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$2$

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$29\%$

You are the Human Resource Manager of Faultee Manufacturers. You have received the following Memo from your Health and Safety Officer.

I hope this memo finds you well.

I am writing to bring to your attention some critical concerns regarding the current state of occupational health and safety within our manufacturing facility. It has come to my attention that employees are increasingly contracting diseases and experiencing injuries on the job. Upon a thorough review, it has become evident that our existing policies are inadequate and outdated, failing to address the evolving challenges faced by our workforce.

Current Situation:

Increased Incidents: The frequency of work$-$related injuries and illnesses has shown a concerning upward trend, jeopardizing the well$-$being of our employees.

Outdated Guidelines: Our current occupational health and safety policies have not kept pace with industry advancements and fail to address emerging risks associated with our manufacturing processes.

Employee Concerns: There is a growing sense of unease among our workforce regarding their safety at the workplace. This not only impacts morale but also raises the potential for increased absenteeism and decreased productivity.

Need for Revision or Adoption of New Policies:

Legal Compliance: Regulatory standards for occupational health and safety are continuously evolving. Failure to update our policies may lead to non$-$compliance with current legislation, exposing the company to legal repercussions.

$2$ Employee Welfare: Our employees are our most valuable asset, and their health and well$-$being must be prioritized. By revising or adopting new policies, we demonstrate our commitment to providing a safe and secure working environment.

Risk Mitigation: Proactive measures, such as updated safety protocols and guidelines, can significantly reduce the occurrence of accidents and illnesses. This, in turn, minimizes downtime, reduces medical expenses, and safeguards our company's reputation.

Recommended Action:

Conduct a Comprehensive Review: Initiate a thorough examination of our current occupational health and safety policies in consultation with industry experts, regulatory bodies, and our internal safety committee.

Employee Involvement: Solicit input from our workforce to ensure that their concerns and experiences are considered in the policy revision process. This will foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for safety.

Implement Training Programs: Develop and implement regular training sessions to educate employees on updated safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

Establish Monitoring Mechanisms: Implement systems to monitor the effectiveness of the revised or new policies continually. Regular audits and feedback mechanisms will help identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance.

I urge the management team to prioritize this matter and allocate the necessary resources to address the gaps in our current occupational health and safety policies. By taking switt and decisive action, we can not only safeguard the wellbeing of our employees but also reinforce our commitment to excellence and responsibility as a company.

QUESTION $1$

With reference to the above scenario, draft a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Policy for the company in compliance with the South African legislation.

$\backslash$table$[[1\mathrm{.}1$ Introduction,$(5)],[1\mathrm{.}2$ Scope,$(5)],[1\mathrm{.}3$ Definitions,$(10)],[1\mathrm{.}4$ Legal framework,$(15)],[1\mathrm{.}5$ Functions of the Occupational health and safety officer,$(10)],[1\mathrm{.}6$ Duties and Responsibilities of the employer,$(10)],[1\mathrm{.}7$ Duties and Responsibilities of the employee,$(10)],[1\mathrm{.}8$ Occupational Health and Safety Committee,$(10)],[1\mathrm{.}9$ Training and development of personnel,$(5)],[1\mathrm{.}10$ Disciplinary measures for non$-$compliance,$],[1\mathrm{.}11$ Implementation of the policy,$]]$