, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
QUESTION 1 – TIMHAKA CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS
1.1 Identify and discuss Mzamani’s condition (4 marks)
Mzamani appears to be experiencing a possible substance-abuse problem, which may involve the
harmful or problematic use of alcohol or other substances. Substance-use disorder is characterised
by continued substance use despite negative consequences and may affect an individual’s physical
and psychological functioning, judgement, behaviour and ability to fulfil occupational
responsibilities (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). In Mzamani’s case, the concern is
particularly significant because construction work requires concentration, coordination and sound
judgement. Substance impairment can increase the likelihood of unsafe decisions, accidents and
injuries in workplaces where employees operate machinery, work at heights or perform physically
hazardous tasks (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). His condition should therefore be
approached as both an employee-wellbeing concern and a workplace-safety issue.
1.2 Constructive approach to the possible substance-abuse problem (8 marks)
Timhaka Construction Solutions should adopt a supportive and constructive intervention rather
than immediately responding to Mzamani through disciplinary action. Management should first
arrange a confidential meeting with Mzamani to discuss the changes or concerns that have been
observed. The discussion should focus on specific workplace behaviour and performance rather than
accusing him of being a substance abuser. This allows Mzamani to provide his perspective and
helps management determine whether substance use is contributing to the problem.
If substance abuse is suspected or confirmed, Mzamani should be encouraged to obtain professional
assistance through counselling, medical assessment, rehabilitation services or an employee
assistance programme where one is available. Substance-use disorders can require professional
treatment and continuing support, meaning that simply punishing an employee may not address the
underlying problem (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Management can also establish an
agreed intervention plan that includes treatment, regular monitoring and reasonable expectations
concerning attendance, conduct and work performance.
Workplace safety must remain a priority. Because construction activities can involve heavy
machinery, vehicles and other hazards, Mzamani should not perform safety-sensitive duties while
impaired. Appropriate steps should therefore be taken to protect both Mzamani and his co-workers
from avoidable accidents (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). At the same time, the
organisation should respect his dignity and maintain confidentiality to reduce stigma and encourage
him to cooperate with the intervention.
Finally, Timhaka Construction Solutions should clearly communicate its workplace substance-use
policy and explain the consequences of continued unsafe or unacceptable conduct. A constructive
approach should therefore combine early identification, confidential communication,
professional assistance, workplace safety, monitoring and clear accountability. This balances
the organisation's responsibility to maintain a safe and productive workplace with its responsibility
to support an employee who may be experiencing a substance-abuse problem.
QUESTION 1 – TIMHAKA CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS
1.1 Identify and discuss Mzamani’s condition (4 marks)
Mzamani appears to be experiencing a possible substance-abuse problem, which may involve the
harmful or problematic use of alcohol or other substances. Substance-use disorder is characterised
by continued substance use despite negative consequences and may affect an individual’s physical
and psychological functioning, judgement, behaviour and ability to fulfil occupational
responsibilities (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). In Mzamani’s case, the concern is
particularly significant because construction work requires concentration, coordination and sound
judgement. Substance impairment can increase the likelihood of unsafe decisions, accidents and
injuries in workplaces where employees operate machinery, work at heights or perform physically
hazardous tasks (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). His condition should therefore be
approached as both an employee-wellbeing concern and a workplace-safety issue.
1.2 Constructive approach to the possible substance-abuse problem (8 marks)
Timhaka Construction Solutions should adopt a supportive and constructive intervention rather
than immediately responding to Mzamani through disciplinary action. Management should first
arrange a confidential meeting with Mzamani to discuss the changes or concerns that have been
observed. The discussion should focus on specific workplace behaviour and performance rather than
accusing him of being a substance abuser. This allows Mzamani to provide his perspective and
helps management determine whether substance use is contributing to the problem.
If substance abuse is suspected or confirmed, Mzamani should be encouraged to obtain professional
assistance through counselling, medical assessment, rehabilitation services or an employee
assistance programme where one is available. Substance-use disorders can require professional
treatment and continuing support, meaning that simply punishing an employee may not address the
underlying problem (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Management can also establish an
agreed intervention plan that includes treatment, regular monitoring and reasonable expectations
concerning attendance, conduct and work performance.
Workplace safety must remain a priority. Because construction activities can involve heavy
machinery, vehicles and other hazards, Mzamani should not perform safety-sensitive duties while
impaired. Appropriate steps should therefore be taken to protect both Mzamani and his co-workers
from avoidable accidents (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). At the same time, the
organisation should respect his dignity and maintain confidentiality to reduce stigma and encourage
him to cooperate with the intervention.
Finally, Timhaka Construction Solutions should clearly communicate its workplace substance-use
policy and explain the consequences of continued unsafe or unacceptable conduct. A constructive
approach should therefore combine early identification, confidential communication,
professional assistance, workplace safety, monitoring and clear accountability. This balances
the organisation's responsibility to maintain a safe and productive workplace with its responsibility
to support an employee who may be experiencing a substance-abuse problem.
