OHS2602
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, OHS2602 SEMESTER 1 ASSIGNMENT 02 (2025)
Question 1: Duty of an Employer at a Mine Not Being Worked in Terms of the
MHSA (10 Marks)
The Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) places specific duties on employers, even
when a mine is no longer operational but has not yet received a closure certificate.
According to Section 2 of the MHSA, the employer remains responsible for ensuring a
safe and healthy environment for anyone who may be affected by activities at the mine.
The following key duties apply:
1. Ensuring Safety and Health Measures:
o The employer must take reasonable steps to prevent unlawful mining
activities (such as illegal mining by zama zamas) and minimize risks
associated with abandoned operations.
o This includes securing entry points to prevent unauthorized access and
ensuring structural stability.
2. Maintenance of Mine Structures:
o The employer must monitor and maintain essential safety features, such
as ventilation shafts, access routes, and mine shafts, to prevent collapses
or hazardous conditions.
3. Environmental and Health Considerations:
o Compliance with environmental laws and prevention of pollution,
hazardous waste exposure, and water contamination that may arise due
to abandoned mining activities.
4. Emergency Preparedness:
o The employer should have emergency plans in place in case of an
accident or disaster at the site, even if it is not actively operational.
5. Monitoring and Reporting:
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, OHS2602 SEMESTER 1 ASSIGNMENT 02 (2025)
Question 1: Duty of an Employer at a Mine Not Being Worked in Terms of the
MHSA (10 Marks)
The Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) places specific duties on employers, even
when a mine is no longer operational but has not yet received a closure certificate.
According to Section 2 of the MHSA, the employer remains responsible for ensuring a
safe and healthy environment for anyone who may be affected by activities at the mine.
The following key duties apply:
1. Ensuring Safety and Health Measures:
o The employer must take reasonable steps to prevent unlawful mining
activities (such as illegal mining by zama zamas) and minimize risks
associated with abandoned operations.
o This includes securing entry points to prevent unauthorized access and
ensuring structural stability.
2. Maintenance of Mine Structures:
o The employer must monitor and maintain essential safety features, such
as ventilation shafts, access routes, and mine shafts, to prevent collapses
or hazardous conditions.
3. Environmental and Health Considerations:
o Compliance with environmental laws and prevention of pollution,
hazardous waste exposure, and water contamination that may arise due
to abandoned mining activities.
4. Emergency Preparedness:
o The employer should have emergency plans in place in case of an
accident or disaster at the site, even if it is not actively operational.
5. Monitoring and Reporting:
