OHS2602 Assignment 1
OHS2602
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2024
Unique Number:
Due Date: 2024
QUESTION 1
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (OHSA) sets out the
health and safety obligations with which employers must comply to ensure safe
working conditions. This Act applies to all employers and workers, except for mines,
mining areas, or some aspects concerning ships, which are regulated under separate
laws.
The OHSA imposes minimum requirements to ensure the health and safety of
employees in the workplace, and its provisions are largely considered public policy
considering the interests they seek to protect; these interests are not only those of the
employees but also the public at large. This being the case, the parties (employers
and unions) cannot contract out of or waive statutory duties imposed by the OHSA.
Downloaded by: nhlanhhlamotloung | Want to earn $1.236 Distribution of this
Downloaded by: nhlanhhlamotloung |
] document is illegal extra per year?
, An agreement between Siyanqoba (Pty) Ltd and Vuka-uzenzele Workers Union that
stipulates the OHSA's provisions do not apply would be invalid to the extent that it
seeks to remove or reduce the statutory protections provided under the OHSA. This is
based on the general legal principle that parties cannot by agreement derogate from
mandatory statutory law that is designed to protect public interests and fundamental
human rights, such as the right to life and to work in a safe environment.
Therefore, regardless of the provision in their agreement, Siyanqoba (Pty) Ltd cannot
unilaterally decide that the OHSA does not apply to their workplace. The company is
bound to comply with the OHSA's requirements, which entails the following:
1. The duty to provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working
environment that is safe and without risk to the health of employees.
2. The duty to inform and provide necessary training related to health and safety to
their employees.
3. The duty to ensure that all equipment is safe and without risks when properly
used, and to take necessary precautions to prevent injuries or accidents in the
workplace.
If Siyanqoba (Pty) Ltd failed to comply with these obligations, they could be subject to
enforcement action by the Department of Employment and Labour, including fines or
even criminal prosecution depending on the severity of the breach.
Want to earn $1.236
Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
OHS2602
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2024
Unique Number:
Due Date: 2024
QUESTION 1
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (OHSA) sets out the
health and safety obligations with which employers must comply to ensure safe
working conditions. This Act applies to all employers and workers, except for mines,
mining areas, or some aspects concerning ships, which are regulated under separate
laws.
The OHSA imposes minimum requirements to ensure the health and safety of
employees in the workplace, and its provisions are largely considered public policy
considering the interests they seek to protect; these interests are not only those of the
employees but also the public at large. This being the case, the parties (employers
and unions) cannot contract out of or waive statutory duties imposed by the OHSA.
Downloaded by: nhlanhhlamotloung | Want to earn $1.236 Distribution of this
Downloaded by: nhlanhhlamotloung |
] document is illegal extra per year?
, An agreement between Siyanqoba (Pty) Ltd and Vuka-uzenzele Workers Union that
stipulates the OHSA's provisions do not apply would be invalid to the extent that it
seeks to remove or reduce the statutory protections provided under the OHSA. This is
based on the general legal principle that parties cannot by agreement derogate from
mandatory statutory law that is designed to protect public interests and fundamental
human rights, such as the right to life and to work in a safe environment.
Therefore, regardless of the provision in their agreement, Siyanqoba (Pty) Ltd cannot
unilaterally decide that the OHSA does not apply to their workplace. The company is
bound to comply with the OHSA's requirements, which entails the following:
1. The duty to provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working
environment that is safe and without risk to the health of employees.
2. The duty to inform and provide necessary training related to health and safety to
their employees.
3. The duty to ensure that all equipment is safe and without risks when properly
used, and to take necessary precautions to prevent injuries or accidents in the
workplace.
If Siyanqoba (Pty) Ltd failed to comply with these obligations, they could be subject to
enforcement action by the Department of Employment and Labour, including fines or
even criminal prosecution depending on the severity of the breach.
Want to earn $1.236
Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
