Answer all questions in this section

Question

1. State any two (2) International Labour Standard conventions that deals with occupational
health and safety (2 marks)
2. What are the duties of employer in promoting health and safety in the workplace?
(5 marks)
3. Stress in the workplace can lead to low morale, absenteeism and job complaints and it
needs to be prevented at all costs. Briefly discuss the three (3) stress prevention
strategies that can be adopted (9 marks)
4. You learned the term toxicity to mean the capacity of a substance to cause adverse health
effects in relatively small doses. Deliberate on the categories of toxicity effects
(4 marks)
5. Factory Inspectors have been empowered by the Act to perform their roles/duties. Advise
on the eight (8) powers Factory Inspectors have (12 marks)
6. Legislations are enforced to ensure compliance to occupational health and safety. What
are the four pieces of legislation geared towards health and safety in Botswana? In your
answer include the year the Act existed. (4 marks)
7. Name and explain the two (2) types of substances which produce lack of oxygen in the
blood and tissue thus preventing oxygen from reaching the body (4 marks)

Answer 1

Certainly! Below are the answers to your questions.

1. International Labour Standards Conventions on Occupational Health and Safety (2 marks)

1. ILO Convention No. 155 - Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981. This convention aims to promote occupational safety and health and improve working conditions.
2. ILO Convention No. 187 - Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006. This convention provides a framework for the development of national policies aimed at promoting occupational safety and health.

2. Duties of Employers in Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace (5 marks)

1. Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct regular risk assessments to identify workplace hazards and implement measures to mitigate them.
2. Training and Education: Employers are responsible for providing employees with adequate training and information regarding health and safety policies, risks, and safety practices.
3. Safety Policies: Establishing and enforcing a clear health and safety policy that guides all workplace activities and practices.
4. Provision of Safety Equipment: Employers must ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and maintained for employees.
5. Establishing Reporting Procedures: Setting up procedures for reporting health and safety incidents and addressing concerns raised by employees.

3. Stress Prevention Strategies (9 marks)

1. Workplace Assessments: Regularly evaluate work conditions, including workloads, role clarity, and workplace relationships, to identify areas contributing to stress and make adjustments as necessary.
2. Employee Support Programs: Implementing employee assistance programs (EAPs) that offer counseling and support services to help employees manage stress and personal issues.
3. Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities, thus reducing stress.

4. Categories of Toxicity Effects (4 marks)

1. Acute Toxicity: This refers to the effects of a substance that occur shortly after exposure, which can result in immediate health effects, such as nausea, headaches, or more severe outcomes like poisoning.
2. Chronic Toxicity: Chronic toxicity refers to adverse effects that develop over a long period due to prolonged or repeated exposure to a substance, resulting in complications such as organ damage or cancer.
3. Developmental Toxicity: This involves harmful effects occurring during the developmental phases, which can affect the growth and development of embryos or fetuses due to exposure to harmful substances.
4. Reproductive Toxicity: This category involves effects that can impact reproductive health, including issues related to fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term health of offspring.

5. Powers of Factory Inspectors (12 marks)

1. Entry and Inspection: Inspectors have the authority to enter any factory premises at any reasonable time to inspect for compliance with safety regulations.
2. Examination of Records: They may examine any documents or records that relate to health and safety compliance.
3. Interviews: Inspectors can interview employees and management to gather information regarding health and safety practices.
4. Order Remedial Actions: They can issue orders to rectify health and safety violations and enforce compliance.
5. Suspension of Operations: Inspectors may have the authority to suspend operations if they pose an imminent danger to workers.
6. Provision of Guidance: They can provide guidance and information on how to comply with health and safety legislation.
7. Access to Equipment and Processes: Inspectors can require access to machinery or processes to ensure safety measures are being effectively implemented.
8. Take Samples: They may collect samples of substances or materials to test for hazardous conditions.

6. Legislation on Occupational Health and Safety in Botswana (4 marks)

1. Factories Act (No. 63 of 1973) – This Act regulates safety, health, and welfare in factories.
2. Environmental Health Act (No. 20 of 2011) – This Act aims to ensure public health and safety standards concerning environmental health risks.
3. Public Health Act (No. 63 of 2013) – This Act addresses public health concerns, including occupational health standards.
4. Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 22 of 2012) – This Act provides comprehensive legal frameworks regarding workplace health and safety standards.

7. Types of Substances That Produce Lack of Oxygen (4 marks)

1. Carbon Monoxide: This colorless, odorless gas is produced from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It binds with hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its capacity to carry oxygen, leading to hypoxia.
2. Cyanides: These compounds inhibit cellular respiration by preventing cells from utilizing oxygen. Exposure can occur through inhalation or ingestion, leading to rapidly fatal outcomes due to the inability of cells to perform their functions.

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further information!