UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENTS
SMA3704
Semester 1 – 2024
ASSESSMENT 5
Case study 1: Building collapse in George, Western Cape, South Africa
On 6 May 2024, a multi-story building under construction on Victoria Street in George
Western Cape, South Africa, collapsed. The collapse of the building serves as a
sobering reminder of the critical importance of prioritising safety in the workplace. With
the loss of lives and the entrapment of individuals, this incident has sparked a call to
action for organisations to re-evaluate their health and safety protocols and practices.
The Department of Employment and Labour’s occupational health and safety (OHS)
inspectors were dispatched when the incident came to the Department’s attention. The
Department is collaborating with ground teams to establish communication protocols
and is awaiting the handover of the construction site for an investigation.
Sources: https://www.labour.gov.za/Media-Desk/Media-Statements/Pages/For-
Immediate-Release-Building-Collapse-In-George.aspx
, SMA3704 – ASSESSMENT 5 (WRITTEN)
QUESTION 1 [20]
Use case study 1 and conduct additional research to answer the following
questions and remember to reference the source of your information.
1.1. Clarify the role and responsibilities of the health and safety representatives in
preventing the collapse of the multi-story building. (10)
Health and safety representatives play a crucial role in preventing
incidents like the building collapse in George. Their responsibilities
include:
1. Conducting regular inspections of the workplace to identify and rectify
any potential hazards or risks.
2. Ensuring that all workers are adequately trained in safety protocols
and procedures.
3. Facilitating communication between workers and management
regarding safety concerns and suggestions for improvement.
4. Investigating any accidents or near misses to determine the root
cause and prevent future occurrences.
5. Collaborating with management to develop and implement effective
safety policies and procedures.
6. Educating and raising awareness among workers about the
importance of safety in the workplace.
In the case of the building collapse, health and safety representatives
should have been actively involved in monitoring the construction site,
identifying any structural weaknesses or safety hazards, and addressing
them promptly to prevent the collapse. They should have also ensured
that all workers on the site were properly trained in construction safety
2
SMA3704
Semester 1 – 2024
ASSESSMENT 5
Case study 1: Building collapse in George, Western Cape, South Africa
On 6 May 2024, a multi-story building under construction on Victoria Street in George
Western Cape, South Africa, collapsed. The collapse of the building serves as a
sobering reminder of the critical importance of prioritising safety in the workplace. With
the loss of lives and the entrapment of individuals, this incident has sparked a call to
action for organisations to re-evaluate their health and safety protocols and practices.
The Department of Employment and Labour’s occupational health and safety (OHS)
inspectors were dispatched when the incident came to the Department’s attention. The
Department is collaborating with ground teams to establish communication protocols
and is awaiting the handover of the construction site for an investigation.
Sources: https://www.labour.gov.za/Media-Desk/Media-Statements/Pages/For-
Immediate-Release-Building-Collapse-In-George.aspx
, SMA3704 – ASSESSMENT 5 (WRITTEN)
QUESTION 1 [20]
Use case study 1 and conduct additional research to answer the following
questions and remember to reference the source of your information.
1.1. Clarify the role and responsibilities of the health and safety representatives in
preventing the collapse of the multi-story building. (10)
Health and safety representatives play a crucial role in preventing
incidents like the building collapse in George. Their responsibilities
include:
1. Conducting regular inspections of the workplace to identify and rectify
any potential hazards or risks.
2. Ensuring that all workers are adequately trained in safety protocols
and procedures.
3. Facilitating communication between workers and management
regarding safety concerns and suggestions for improvement.
4. Investigating any accidents or near misses to determine the root
cause and prevent future occurrences.
5. Collaborating with management to develop and implement effective
safety policies and procedures.
6. Educating and raising awareness among workers about the
importance of safety in the workplace.
In the case of the building collapse, health and safety representatives
should have been actively involved in monitoring the construction site,
identifying any structural weaknesses or safety hazards, and addressing
them promptly to prevent the collapse. They should have also ensured
that all workers on the site were properly trained in construction safety
2
