PSMP015/101/0/2022

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2022

INTRODUCTION TO SAFETY
MANAGEMENT
PSMP015

Year module

Centre for Business Management

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tutorial letter contains important information
about your module.

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CONTENTS
Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES ...................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 6
3.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 University ...................................................................................................................................... 7
4 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Prescribed books .......................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Recommended books ................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................................................................... 8
4.4 Library services and resources information ................................................................................... 8
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 9
6 STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 9
7 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING................................................... 10
8 ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 11
8.1 Assessment criteria..................................................................................................................... 11
8.2 Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 11
8.3 Assignment numbers .................................................................................................................. 12
8.3.1 General assignment numbers ..................................................................................................... 12
8.3.2 Unique assignment numbers ...................................................................................................... 12
8.4 Assignment due dates……………………………………………………………………………………13
8.5 Submission of assignments ........................................................................................................ 13
8.6 The assignments ........................................................................................................................ 13
8.7 Other assessment methods ........................................................................................................ 13
8.8 The examination ......................................................................................................................... 14
9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 14
10 SOURCES CONSULTED ........................................................................................................... 15
11 IN CLOSING............................................................................................................................... 15
12 COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENTS ............................................................................................... 16

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Dear Student

1 INTRODUCTION
You are enrolled as a student in Introduction to Safety Management, which forms part of the
curriculum of The Programme in Safety Management one-year Certificate Course qualification.

We would like to welcome you to Unisa and congratulate you on your choice of educational
institution. Unisa is the only University in South Africa to teach through distance education. For
South Africa to become part of the global economy, we need committed and enthusiastic team
workers. Productivity and efficiency are essential in every walk of life and you have the
potential to make a difference. Seize the opportunity and make the best of your studies with us.

As an adult student in distance education, you must take full responsibility for your studies.
Whether you succeed, or fail is up to you. We therefore suggest that you diligently keep to the
study programme provided in section 6. In the study programme you will notice that the
material must be covered in sequence and by certain due dates. The programme includes two
compulsory assignments (Appendix A). You will find more information on the assessment
criteria in section 8.

Take note that there are two compulsory assignments to be submitted for this course. The
marks you obtain in these will determine your year mark. Refer to section 8 for more
information on this and how it will affect your admission to the examination and final mark for
the subject.

You will also find information on your lecturer, telephone numbers, textbooks, access to online
learning at Unisa, etc. in this tutorial letter.

Regards

Dr Preshodan Naidoo

PS. All subjects you are enrolled for will have a Tutorial Letter 101. Although they may look
similar, the content will be different. Therefore, read each Tutorial Letter 101 with care!

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2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES
2.1 Purpose

The purpose of this module, in the broader context of the Programme in Safety Management
qualification is to provide line managers and safety practitioners to the very basics in safety
management. Such basics comprise the sciences of safety management and the roles of line and
staff functionaries pertaining to safety risk assessment, safety management in industry and the
analysis of safety incidents.
2.2 Outcomes

The outcomes for each of the chapters that you have to study are given below. The outcomes
are broad-based knowledge that you should have acquired by the end of the module.

Chapter 1: Safety and unsafety

Learning outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
• explain safety versus unsafety as the bases for understanding safety risks to
humans, property and the environment in the workplace and in everyday life
• differentiate between harm, damage and negative environmental impact within the context of
safety
• locate the origins of safety risk.

Chapter 2: Challenging current views on Safety Hazards

Learning outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
• comprehend the different views of a safety hazard that appear in the current literature
• understand the incorrectness of these different meanings and grasp the real nature of a
safety hazard.

Chapter 3: Real safety hazards

Learning outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
• explain the basic elements of real safety hazards
• differentiate between different safety hazards
• define a safety hazard.

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Chapter 4: Characteristics of safety hazards
Learning outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
• explain the characteristics of different safety hazards
• comprehend and clarify the different modes of safety hazard interaction
• understand the common and universal characteristics of safety hazards that are either
dangerous or beneficial to life.

Chapter 5: Humans as safety hazards

Learning outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
• verify the human as a safety hazard
• explain the characteristics of the human as a safety hazard
• qualify the bases for human inconsistency as a safety hazard

Chapter 6: Safety in a situational context

Learning outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
• specify the elements of being safe
• compare different types of safety risk
• differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable safety risk
• list and explain different human competences
• clarify the basis of threshold limits in a safety context.

Chapter 7: The origins of safety risk

Learning outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
• qualify the meaning of safety risk as well as different forms of safety risk
• explain and discuss the contributions that different safety risk characteristics
• make towards safety risk
• understand the extent to which human perceptions and human error contribute to safety risk.

Chapter 8: Safety as a science

Learning outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
• describe the scientific basis of safety
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• qualify the objective and epistemology of safety as a science
• classify safety as a science
• list and explain all the characteristics of safety management as a science.

3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

3.1 Lecturer(s)
Your primary lecturer for this module is Dr Preshodan Naidoo.
He can be contacted on 012 429 2149 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Address: Room 4-54 AJH van der Walt Building

Muckleneuk Campus
Pretoria
Letters should be sent to:
Dr Preshodan Naidoo
Department of Business Management
PO Box 392

Unisa
0003
Please address all correspondence about academic matters, such as enquiries about the

contents of assignments, to the lecturer. All enquiries relating to administrative matters must

be directed to the relevant departments as indicated in tutorial letter CBMALLD/301/4/2022.

To avoid disappointment, make an appointment beforehand if you wish to see the

lecturer personally.

You may enclose more than one letter in an envelope, but do not address enquiries to different
departments in the same letter. Letters to lecturers should not be included with assignments.
Always write your student number and the module code at the top of any correspondence to
the university. If you contact the lecturer by e-mail always include the module code and your
student number in the subject line.

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3.2 Department
Contact details for the administrative staff members for the Centre for Business Management
can be found in tutorial letter CBMALLD/301/4/2022.

3.3 University
If you need to contact the university about matters not related to the content of this module,
please consult your publication My studies @ Unisa that you received with your tutorial matter.
This brochure contains information on how to contact the University (e.g. to whom you can write
for various queries, important telephone and fax numbers, addresses and details of the times
certain facilities are open). Always have your student number at hand when you call the university.

Please note that all administrative queries should be directed to the Unisa Contact
Department. Enquiries will then be channeled to the correct department. The details are as
follows:

National International
SMS number: SMS 32695 (cost R1)
Fax number: 012 429 4150 +27 12 429 4150
E-mail address: [email protected]
Physical address: University of South Africa
Preller Street Muckleneuk
Pretoria

Postal address: University of South Africa

PO Box 392
UNISA
0003
Online address: http://www.unisa.ac.za (general)
https://my.unisa.ac.za (for registered students)

General Unisa contact details are available in the my Studies @ Unisa brochure. You will also
find this information on the main Unisa website, www.unisa.ac.za, under the "Contact us" link.

4 RESOURCES
4.1 Prescribed books
Smit,S.J Esterhuysen,E. 2016 The Basics of Safety Hazards and the origin of Safety Risk, 1st
edition, Juta, ISBN 9781485117148

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How to buy a Juta book online.
1. Log into https://www.jutaonline.co.za/shop/
2. Just above the “free delivery” notice on the r/h top of the page, there is an open space
Type in the ISBN number of the book and click on the grey block on the right
3. It will take you to the book.
4. Underneath the cover, put the amount of books you want to order , ie 1, 2, etc in the
block
5. Click “add to cart”
6. This will take you to a Shopping Cart. If you are happy, click “proceed to checkout”
7. Please fill in all the required info – the system will advise you if some info is missing
8. Please make sure that you have the correct address and postal code – this is your
responsibility. The system will not accept wrong postal codes and addresses.
9. On page 2 – “Warning: ISBN is restricted from sale” just means that the book is not part
of the discounted sale prices – just ignore this message and click “proceed” if you are happy
with the Total amount.
10. Step 3 – choose your method of payment – if you want to make the payment with your
credit card click “pay now with credit card” If you choose EFT – it will take you to a page
with all the instructions.

You can – at any stage phone the customer service number should you have any difficulty with
the process.

4.2 Recommended books

None

4.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

None

4.4 Library services and resources information

For brief information, go to www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

For detailed information, go to the Unisa website at http://www.unisa.ac.za/ and click on

Library.

For research support and services of personal librarians, go to

http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=7102.

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The library has compiled a number of library guides:

• finding recommended reading in the print collection and e-reserves –

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/undergrad
• requesting material – http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request
• postgraduate information services – http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
• finding, obtaining and using library resources and tools to assist in doing research –
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_Skills
• how to contact the Library/finding us on social media/frequently asked questions –
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

You may call me at any time during office hours or contact me via e-mail for academic assistance.
If I am not available, please leave a message and I will call you back. You are also welcome to
come and see me, but you will have to make an appointment before coming to ensure that I am
available.

6 STUDY PLAN
For those of you who have not studied at Unisa before I would just like to give you an indication
of how this module should be studied.

The prescribed book is the framework of what we will cover during the year. It was written
specifically for this course. Work through it from the beginning, one chapter at a time. Work
through the self-assessment questions at the end of each chapter. This will prepare you for the
exam as well as for the working environment.

The aim of this module is to prepare both managers and safety practitioners for performing their
roles and functions on a professional and scientific basis. The module focus on meeting the needs
of line managers and staff safety practitioners in achieving their legal responsibilities and
professional accountability in making the workplace and the work procedures as safe as
possible for all involved.

Your approach to this module should start with understanding the learning outcomes. You will
then need to master the key concepts listed in the prescribed book in order to achieve the

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learning outcomes for this module. Read through the chapters one by one and underline all these
key concepts.

Diarise the due dates for assignments 01 & 02 and make sure you complete them in time.
When answering assignments, you may consult and make use of any relevant sources, as long
as you use the prescribed book as the primary source. You will be able to answer the questions
by doing this. You may also consult other sources.

You will have to schedule and plan your time this year in order to complete this program
successfully. Draw up a schedule for your studies. You could use the following as a guideline.

2022 Register for Safety Systems

WEEK DUE DATE ACTIVITY

1 Read through whole prescribed book

2 Study chapter 1 and complete all activities
3 Study chapter 2 and complete all activities
4 Study chapter 3 and complete all activities
5 Study chapter 4 and complete all activities
6 Study chapter 5 and complete all activities
7 Study chapter 6 and complete all activities
8 Study chapter 7 and complete all activities
9 Study chapter 8 and complete all activities
10 08 MAY 2022 Complete compulsory assignment 1 and submit
11 03 JULY 2022 Complete compulsory assignment 2 and submit
12 Revise all chapters until exam date

7 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING

Please note:

Although students may work together when preparing assignments, each student must write
and submit his/her own individual assignment. In other words, you must submit your own ideas
in your own words, sometimes interspersed with relevant short quotations that are properly
referenced.
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It is unacceptable for students to submit identical assignments on the basis that they worked
together. That is copying (a form of plagiarism) and none of those assignments will be marked.
Furthermore, you may be penalised or subjected to disciplinary proceedings by the University.

8 ASSESSMENT
8.1 Assessment criteria

This module makes use of both formative and summative assessments. This means that you
will need to complete two assignments and write an examination.

8.2 Assessment plan

The assignments form an integral part of your study programme and you have to complete and
submit both the assignments for evaluation.

Please note: If you do not submit Assignment 01, your registration will be cancelled
automatically and you will not be allowed to write the examination. No late assignments will be
accepted.

Assignment 01 counts 50% of your year mark and Assignment 02 counts 50%. The year mark
contributes 20% towards your final mark, and the examination mark contributes 80%. Please note
that your year mark has to be a minimum of 40% in order for you to gain admission to the
examination. You, however, need to achieve a final mark of 50% in order to pass this
subject/module.

If you obtain an examination mark of less than 40%, your year mark will not be considered for
your final mark. This means that you will NOT qualify for the supplementary examination if you
obtain less than 40% in the examination.

Calculation of your year mark

Example:
Assignment 01 = 70%
Assignment 02 = 50%

Year mark = (70 x 50%) + (50 x 50%)

= 35 + 25

= 60%
Calculation of your final mark
Example:

Year mark = 60%

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Examination mark =
60%
Final mark = (60 x 20%) + (60 x
80%)
= 12 +
48
=
60%

You will automatically receive the correct answers for Assignment 01 and Assignment 02.
Feedback on assignment answers will be sent to all students registered for this module in a
follow-up tutorial letter numbered 201. As soon as you receive the feedback, please check your
answers. The assignments and feedback constitute an important part of your learning and
should help you to be better prepared for the examination.

Please note that feedback will only be sent after the due date of the assignment and the
lecturer will not supply any answers on the assignment question before that date.

8.3 Assignment numbers

8.3.1 General assignment numbers

You have to submit two compulsory assignments for PSMP015. Each assignment has a
unique number. You will find the assignments in this tutorial letter.

8.3.2 Unique assignment numbers

Unique numbers have been allocated to each of the two compulsory assignments. Please
make sure that you provide the correct unique number on the mark-reading sheet.

Assignment 01 878673

Assignment 02 878685

8.4 Assignment due dates

Assignment 01 06 May 2022

Assignment 02 01 July 2022

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PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU SUBMIT THE ASSIGNMENTS BY THE DUE DATES!

Rules that apply to due dates:

• The due date for an assignment is not the date on which you must post your assignment,
but the date by which we must receive it.
• No assignment will be marked before the due date. Utilise your time to ensure that the
assignment you submit reflects your best work.
• No assignment will be accepted after the due date – it will be returned to you directly without
being marked, as the system will not accept your assignment.

• No extensions of due dates will be granted for assignments!

8.5 Submission of assignments

For both Assignment 01 and Assignment 02, the following information applies:
• Please use the correct subject code, assignment numbers and unique numbers. The mark-
reading sheets are marked by a computer – your assignments will be rejected if the
information on the mark-reading sheets does not correspond with your registration details.
Very important:
• Make copies of your assignments before you submit them!
• Use the envelopes provided to post your assignments to Unisa. You can also submit your
assignments at any of the regional service points, Mobile MCQ, or electronically via myUnisa.
• Please note that you are not allowed to post, fax or e-mail assignments to the lecturers!
For detailed information on assignments, please refer to the My studies @ Unisa brochure,
which you received with your study package.

To submit an assignment via myUnisa:

• Go to myUnisa.
• Log in with your student number and password.
• Select the module – PSMP015.
• Click on “Assignments” in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
• Click on the assignment number you wish to submit.
• Follow the instructions.
• After submission you will receive a reference number as proof of your submission.

8.6 The assignments

See section 12 for the compulsory assignments that you need to complete.
8.7 Other assessment methods
The only assessment methods used in this module is assignments and an examination.

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8.8 The online examination
The examination for this module will be written in January/February 2023. You will receive
adequate guidelines during the course of the year as to what you should study and how you
should prepare. These examination guidelines will be posted on myunisa in Tutorial Letter 201.

The total of the paper will be 70 marks, and the duration of the examination two hours. The exact
time and date of the examination will be forwarded to you by the Examination Section later
during the year.

• If your final mark (as calculated according to the method shown above) is 50% or more,
you have passed Introduction to Safety Management.
• If your final mark is below 50% and your examination mark is between 40% and 49%, you
will have failed and you will be registered for the supplementary examination.
• If your examination mark is below 40%, you will not be allowed to write the supplementary
examination and will have to re-register in the next registration period.

Previous examination papers may be available on myUnisa. However, the memorandums to

these previous examination papers are not available to students. You may accept that the type
of questions that will be asked in the examination will be similar to the questions asked in the
activities in your study guides and in the assignments.

Do not study only the previous examination papers or the assignments. This will be insufficient
for the examination. You need to study all of the study material together in order to prepare for
the examination. Examination papers contain questions from all study units.

To help you in your preparation for the examination, you will receive a tutorial letter later in the
year that will explain the format of the examination paper.

Refer to the my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general examination guidelines and guidelines for
examination preparation.

9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please consult the my Studies @ Unisa brochure as it contains an A–Z guide of the most relevant
study information.

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10 SOURCES CONSULTED
None

11 IN CLOSING
If you have any queries or encounter any difficulties in your studies, do not hesitate to contact
us. Please also remember to check myUnisa regularly as important announcements will be posted
there.

We wish you all the best for your studies!

Kind regards
YOUR PSMP015 LECTURER

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12 COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENTS
12.1 COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENT 01 UNIQUE NUMBER: 878673

Submit on or before 06 May 2022.

Try to submit this assignment at least one week before the due date.

QUESTION 1
Distinguish between any five (5) “compound safety hazards” and any five (5) “multiple safety
hazards”. [10]

QUESTION 2
Explain the concept “Stress as a safety hazard” [6]

QUESTION 3
List four (4) modes of safety hazard interaction. [4]

QUESTION 4
Any source that affects human physiological functions or psychological behaviour, which is not
under control and results in adverse effects, is a safety hazard. Validate this statement by using
six (6) questions and determine and motivate if the statement is true or false. [10]
TOTAL: 30

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12.2 COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENT 02 UNIQUE NUMBER: 878685

Submit on or before 01 July 2022.

Try to submit this assignment at least one week before the due date.

QUESTION 1
Safety hazards comprise six different structural characteristics that contribute to their
hazardousness, which may eventually result in harm to humans or damage to property and the
environment. Classify the five (5) different characteristics of safety hazards.
[5]

QUESTION 2
Explain the “dormant mode” of a safety hazard and provide an example. [5]

QUESTION 3

Analyse safety management as a science. [10]

[TOTAL: 30]

©
Unisa 2022

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