of removing or mitigating the hazard or risk in relation to the benefits
derived.

(OHSA, 1993: s 1)

Each of these factors must be considered collectively when determining compliance.