QUESTION 1 [19 marks]
Click on the link below to access the article titled: Sing, L.S., Mahmood, S., Jiran, N.S.& Hassan,
M.F. 2022. Ergonomics and improvement of workplace layout design in automotive service sector
at motorcycle repair workshop. Journal of Design for Sustainable and Environment, 4(2): 1021.
Available at: https://fazpublishing.com/jdse/index.php/jdse/article/view/31 [Accessed: 12 March
2024].
https://fazpublishing.com/jdse/index.php/jdse/article/view/31
Read the article and answer the questions that follow:
1.1 Define the concept of ergonomics in your own words (2 marks), and briefly explain why it is
important for the employees of XY Motorcycle Repair Workshop to have proper ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to the process of planning and structuring objects and areas in a way that
improves comfort, efficiency, and safety for users.
Ergonomics can reduce the risk of physical injury and MSD. According to the article, workshop
workers tend to adopt awkward positions while performing a lot of manual labor, which negatively
affects their health, especially MSD.
Good ergonomics is key to providing a safe, healthy and efficient work environment. It’s obvious tha
your workplace is cluttered because of the type of work that requires oils and tools.
, 1.2 Occupational hazards can have detrimental effects on employees in various ways.
Identify the types of occupational hazards evident at XY Motorcycle Repair Workshop by
providing examples from the article (4 marks). Then briefly discuss the role of management
in combating each of these hazards (4 marks).
Ergonomic injuries Hazards : Mechanics are often forced to work in uncomfortable positions, which can be
detrimental to their health, especially when it comes to MSDs. Management’s role in addressing this risk is to chan
the way work is performed and improve workers’ posture and body movements while working.
Risk of cuts and lacerations Hazards : It’s clear that oils and tools in the workshop increase the risk of accident
and injuries. Management’s responsibility to address this risk is to make sure tools, equipment and work stations a
suitable for workers and the tasks they perform.
1.2 “Every year, at least 250 million occupational accidents occur worldwide; hence, an
employer must provide a safe workplace”. With this in mind, identify the most
applicable legislation for XY Motorcycle Repair Workshop to adhere to provide a safe
working environment for its employees (1 mark). Provide reasons for your answer (2 marks).
OHSA (Act 85 of 1993
because The OHSA aims to prevent workplace incidents and accidents, and also covers health and safety
general.
1.4 Analyse the results and practical implications of the research article. How can
management apply these findings in enhancing the physical work environment and
ensuring workplace safety within motorcycle repair workshops. Provide a detailed
discussion. (4)
One of the ways in which management can improve the physical working environment is through the
provision of ergonomic work desks. Ergonomic work desks are designed to promote the health and wellnes
of employees.
The physical work environment can also be improved through the promotion of cleanliness.
QUESTION 2 [11 marks]
Click on the link below to access the article titled: Sing, L.S., Mahmood, S., Jiran, N.S.& Hassan,
M.F. 2022. Ergonomics and improvement of workplace layout design in automotive service sector
at motorcycle repair workshop. Journal of Design for Sustainable and Environment, 4(2): 1021.
Available at: https://fazpublishing.com/jdse/index.php/jdse/article/view/31 [Accessed: 12 March
2024].
https://fazpublishing.com/jdse/index.php/jdse/article/view/31
Read the article and answer the questions that follow:
1.1 Define the concept of ergonomics in your own words (2 marks), and briefly explain why it is
important for the employees of XY Motorcycle Repair Workshop to have proper ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to the process of planning and structuring objects and areas in a way that
improves comfort, efficiency, and safety for users.
Ergonomics can reduce the risk of physical injury and MSD. According to the article, workshop
workers tend to adopt awkward positions while performing a lot of manual labor, which negatively
affects their health, especially MSD.
Good ergonomics is key to providing a safe, healthy and efficient work environment. It’s obvious tha
your workplace is cluttered because of the type of work that requires oils and tools.
, 1.2 Occupational hazards can have detrimental effects on employees in various ways.
Identify the types of occupational hazards evident at XY Motorcycle Repair Workshop by
providing examples from the article (4 marks). Then briefly discuss the role of management
in combating each of these hazards (4 marks).
Ergonomic injuries Hazards : Mechanics are often forced to work in uncomfortable positions, which can be
detrimental to their health, especially when it comes to MSDs. Management’s role in addressing this risk is to chan
the way work is performed and improve workers’ posture and body movements while working.
Risk of cuts and lacerations Hazards : It’s clear that oils and tools in the workshop increase the risk of accident
and injuries. Management’s responsibility to address this risk is to make sure tools, equipment and work stations a
suitable for workers and the tasks they perform.
1.2 “Every year, at least 250 million occupational accidents occur worldwide; hence, an
employer must provide a safe workplace”. With this in mind, identify the most
applicable legislation for XY Motorcycle Repair Workshop to adhere to provide a safe
working environment for its employees (1 mark). Provide reasons for your answer (2 marks).
OHSA (Act 85 of 1993
because The OHSA aims to prevent workplace incidents and accidents, and also covers health and safety
general.
1.4 Analyse the results and practical implications of the research article. How can
management apply these findings in enhancing the physical work environment and
ensuring workplace safety within motorcycle repair workshops. Provide a detailed
discussion. (4)
One of the ways in which management can improve the physical working environment is through the
provision of ergonomic work desks. Ergonomic work desks are designed to promote the health and wellnes
of employees.
The physical work environment can also be improved through the promotion of cleanliness.
QUESTION 2 [11 marks]
