OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL

ASSIGNMENT 1

DISCUSS THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER SOURCES OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

IN BOTSWANA.

The Constitution of Botswana serves as the supreme law of the land and provides a
foundation for protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens, including the
right to health and safety. Article 11 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life, which
encompasses the right to a safe and healthy working environment (Government of Botswana,
1966). The public health Act of 30th January 1981 was established to make notification of
certain diseases compulsory to control such diseases; to prevent the spread of smallpox, and
publication concerning venereal diseases; to regulate sanitation and housing; to provide for
the protection of foodstuff and water supplies, to regulate the use of cemeteries and general to
make provision of public health. Another Act was established on 4th September 1998 of waste
management act of Botswana giving provision of planning facilities and implementation of
advanced systems for regulating the management of controlled waste in order to prevent
harm to human, animal and plant life; to minimize pollution of the environment, to conserve
natural resources ; to cause the provision of the Basel convention to apply in regulating the
transboundary movement of hazardous waste and their disposal; and matters incidental to
connected to the forgoing. Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) of 2002: The OHSA
is the primary legislation governing health and safety in the workplace in Botswana. It
establishes the legal framework for promoting and maintaining health and safety standards in
all sectors of the economy. The Act outlines duties of employers, employees, and other
stakeholders, as well as procedures for reporting incidents and hazards (Government of
Botswana, 2002). Factories Act of 1973: The Factories Act focuses on regulating health and
safety standards in industrial and manufacturing settings. It addresses issues such as
workplace ventilation, sanitation, machinery safety, and occupational diseases. The Act
mandates regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure compliance (Government
of Botswana, 1973). Public Health Act of 2013: The Public Health Act addresses public
health concerns, including sanitation, food safety, and disease prevention. While primarily
focused on public health, certain provisions of the Act also have implications for occupational
health and safety, particularly in industries such as food service and hospitality (Government
of Botswana, 2013). Regulatory Bodies: Department of Occupational Health and Safety
(DOHS): The DOHS operates under the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity, and
Skills Development and is responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations outlined in
the OHSA. It conducts inspections, investigates workplace accidents, provides guidance to
employers and employees, and promotes awareness of health and safety issues (Government
of Botswana). Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW): The MoHW plays a crucial role in
safeguarding public health and may collaborate with other government agencies to address
occupational health concerns. It oversees healthcare services, disease surveillance, and public
health promotion efforts, which indirectly contribute to workplace health and safety
(Government of Botswana).

DISCUSS ANY FIVE WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND OUTLINE THE

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EMPLOYER IN MITIGATING OCCUPATIONAL
HAZARDS.

Physical hazards: Physical hazards include factors such as noise, vibration, temperature
extremes, and ergonomic hazards. These hazards can lead to musculoskeletal disorders,
hearing loss, and other physical injuries. For example, prolonged exposure to high levels of
noise in manufacturing plants can cause hearing damage (Occupational Safety and Health
Administration [OSHA], 2021). Chemical hazards: Chemical hazards involve exposure to
hazardous substances such as toxic chemicals, gases, and fumes. These substances can cause
respiratory problems, skin irritation, and long-term health effects. For instance, exposure to
asbestos Fibers in construction materials can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer (OSHA,
2021). Biological hazards: Biological hazards stem from exposure to infectious agents,
including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Workers in healthcare, laboratories, and
agriculture are particularly at risk. Biological hazards can cause diseases such as influenza,
hepatitis, and COVID-19 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021)
Psychosocial hazards: Psychosocial hazards encompass factors such as workplace stress,
bullying, harassment, and violence. These hazards can have adverse effects on mental health,
leading to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Employers need to address psychosocial risks
through effective communication, conflict resolution mechanisms, and mental health support
programs (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2018). Safety hazards: Safety hazards
involve unsafe working conditions, including slips, trips, falls, electrical hazards, and
unguarded machinery. These hazards pose immediate risks to employees' safety and can
result in serious injuries or fatalities. Employers must implement safety protocols, provide
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and conduct regular safety inspections to
prevent accidents (OSHA, 2021). Employer Responsibilities includes; Risk Assessment and
Hazard Identification: Employers are responsible for conducting regular risk assessments to
identify workplace hazards and assess their potential risks to employees' health and safety.
This process involves inspecting work areas, analysing work processes, and consulting with
employees to identify potential hazards (ILO, 2021). Implementation of Control Measures:
Once hazards are identified, employers must implement control measures to eliminate or
minimize risks. Control measures may include engineering controls (e.g., installing machine
guards), administrative controls (e.g., implementing safe work procedures), and personal
protective equipment (e.g., providing respirators) (OSHA, 2021). Training and Education:
Employers are responsible for providing employees with adequate training and education on
workplace hazards, safe work practices, and emergency procedures. Training programs
should cover topics such as hazard recognition, proper use of equipment, and reporting
procedures for unsafe conditions (CDC, 2021). Provision of Safety Equipment: Employers
must provide employees with appropriate safety equipment and ensure that it is properly
maintained and used. This may include personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves,
goggles, helmets, and respirators, as well as safety signage and emergency response
equipment (ILO, 2021). Monitoring and Evaluation: Employers should regularly monitor
workplace conditions, evaluate the effectiveness of control measures, and make necessary
adjustments to improve safety. This may involve conducting safety inspections, reviewing
incident reports, and soliciting feedback from employees to identify areas for improvement
(OSHA, 2021).

DEFINE THE TERM NUISANCE

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER TOWARDS ABATING
NUISANCES?

Nuisance refers to any condition, activity, or situation that interferes with an individual's use
or enjoyment of their property, or that poses a threat to public health, safety, or welfare.

Duties of Health and Safety Officer towards Abating Nuisances includes, Conducting
Inspections: Health and safety officers are responsible for conducting regular inspections of
properties, workplaces, and public areas to identify potential nuisances. This may involve
assessing conditions such as noise levels, air quality, sanitation, and hazardous materials
handling to determine compliance with health and safety regulations (Health and Safety
Executive, 2018). Investigating Complaints: Health and safety officers must investigate
complaints from individuals or communities regarding nuisances. They should promptly
respond to reports of disturbances, gather relevant information, and assess the severity of the
nuisance to determine appropriate action (National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health, 2018). Enforcing Regulations: Health and safety officers have the authority to enforce
regulations and standards related to nuisance abatement. This may include issuing warnings,
citations, fines, or legal notices to property owners, businesses, or individuals responsible for
creating or perpetuating nuisances (Health and Safety Executive, 2018). Collaborating with
Stakeholders: Health and safety officers should collaborate with other government agencies,
environmental health departments, community organizations, and stakeholders to address
nuisances effectively. This may involve coordinating efforts to develop and implement
strategies for mitigating nuisances and promoting public awareness of health and safety
issues (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2018). Providing Education
and Outreach: Health and safety officers have a duty to educate the public about the
importance of nuisance prevention and mitigation. They should provide information on health
risks associated with nuisances, promote best practices for maintaining a safe and healthy
environment, and offer guidance on how individuals can address nuisances in their
communities (Health and Safety Executive, 2018).

USING EXAMPLES, BRIEFLY DEFINE THE TERM “INFECTION”

DISCUSS THE ROLE OF A COMPETENT AUTHORITY

An infection refers to the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms, such as

bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, within the body of a host organism.

A competent authority plays a crucial role in managing and controlling infectious diseases to
protect public health and safety. This responsibilities include, Surveillance and Monitoring:
Competent authorities are responsible for conducting surveillance and monitoring activities to
track the prevalence, spread, and impact of infectious diseases within a population. This
involves collecting and analysing epidemiological data, identifying outbreaks or clusters of
infections, and assessing trends in disease transmission (World Health Organization, 2008).
Risk Assessment: Competent authorities conduct risk assessments to evaluate the potential
threats posed by infectious diseases and determine appropriate measures for prevention and
control. This includes assessing the likelihood of transmission, the severity of health impacts,
and the effectiveness of existing control measures (European Centre for Disease Prevention
and Control, 2018). Prevention and Control Measures: Competent authorities develop and
implement strategies for preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This
may involve promoting vaccination programs, implementing quarantine measures, providing
guidance on infection prevention practices, and coordinating public health interventions
during outbreaks or emergencies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Communication and Collaboration: Competent authorities communicate with relevant
stakeholders, including healthcare providers, government agencies, international
organizations, and the public, to disseminate information, coordinate response efforts, and
foster collaboration in addressing infectious disease threats. This includes providing timely
updates on emerging infections, sharing best practices, and facilitating information sharing
and exchange (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020). Legislation and
Regulation: Competent authorities may establish and enforce legislation, regulations, and
guidelines related to infectious disease control. This includes setting standards for disease
reporting, surveillance systems, laboratory testing, and infection control practices, as well as
implementing measures to ensure compliance and enforcement (World Health Organization,
2005).

References

Government of Botswana. (1966). Constitution of Botswana.

Government of Botswana. (2002). Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2002.

Government of Botswana. (1973). Factories Act, 1973.

Government of Botswana. (2013). Public Health Act, 2013.

Government of Botswana. (n.d.). Department of Occupational Health and Safety.

Government of Botswana. (n.d.). Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Biological hazards.

International Labour Organization. (2018). Workplace stress: A collective challenge.

International Labour Organization. (2021). Hazard identification, risk assessment and

risk control.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2021). Safety and health topics.

Cornell Law School. (n.d.). Nuisance. Legal Information Institute.

Health and Safety Executive. (2018). Your role in health and safety.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2018). Health hazard
evaluation program.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Principles of epidemiology in

public health practice.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Principles of infection control.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2018). Risk assessment
guidelines for infectious diseases transmitted on aircraft.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2020). Communicable disease
threats report.

World Health Organization. (2005). International health regulations (2005).

World Health Organization. (2008). Communicable disease surveillance and response

systems.