COO

GENER
AL
MGR

Gary Magadzire School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences

Tel: +263 39 266645/60/63
PROJEC COMM FINANC SHEQ HR WORK DCUMN
T ERCIAL E MGR MGR MGR SHOP T
MGRN MGR MGR Fax: 039 - 253504
CNTRL

ER
Off Great Zimbabwe Road email: info@gzu.ac.zw

P.CHIEF
O. Box 1235 WRLLOGIST
Faculty Coordinator:
PRJT SENIOR FINANC SHE HR WPRKS
ENGNR QS E ACCOU OFFICE OFFICE HOP ICS
OFFCR MASVINGO
NTANT R R hzinhiva@gmail.com/0772712090
FOREM OFFICE
GREAT ZIMBABWE UNIVERSITY AN R

JNR PRJCT STORES PROCU ACCOU CREDIT SHEQ ADMINI HR ARTISA WORKS OPERA DRIVE
ENGINE QS CLERK REMEN NTS ORS REP STRATI ASSIST NS HOP TORS RS
ER T CLERK CLERK ON ANT CLERK
OFFCR

WORK RELATED LEARNING REPORT PRESENTED TO

GENRL
FOREM GREAT
JNR QS
ZIMBABWE
STORES
ASSISS UNIVERSITY HR
CLERK
JNR
ARTISA
PLANT
CLER
AN TANT NS
GARY MAGADZIRE SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES K

Student Name : TATENDA MADOYA

FOREM QS
ANMode of Entry
ATTAC
HEE
: CONVECTIONAL
Level : 3:2
Position : SHE REPRESENTATIVE
Attachment
GENER
Period : January 2022 to July 2022
AL
HANDS

Supervisor’s signature ………………………………………………..

Supervisor’s phone numbers ………………………………………….
Student’s signature ………………………………………………….

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

1.1 Acknowledgements
1.3 Executive Summary
1.3 Appendices
1.4 Presentation
1.5 Binding

CHAPTER 2

2.1Background information about the Organisation

2.2 Organisation’s core services
2.3 Organisation’s products
2.4 The technology used at the organisation

CHAPTER 3
3.1 Description of markets
3.2 Description of clientele
3.3 Description of competitors
3.4 Location of Organisation

CHAPTER 4
4.1 Vision
4.2 Mission
4.3 Organization’s customer care
4.4 Objective
CHAPTER 5

5.1 Organisation organogram

5.2 Section of Work-related Learnings

CHAPTER 6

6.1 Details of job description

6.2 Tasks done by a student

CHAPTER 7

7.1 Innovativeness (opportunities created, problems solved and strategies employed to

solve them)

CHAPTER 8

8.1 Organisational Culture

8.2 Organisational ethics
8.3 Organisational values

CHAPTER 9

9.1 Conclusion and remarks

9.2 Appendices

CHAPTER 1

1.1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I would like to thank the Almighty God for taking me this far and
gracing me with the opportunity of being a student at Great Zimbabwe University.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mr A Kuhuni, who mentored, guided and
encouraged me to fit into the Construction Industry furthermore work whole heartedly in
every task. This resulted in an increase of confidence and a rather much enjoyable
experience throughout my internship programme.

I further extend my gratitude to Miss T Zimbango the SHE Manager for Fossil
Contracting, who gave me the opportunity to be part of the Fossil Contracting family and
supported my tenure within the organisation. Further gratitude is extended to Mr C
Mnguni, Mr S Mugoni, MR S Jeranje, MR E Rugaro, Mr R Nhari and all other
departments for their support and guidance throughout my attachment period.

The internship opportunity I had with FOSSIL Contracting was a great chance of learning
and professional development. My sincere appreciation goes to Fossil Contracting for
allowing me to be part of the company and gave me a valuable and successful internship
period.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Department of Geography and
Environmental Science at Great Zimbabwe University for equipping me with theoretical
knowledge which was helpful during my attachment period.

1.2 Executive Summary

This report is an in-depth discussion of the work-related learning experience completed

by the student during her attachment period from January 2022 to July 2022. The main
thrust of this report is to give a detailed account of Safety, Health, Environment and
Quality (SHEQ) management at Fossil Contracting as experienced by the student under
the SHEQ department. The student was attached to two different construction sites which
are Masvingo Emergency Road Rehabilitation Project phase 2(ERRP 2) and Gwayi
Shangani Bulawayo pipeline project.

1.3APPENDICES

ACRONYMS

SHEQ……………………… SAFETY HEALTH ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY

SHE………………………… SAFETY HEALTH and ENVIRONMENT
ISO………………………… INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION for
STANDARDIZATION
HIRA………………………. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK
ASSESSMENT
LTI…………………………. LOSS TIME INJURY
PPE…………………………. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
MOT………………………… MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
BD…………………………… BITUMEN DISTRIBUTER
COO…………………………. CHIEFOPERATIONS OFFICER
SI……………………………... STATUTORY INSTRUMENT
BRA…………………………. BASELINE RISK ASSESSMENT
SWOT………………………. STRENGTH, WEAKNESSESS, OPPORTUNITIES,
THREATS
ERRP………………………… EMERGENCY ROAD REHABILITATION
PROGRAMME
IBRA………………………… ISSUE BASED RISK ASSESSMENT
NOIC………………………… NATIONAL OIL INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY
OF ZIMBABWE
PPPs………………………… PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
1.4 DEFINITION OF TERMS

❖ Hazard - source or situation or act with a potential to cause harm in terms of

human injury or effects to health, or a combination of these
❖ Risk - combination of the likelihood of an occurrence of a hazardous event or
exposure and the severity of injury or ill health that can be caused by the event or
exposure
❖ Baseline Risk Assessment - is an assessment process to obtain a benchmark of the
type and size of potential hazards that is a significant impact on operational
activities, processes, and system-based business functions.
❖ Issue Based Risk Assessment- The issue-based risk assessment focuses on
operational processes and systems-based business functions. It focuses on the
identification of the risks within a certain task, process or activity and is usually
associated with the management of change.
❖ Accident - an unplanned and unexpected event which can cause an injury, harm
and or property damage.
 ❖ Impact - the effect, positive or negative of the aspect on the environment
❖ Waste - Any left-over product that is thrown away, stored or sent away for re-
use, recycling and/or regeneration.
❖ Hazardous waste - waste which is poisonous, corrosive, explosive, inflammable,
radioactive, toxic or harmful to human health and the environment.
❖ Non-hazardous waste - waste that is biodegradable and not toxic or harmful to the
environment and human health.
❖ Incident - Work related event(s) in which an injury or ill health (regardless of
severity) or fatality occurred, or could have occurred.
❖ Organogram - a graphical depiction of the roles and structure of the organization

❖ Market – is a platform where business is conducted in target to the right recipient of

services or products

CHAPTER 2

2. 1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF FOSSIL CONTRACTING

Fossil Contracting is a Zimbabwean Contracting firm whose bouquet of service offering

comprises Civil Works, Contract Mining, Road Construction, Earth Works, Building and
Structural Works, Asphalt production and Plant Hire. Since its official inception in 2010
(though it traces its maiden operations back to 2000) the company had growing leaps.
With its footprint in Zimbabwe, Fossil Contracting is correctly being courted into the
Mozambican and Zambian Market. Fossil Contracting also has a company in South
Africa which supplies emulsion binders. The company’s excellency in handling the
projects had made it obtain contracts from other big organizations like Zimplats,
subcontracting by Group Five and Nyaradzo life assurance company and in the public
sector the company has been linked to the projects from MOT, ZINWA and COH. Fossil
Contracting attained the ISO 9001:2015 certification in June 2021. Fossil is committed to
ensuring zero harm at all its sites and its operations. To that end, Fossil has a vibrant
S.H.E.Q department that ensures uncompromising adherence to standard quality checks,
whilst being cognizant of requisite health and safety procedures.
SAFEY BOARDS AT FOSSIL CONTRACTING TO PROMOTE SFETY AT THE
WORKPLACE
2.2 ORGANISATION’S CORE SERVICES

i. LAND DEVELOPMENT

The company has become a leading brand in land development throughout turnkey
solutions bases on PPPs. The solutions are delivered through partnership with other
consultants, contractors, local authorities and financing partners.
ii. PLANT HIRE
Fossil Contracting hire its plant to the Private Sector and also Public Sector such as the
Department of roads for works including bulk earth moving, dam construction and road
construction and to the mining sector for works such as gravel stock piling, outcast
chrome and coal mining.

iii. EARTHWORKS
Fossil Contracting’s earth works involves bulk stock piling, excavations, load and hauling
operations across Zimbabwe. The company have got a medium fleet of dozers,
excavators and tippers that have been used in gravel stock piling, open cast chrome and
coal mining. The company’s earth works have been done in partnership with its sister
company Ronderbult. The company is also doing bulk earth moving for desilting of
several farm dams.

Fig.1 shows stock piling using earthmoving machines

iv. BUILDING WORKS

As demand for the company’s services has increased with clients asking the company to
take on greater roles in their projects, Fossil Contracting has set up a team of well
experienced craftsmen and artisans in the building works section. Complex residential
projects have been undertaken by the company for clients who have world class taste and
specifications.
 Fig.2 Showing a building structure
constructed by Fossil Contracting

v. ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Scope of work in this regard includes
construction of different types of roads such as
flexible pavements which are surfaced with Bitumen, either spray and chip or hot or cold
asphalt, rigged concrete pavements of different designs and gravel roads.

Fig 3 showing resurfacing of road using Bitumen

and hot asphalt in Masvingo (ERRP)

vi. ASPHALT PLANTS

The company’s state-of-the-art Asphalt Plant offer solutions catering for all market
requirements. Fossil Contracting own two Asphalt Plants, a stationary one which is along
Chivhu and a mobile one. Both allow the company to offer integrated services to the
company’s business operations and to the market at large.

Fig. 4 shows the stationary Asphalt Plant located along Chivhu

vii. CONCRETE WORKS

The company has carried out vast concrete works projects using the normal concrete and
various technologies to achieve different desired structures. The company have ventured
into concrete additives like burlap compound to achieve hard standing surfaces and
curing compound sand mixtures, where the concrete setting time was to be shortened.
The company’s concrete works also include drainage works, water pipelines, culverts,
open drains, gabion walls and concrete bridges.
 Fig.5 shows culvert installation and
haunching in Masvingo (ERRP)

2.3 ORGANISATION’S CORE

PRODUCTS
Refer to core services

2.4 TECHNOLOGY USED AT FOSSIL CONTRACTING

The executive of the organization deemed it necessary to move with times in terms of
technology, thus the organization has been provided with computers and laptops for those
who work on certain work sites away from office. Every office has been provided with
one or more computer depending on the number of workers in an office. There is also
WIFI onsite and at the offices to allow workers to surf the internet in search of job-related
material.

1. GPS
The GIS (Geographical Positioning Systems) unit which falls under Planning and setting
out done by Fossil Contracting Engineers and surveyor department. It is of great use to
the construction company. GPS (Global Positioning System) is used to obtain coordinates
for pegging areas to be piled.

2. Printer

Printers are also used at the organizations to print, scan and photocopy documents.
3. The Internet

The internet is one of the most important technologies at the organization. it is used in
all departments for communication, researching, marketing.

4. Closed-circuit television (CCTV)

CCTV cameras and televisions were installed to monitor the movement of employees
and also the behaviour. Unsafe acts and conditions are also observed through CCTV.
They are also used to monitor the company's property to avoid theft.
5. Communication radios

They are used to have fast and effective communication where there is no network
coverage for example at Gwayi-Shangani Project. Every department has its own radio
for communication purposes since the area has no network coverage.

6. Use of advanced machinery

Fossil Contracting have abandoned the manual mixing of concrete and introduced the use
for concrete mixer for mixing concrete during concrete works. Compared to the
traditional drum mixing and the manual mixing of concrete, the use of a concrete mixer
helps in getting the job done faster and with less effort and it also improves the health and
safety of workers on site.
Fig 6. below Shows a concrete mixer used when mixing concrete
Drones
These drones are used in the field, to take pictures and videos of places that cannot be
reached physically. They are also used to make site surveys in line with site planning and
setting out. The pictures and videos are then used to make project magazines as well as
company profile images.
7. Mobile Toilets
Fossil contracting has adopted the use of mobile toilets at most of its construction sites
and projects for example Gwayi-Shangani, Harare-Beitbridge project and also Masvingo.
Hit bay mobile toilets are used in most of these projects.

CHAPTER 3

DESCRIPTION OF MARKETS, CLIENTELE AND COMPETITORS

3.1 Description of markets

• Clearing of virgin land i.e. Commercial Farmers
• Land surveying and levelling i.e.
• Pipeline laying and installation i.e. Intundla
• Roadworks i.e. Ministry of Transport
3.2 Description of clientele

1. Dema Emergency Power Plant

Fossil Contracting was contracted to carry out the civil works on the largest diesel power
plant in the country on behalf of Aggreko Power Solutions. The client for this project was
Aggreko Power Solutions. This project was historic as it marked the largest power plant
established by Aggreko at one go, delivering a massive of 200MW into the Zimbabwe
Grid. The plant also has a capacity to produce 30% of Zimbabwe’s peak power
requirements. The project was completed in record time with over 2000 cubic metres of
gravel being hauled, conditioned and compacted within 6 weeks.

2. Supply, Fabrication, Construction, installation, erection, testing and

commissioning of a 2000MT LPG Depot in Ruwa.
Fossil Contracting was contracted to carry out a unique project on behalf of the National
Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe. The client for this project is National Oil
Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe. The Project marks the largest LPG Depot
(2000MT) of NOIC. The project commenced in January 2018 and is currently ongoing.
Immense care is being taken to protect the environment and ensure the depot will be built
in a sustainable manner.

3. Rehabilitation of NGEZI Selous Road 0-13km

The client for this project was Ngezi. Reclamation of works of depth 150mm with 2%
cement stabilization was done. Road shoulder widening, 40mm asphalt laying, culverts
extension, bridge widening, road marking and signage. The project value was USD 6.5
Million.
4. Chishawasha Memorial Park Project
The client for this project was Nyaradzo Life Assurance. Activities done included spray
and chip surfacing, shelverts construction, road earthworks and stormwater drainage.
Road marking and signage was also done.
5. Masvingo ERRP
The client for this project was Ministry of Transport. There was reconstruction of roads
using hot asphalt done and also resurfacing of old roads. Culvert laying was also done in
Masvingo for storm water drainages.

3.3 COMPETITORS

1. MASIMBA CONSTRUCTION
Masimba Holding construction is a well-established Zimbabwean contracting and
industrial group, providing innovative engineering and infrastructure client
solutions to the agriculture, commercial, communications, housing, mining water
and transport sectors.
2. OXFORD ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Oxford is responsible for building and maintaining roads, water mains and sewer
3. BITUMEN WORLD
Bitumen World is a civil engineering contractor capacitated to provide full gambit
road construction and maintenance
4. TENSOR
Tensor Systems is a private limited registered company specializing on all Civil
engineering and construction works.
5. ADELA CONSTRUCTION
Adela Contracting is a Zimbabwean company breaking into construction industry
specializing in heavy and light road equipment hire.
3.4 LOCATION OF ORGANISATION
The company was firstly located in Bluff hill and due to its growth later moved to 42
McChlery Avenue in Eastlea and as the company grew bigger and bigger it then moved
and established the headquarters at No 5 Loreley Close, Beverly Masasa Harare.

Fig 7 Fossil Contracting offices in Masasa

CHAPTER 4

4.1 ORGANIZATION’S VISION

Fossil Contracting aims to be a distinguished and innovative civil engineering contracting

firm in the SADC Region

4.2 ORGANIZATION’S MISSION

Fossil Contracting has a mission of taking Zimbabwe to the first world competitiveness
through infrastructure development that meets international standards while creating
value for its stake holders with a keen eye on environmental conservation.

4.3 ORGANIZATION’S CUSTOMER CARE

Fossil Contracting incline a listening ear to its customers with the view to improving its
services in-order to understand, appreciate and meet its clientele’s present and future
needs

4.4 ORGANIZATION’S FINANCIL YEAR 2022 OBJECTIVES

1. To achieve revenue of RTGS 18 000 000 by year end
2. To achieve ISO 45001 of 2018 certification by December 2022
3. To achieve ISO 14001 of 2015 by December 2022

CHAPTER 5
5.1 ORGANIZATON’S ORGANOGRAM
5.2. SECTION OF WORK-RELATED LEARNING

This chapter is to present the student’s job description and activities that the student has
done during her internship period. The student got exposed to industrial duties and
responsibilities of the Safety and Health Department, gained experience in implementing
SHEQ standards and ensuring compliance to legislation company procedures and policy.
There is a list of activities and responsibilities on the job description of the student which
have worked as guidelines during the internship period, the list comprises of Office work
duties and on-site responsibilities. Presented below are the responsibilities of Safety and
Health Practitioners as the student job descriptions entails which include advising,
assisting and auditing all the major roles at workplace.

ROLES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Site Induction
2. Writing weekly and monthly reports
3. Issued out PPE
4. Accident and Incident Investigations
5. HIRA
6. Wrote SHE related documents
7. Wrote minutes in meetings
8. House keeping
9. SHEQ Inspections
10. Installation of Signage
 11. Barricaded roads under construction

1. Site Induction

The student inducted visitors and new employees during the course of the
attachment program. This was done so as to help new employees familiarize the
scope of works being done, working environment and all SHEQ procedures.
After inducting new employees and visitors, they would fill an induction form.
The induction form explains the role of SHEQ department, environmental
management procedure, near miss, incident and accident reporting, quality
management, PPE compliance, SHEQ policy, manual and chemical handling
procedures and the fossil five rules. Therefore, inductions provided a safe
working environment for all visitors and new employees thereby helping to
achieving the goal of zero harm.

2. Writing weekly and monthly reports

The SHEQ monthly report fed into the operations preview report to be
presented by the General Manager to the executives at the end of each and
every month.
The monthly report has information on the organization’s activities and issues
in pertinent to safety, health, environment, risk and quality for the month. The
report focuses on the safety trainings conducted in the organization and
mentions the number of incidents that occurred during the particular month
(lost time injuries, first aid cases, medical treatment cases and fatalities). The
report covered issues such as duties undertaken in the month under review,
incident statistics, incident details, details of property damage, and details of
accidents.

3. Issued out PPE

PPE plays an important role in the safety of workers during work. The student was
responsible for issuing to all employees as per Factories and Works (General)
Regulations, 1976 which states that every employer shall supply free of charge
adequate protective clothing and appliances including head-covering, gloves, goggles,
foot-wear, eye-protection and protective ointments of any type. PPE is given to the
employees are work suites, helmets, safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves dusk mask and
many more depending on the activity being done. Fossil Contracting issues out PPE to
its employees twice a year. The student would make sure that all employees signs a
PPE matrix which shows that they have receive their first or second batch of PPE.

4. Accident and Incident Investigations

The student participated in several accident or incident investigation processes. Fossil

Contracting has an accident investigation procedure by which every accident that occurs
is investigated to establish the primary cause of the accident through accident analysis
and to establish remedial actions to prevent accident from repeating self. The accidents
that occur should be immediately reported to SHEQ department and an investigation
panel should be done within 8 hours of occurrence. The student familiarized with
investing accidents and incidents and also writing incidents reports.

5. HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment)

The student wrote SHEQ topics to be discussed first thing in the morning before jobs
commences. Hazard Identification and risk impact assessment (HIRA) was done on daily
bases. It plays a crucial role in prevention of accidents/ incidents. This is where safety
talks, work plan and all sheq issues was discussed. The student led the HIRA presenting
safety talks and also delegating SHEQ topics to all employees to present. This helped
employees appreciate their task and the associated hazards and aspects.
 6. Wrote SHEQ Related Documents

On the attachment period, the student familiarized with writing SHEQ related documents.
These SHEQ documents include Baseline Risk Assessment (BRA), site organogram,
SHEQ induction forms, top 20 risks of a project, project objectives and targets,
machinery check lists, SWOT analysis of a project, project compliance checklists,
chemical registers and meeting reports.

A Baseline Risk Assessment (BRA) is an assessment process to obtain a benchmark of

the type and size of protentional hazards that is a signification impact on operational
activities, processes and system-based business functions. With the help of the supervisor,
the student was able to write a Baseline Risk Assessment for Gwai-Shangani pipeline
Project.

A site organogram is a diagram that shows the structure of an organization and he

relationships between the different people, departments and jobs at different levels within
that organization. The student wrote a site organogram for Gwai-Shangani Pipeline
project.

SWOT analysis is a document which shows a study undertaken by an organization to

identify its internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as its external opportunities and
threats. With the help of her supervisor, the student wrote a SWOT analysis reflecting the
strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Masvingo ERRP project.

7. Attended and wrote minutes in meetings

The student jot down points and issues raised in SHEQ meetings at Gwai-Shangani
Pipeline Project. In the meetings, SHEQ related issues were addressed and people would
suggest ways of dealing with the issues. The student wrote site daily meeting reports for
the Gwayi-Shangani project.

8. House Keeping

With the help of general workers, the student made sure that the working area is
environmentally friendly. This was done by paper picking, making sure that waste bins
are emptied, working tools are put in their rightful place and also that the food, toilets and
area of work are hygienically friendly

9. SHEQ Inspections

SHEQ inspections plays an important role in the identification of potential hazards that
employees might be exposed to. They are also important for checking errors within the
working environment. The student was involved in the site inspections so as identify
hazards and propose an immediate action plan. The student would inspect employees on
PPE compliance, the food prepared for employees, if risk assessments have been filled
and signed in relation to the tasks being done and also to inspect if the working area is
environmentally friendly and if housekeeping have been done.

10. Installation of signage

Signage plays an important role on the safety of workers during road rehabilitation
projects. Road signage notify pedestrians and third part drivers of the activities
being done on the road thereby reducing or avoiding road incidents. The student was
responsible for installing road signs for the safety of workers these signs includes
60, 40, 20, construction zone, road works ahead, reduce speed, man at work and
beware of construction vehicles.
11. Barricading roads under construction and open pits

With the help of general workers, the student was responsible for barricading roads under
construction. This was done using corns, barrier tapes and nets, drums with reflective
tapes on them and also randomly placing stones in the road. The student was also
responsible for allocating spotters during day and night works for controlling traffic and
redirecting third part vehicles to safer roads. The student also coordinated spotters for
every yellow machine, for every machine should have spotter to check for other vehicles
or any hazards that might affect the machines.
12. Wrote an IBRA
The student wrote an Issue Based Risk Assessment for pipeline laying and installation at
Gwayi-Shaghani project.
13. HIV/AIDS Awareness
The student educated employees on HIV/AIDS. The employees were educated by the
student on the causes of HIV/AIDS, how its spread and how it can be prevented. The
student also issued out condoms to employees to reduce the spread of Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Employees were also urged to get tested and know
their health status and also that of their sexual partners to avoid the spread of these
STIs.

OTHER TASKS PERFOMED BY A STUDENT

The student was able to learn and have an appreciation on construction works especially
road works and managed to work hand in glove with the technical department doing pot
hole patching, bitumen spraying and asphalt laying.

ASPHALT LAYING DONE IN MASVINGO (ERRP)

i. The first step done in the asphalt installation process is to remove the existing
surface whether it is asphalt, concrete or pavers. Demolition and removal are done
using heavy machinery for example grader, front end loaders and large dump
trucks. Debris is then removed.
ii. Grading and Sloping is done using laser guided transit and automatic motor
graders. The paving team grades the surface to be paved to ensure that water will
run-off appropriately. Proper water drainage is vital to asphalt because water is a
major cause of damage including pothole, cracks and heaving.
iii. Preparing the sub base. The sub base provides a stable surface to support the new
pavement. The sub base is a frost barrier to help reduce wither damage due to
freezing and thawing. During the installation, base thickness, base stability and
compaction are essential steps. If the sub base is not appropriately compacted, the
asphalt surface on top will not provide years of durability.

Fig 8 shows soil stabilization machines with one spraying cement and the other one
mixing cement and gravel
During these processes, the student issued out dust masks to employees. When a person
inhales cement dust, silica particles scar the lungs causing a disabling irreversible and
incurable lung disease called silicosis. Hence the student issued out dust masks to
employees.
The student also allocated traffic control personnel to control pedestrians and third part
vehicles and also redirecting them to safer routes to avoid the continuous interaction
with construction machines thereby reducing the occurrence of accidents.

iv. Once the sub base is fully graded and compacted, wolf paving completes an extra
step called proof roll to ensure the underlying surface is strong and ready to
support the new asphalt.
v. The unfinished road pavement is then left for the process of stabilization. During
this process, with the help of general workers, the student randomly placed stones
in the road and also barricaded the roads using drums, signs and barrier tapes.
This was done to make sure there is no disturbance of the stabilization process by
third part vehicles.

vi. After the processes of stabilization was done, pavement priming was done to the
roads under construction. Pavement priming promotes cohesion between the
underlying base/subbase material and the overlying layers. Pavement priming
was done using MC30 Bitumen and also EP28.

Fig 9 shows Binder Distributor spraying MC30 Bitumen on primed roads

The student barricaded primed roads to avoid interference by third part vehicles.

vii. In preparation of asphalt laying, the student and SHEQ department made
sure that primed surface was cleaned by a blower and also hand brooms
to ensure the removal of sand, dirt and excessive dust before asphalt
laying was done. The student issued out leather aprons, gloves, safety
googles and also gumboots to the general workers who were to lay
asphalt. Breathing asphalt fumes can irritate the nose, throat and lungs
causing coughing, wheezing and or shortness of breath hence the
issuance of dust masks. Stable 60 chemical was sprayed on primed
pavements before installation of asphalt.

Fig 10 shows a Binder Distributor spraying stable 60

After spraying stable 60, asphalt was then laid on the road pavements using a paver and
tipper truck. The asphalt with a temperature of about 140 degrees is then spread evenly
on the road pavement using brooms and scooper. Using a double drum and pneumatic
roller, the new asphalt pavement surface is compacted and smoothed. This process
ensures that no small bumps of aggregate or stone are left poking through the smooth
new surfaces. During asphalt laying, the student made sure that the roads under
construction are closed and pedestrians and third part vehicles are redirected to safer
routes. The student also coordinated spotters for every machine to reduce the occurrence
of accident and continuous interference of construction vehicles with third part vehicles.

Fig 11 shows a tipper truck feeding

asphalt into the paver

POTHOLE PATCHING
Pothole patching was done on weak roads that had cracking areas. Pick and shovels were
used to open up the cracking areas. The student issued out safety googles to the general
workers who were doing the task of opening areas which were to be patched. This was
done to shield the eyes from small dust particles and stones which may enter into the
eyes. The cut-out areas were cleaned using hard brooms. Stable 60 was then manually
sprayed into the cut-out areas and asphalt was laid.

Fig 13 shows pothole patching done in Masvingo (ERRP)

CULVET HAUNCHING AND INSTALLATION

A drainage system was constructed at (Masvingo ERRP). Excavations were done for the
drainage system. During the excavations, the student made sure that open pits were
barricaded using barrier nets, corns and barrier tapes. Barricading trenches and open pits
were done to restrict people from attempting to jump over the pits or trenches so as to
warm people from potential falling.
The student also issued out safety gloves and gumboots to general workers haunching
and installing culverts. This was done to reduce injuries and to avoid skin burns caused
by working with concrete. During culvert installation and haunching, the student also
emphasised on communication to the employees when lifting and installing the culverts
to avoid injuries.
Fig 14 shows culvert haunching and installation
done at Masvingo (ERRP)

CHAPTER 7

INNOVATIVES (opportunities created, problems solved and strategies employed to

solve them)

vii.1 OPPORTUNITIES

Effective planning skills

The student was assigned with different tasks during the course of WRL, these
assignments were given a deadline. The student would come up with an effective plan to
complete the tasks given. The student developed effective planning skills from this, as
she managed to plan and complete the tasks given.
Communication Skills
The student was involved with a lot of interactions with different people for example
subcontractors, visitors as well as fellow workmates. The student also enhanced her
communication skills while communicating with people in communities while notifying
them about the activities which were to be commenced in their community. As a result,
the student developed good communication skills and could interact with different people
at a professional level.
Reliability
During the students WRL there were times when the student was left in charge of the site.
The student learnt how to work with no supervision, thus her supervisor was confident
that she would complete tasks that were given, and always relied on the student when the
supervisor was out on field work. The student got to understand the importance of
reliability in the work place.

Punctuality
Being punctual at work is very crucial in the construction industry especially to a safety
officer. This is because the nature of work being carried out had to be done in a stipulated
time frame. Also, safety officers had to ensure that pre-shift toolbox talks had to be done
early before commencement of work in order to avoid clashes with production team. The
student would get to work in time despite living far away from the site.

Decision making

This skill was greatly developed through various tasks which student did. There were
times when supervisors were not available and had to make decisions or address queries,
the student managed to identify problems and make recommendations. At times
employees would bring complaints which needed immediate action from the responsible
authority and the student would successfully solve the problems.

7.2 CHALLENGES FACED DURING WORK RELATED LEARNING

 1. Lack of confidence
During the first days at MBC the student lacked confidence, this was because of the
nervousness of being introduced to the cooperate world. During the first few weeks the
student struggled with communication with fellow workers because of the new
environment.

Solution
The student had a desire to learn and also accepted help and guidance from her superiors.
The students’ confidence levels improved and managed to speak to large groups of
people.

2. Lack of experience
The student assumed that safety and health was only about the distribution of PPE due to
inexperience
Solution
With the help of the supervisor the student began to learn more about V line of work

3. Working under supervision of two or more supervisors

When it came to instructions and task assignment, at times one supervisor would assign
the student a task which would be deemed wrong by others in management.

Solution
The student would ask for assistance from her supervisors when facing such dilemma.

4. Inadequate resources

There were inadequate resources like signage, drums, corns and nets to barricade roads
under construction and also open pits.

Solution

The student came up with an effective solution to barricade roads under construction.
With the help of general workers, the student had to randomly place stones in roads under
construction as a way of barricading the roads. The student also barricaded open pits
using sticks from trees and also barrier tape since there were few corns to tie the barrier
tape.

vii.2 INNITIATIVES DONE BY STUDENT

i Introducing warm water for hand washing

The student identified that during winter the majority of employees were not washing
their hands due to the water which was very cold. In an attempt to address the challenge
and ensure employees wash their hands to contain the spread of Covid-19, the student
boiled water in half cut drums and put in buckets for people to wash their hands regularly.
Fig 15 Hot water bucket for

washing hands

ii Waste disposal pit at the construction site

In an attempt to maintain good hygiene, the student ensured digging of a waste disposal
pit. This was after the student realised that waste is not being collected at the area of wok
since the site is located in rural areas (Gwayi-Shangani). This also reduced litter at the
site camp since the student urged all employees to throw litter in the pit for it was going
to be backfilled after it was full. It also reduced air pollution since people used to burn
plastics.

iii Improvement of signage

The students saw the need to add more signage all round Gwayi Shangani site premises
in a way to communicate safety and health issues to employees every time. The student
designed and installed Covid-19 signs to promote washing of hands, drinking water signs,
kitchen signs and also sanitization points signs. With this there was improvement of
communication using signage as the communication tool to all employees, contractors
and visitors to Gwayi-Shangani site camp.

iv Introduced questions on HIRA for new employees after their induction

The student had a recap of the company’s SHE Induction on HIRA by asking question to
employees and to test whether the new recruits had grasped the organisations’ safety
policies in particular. This was done to see if the new employees had familiarized with
the company’s requirements and SHE policies.

v Regular training of employees on safety policies and general safety issues

The student would always refresh all employees on company policies and all safety
issues through trainings. The student trained workers on how to carry out annual lifting,
the student also made sure that the workers knew what a risk or hazard is. This was done
to ensure a continuous improvement of safety, enhance the achievement of Vision Zero
Risk.

vi Building of water bucket stands

With the help of the site builder, the student made sure that bucket stands were built with
the available resources on site which were tree branches and wire.

Fig 16 Water buckets stands

made by student

CHAPTER 8

8.1 ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE

8.2 ETHICS
I. Respect
II. Integrity
III. Accountability
IV. Choice
V. Commitment

8.3 VALUES

i. Customer Care
The company listens to its customers and improve its services to meet their present and
future needs. We are committed to understanding appreciating all of their needs.

ii. Innovation
The only way to survive in this environment is to continue reinventing ourselves because
we believe in thinking differently and that we can always better our best.
iii. Communities
We endeavour to support the communities within our sphere of influence hold ourselves
to the highest standards of ethical conduct and environmental responsibility.

iv. People
Our success depends upon high performing people working together in a safe and healthy
environment where diversity, development and team work valued.

v. Environment
We realize that the environment is a heritage. We therefore comply and exceed set
policies in safeguarding the environment in both our methods and equipment we use.

CHAPTER 9
9.1 RECOMMENDATIONS
To the Geography and Environmental Science Department
• The student basing on the period spent at Fossil Contracting recommend that the
department to incorporate various industrial safety and health department duties.
There should be inclusion of modules that are in-depth related to Health and
Safety for example Industrial Hygiene, Legal Aspects and introduce statutory
institutes policies and regulations used by industries.
• The Institution should consider arranging field trips and vacations to industries and
organizations such as Construction Companies, Mines, Manufacturing companies,
forestry commission, Power Stations and Laboratories during the learning period
so that students can get vast exposure in various working environments which
require Environmental Health and Safety personnel.
• In addition, the Institution should consider visiting the students on work-related
learning regularly during the attachment period. This will enable the Academic
Supervisor to monitor the progress of the student learning as well as ensure the
required courses are being covered. Where transport costs are a hindrance or travel
restrictions are raised because of Covid-19 the Institution should employ or adopt
the use of electronic communication methods like Zoom-meetings, WhatsApp
calls and video-conferences. With this, assessment can be a continual process and
this allows students to raise their concerns and challenges during attachment
period.
• The Great Zimbabwe University GES department should be actively involved in
assisting students getting attachment placement and offer a list of organisations
where the students should head to in search of attachment.
• Institution must establish cordial relationships with various organizations that have a
bearing to SHE and other related fields of GES students to strengthen their
capacity of finding internship placements.
The business environment and workplace are ever changing in terms of
technology, competitiveness and customer requirements. As such it is critical that
Great Zimbabwe University should continuously upgrade the courses they offer so
that graduates will suite the market.

9.1.2 To Fossil Contracting

• There is need to train employee to adequately fill up Pre-Task Risk Assessments so
as to be fully aware of all the hazards that may affect them. In most cases, some
hazards are overlooked therefore they are not controlled or mitigated during the
task.
• There is need of continual education of employees on the importance of a positive
safety and health culture which will ensure reduction in accidents and unsafe acts
that lead to accidents at work as there is awareness on the importance of pre-task
risk assessment, toolbox talks, wearing proper protective clothing and using the
right tool for the job, emphasizing on the production benefits of being safe at work
to the employer and employee.
• Fossil Contracting should regularly hold workshop meetings for their SHE
Department so that they learn SHE related issues in detail for example more
details on the Baseline Risk Assessment in calculating Inherent and Residual
Risk.

9.2 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the work-related learning at was to a greater extent a success and

fruitful one. The student got exposed to the industrial health and safety issues, had
an opportunity to apply her theoretical knowledge into practical. With this the
student is now capable of establishing an effective health and safety system,
conduct all expected duties of an EHS personnel and participate in the goal of
achieving zero accident/ incident in the workplaces. The student was also crafted
to fit workplace interaction through learning industrial relations, workplace code
of conduct and reporting system. The period spent at Fossil Contracting will
continue to be a valuable experience in the student’s future work activities after
completing her studies. The student got exposure to different aspects of SHE and
this has helped the student understand how it is like to work with people and it has
also taught the trainee on how to respond or react to different situations. It has
 added an ability to visualize the importance of team work and delegation. The
student is truly grateful to the organization and the university for the awarded
opportunity.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 shows an Induction Form

Appendix 2 shows an attendance Appendix 3 shows an internal requisition
register

Appendix 4 shows the front page

 of a Risk Assessment Form

Appendix 5 shows the back page

of a Risk Assessment Form
Page 2 of 2