SECTION A- SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS [40 MARKS]

Question

Answer all questions in this section
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

SECTION A - SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. International Labour Standard Conventions:

   • Convention No. 155 - Occupational Safety and Health Convention (1981).
   • Convention No. 187 - Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (2006).

   (2 marks)

2. Duties of Employer in Promoting Health and Safety:

   • Risk Assessment: Conduct regular assessments to identify potential hazards and implement measures to mitigate risks.
   • Training and Information: Provide necessary training and information to employees about health and safety practices and emergency procedures.
   • Maintenance of Workplace: Ensure that the working environment is safe, clean, and maintained according to health and safety standards.
   • Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Supply appropriate PPE and ensure that employees are trained in its use and maintenance.
   • Encourage Reporting: Foster an environment where employees can report safety concerns without fear of retribution.

   (5 marks)

3. Stress Prevention Strategies:

   • Workload Management: Employers should regularly assess workloads to ensure they are manageable. This may involve redistributing tasks or providing additional resources to alleviate excessive workloads.
   • Flexible Work Arrangements: Implement flexible working conditions such as remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks to help employees manage their work-life balance.
   • Promotion of a Supportive Environment: Establish support systems such as counseling services or employee assistance programs that provide resources for managing stress, and encourage open communication between employees and management.

   (9 marks)

4. Categories of Toxicity Effects:

   • Acute Toxicity: This refers to the harmful effects of a substance that occur shortly after exposure, often resulting in immediate health effects such as nausea, headaches, or breathing difficulties.
   • Chronic Toxicity: This refers to the long-term effects of a substance, which may develop after prolonged exposure. It can lead to serious health issues such as organ damage, cancer, or reproductive harm.

   (4 marks)

5. Powers of Factory Inspectors:

   • Entry and Inspection: Inspectors have the right to enter any factory or workplace at any reasonable time to conduct inspections.
   • Examine Records: They can examine and take copies of any documents or records related to health and safety.
   • Interviews: Inspectors can question employees and employers about health and safety practices.
   • Issue Improvement Notices: They can issue notices requiring remedial action to be taken for non-compliance.
   • Order Prohibition: Inspectors can prohibit work or processes that pose a risk to health and safety.
   • Take Samples: They can take samples of substances for analysis to determine toxicity or hazardous effects.
   • Seize Equipment: Inspectors can seize equipment or materials that are deemed unsafe or non-compliant with regulations.
   • Report Violations: They can report violations to the relevant authorities for further action.

   (12 marks)

6. Legislation for Health and Safety in Botswana:

   • Factories Act (1977)
   • Occupational Health and Safety Act (1996)
   • Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery Act (1977)
   • Public Health Act (2013)

   (4 marks)

7. Types of Substances Causing Lack of Oxygen:

   • Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas that binds with hemoglobin in the blood more effectively than oxygen, reducing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to tissues.
   • Cyanides: These substances can disrupt cellular respiration by inhibiting enzymes critical for oxygen utilization at the cellular level, effectively starving cells of oxygen.

   (4 marks)