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Paper NEBOSH IGC 1 Management of international safety and health
SAMPLE QUESTION AND ANSWER
INDEX
Element 1
Foundation in health and safety
3
Element 2
Policy
9
Element 2
Policy
9
Element 3
Organising for health and safety
10
Element 4
Promoting a positive health and safety culture
14
Element 4
Promoting a positive health and safety culture
14
Element 5
Risk Assessment
20
Element 6
Principles of control
26
Element 7
Monitoring, review and audit
31
Element 8
Occupational incident and accident investigation, recording and reporting
36
Element 1 Question:
Foundation in health and safety
Give the meaning of the term ‘hazard’ AND give an example of a workplace hazard.
(3)
Answer: A ‘hazard’ is something with the potential to cause harm or loss. Example: Physical hazards: slippery or uneven ground; working at height; objects falling from height; manual handling; trappings, entanglement, burns and other hazards arising from equipment; transport and pedestrian hazards, harmful energy sources such as electricity, radiation, noise or vibration; ionizing radiation Chemical hazards: Substances hazardous to health or safety due to inhalation of vapours, gases, or particles; contact with, or being absorbed through, the body; ingestion; the storage, incompatibility, or degradation of materials. Biological hazards: Biological agents, allergens, or pathogens (such as bacteria or viruses), that might be inhaled; transmitted via contact, including by bodily fluids ingested Psychosocial hazards: excessive workload; lack of communication or management control; workplace physical environment; physical violence; bullying or intimidation Question:
Give the meaning of the term ‘risk’ AND give an example of a workplace risk
(3)
Answer: “A risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause a specified harm to someone or something” Probability/likelihood that the potential would be realised and its possible consequence and severity in terms of injury, damage or harm. Risk level/rating is combination of likelihood and severity of consequence. Example: Fall of a person on the same level; Fall of a person; object/material; Bumps and bruises. Striking head on low beams; Serious injury caused by loss of load from crane, collision with site vehicles; Back strains, cuts, injury to joints; Parts being ejected from the machine and trapping a person. Trapping / crushing hands etc. Entanglement of clothing or hair; Fire, shock, burns; Collision with people and/or property; Dermatitis, burns, poisoning; Drowning; Static electrical sparks causing explosions in say, flammable or dusty atmospheres; Anthrax, psittacosis caused by coming into contact with animal hides; Unhappy customers/clients, criminals, patients in hospitals Question:
Identify actions an enforcement authority might take if it finds that an employer is not meeting its responsibilities.
Answer: -
giving advice or warning either verbally or in writing;
-
requiring that an improvement is made within a given period of time;
-
requiring the cessation of work until improvements in health and safety are made; and
-
taking formal legal proceedings such as prosecution
(2)
Question:
Identify possible costs to an organisation following an accident in the workplace.
Answer:
Possible costs to an organisation following an accident in the workplace are associated with:
Question:
-
lost production,
-
staff absence,
-
sick pay.
-
temporary replacement with the need for additional training,
-
repair of damaged plant and equipment,
-
damage to products,
-
investigation and remedial action,
-
additional administration incurred,
-
an increase in insurance premiums, fines and compensation awarded, and
-
court and other legal representation.
-
intangible costs arising from a loss of business image and
-
the detrimental effect on worker morale resulting in reduced productivity.
Explain reasons for maintaining and promoting good standards of health and safety in the workplace.
(8)
(8)
Answer: Moral Reason: -
need to provide a reasonable standard of care and
-
to reduce the injuries, pain and suffering caused to workers by accidents and ill- health
Legal Reason: -
compliance with the law and ILO and other international standards to avoid criminal penalties and
-
to comply with the employer’s common law duty to take reasonable care of workers
Social Reason: need to provide -
a safe place of work,
-
safe plant and equipment,
-
safe systems of work,
-
competent workers and
-
a high standard of training and supervision.
Economic Benefits: -
more highly motivated workforce resulting in an improvement in the rate of production and product quality
-
the avoidance of costs associated with accident investigations
-
the avoidance of costs associated with accidents such as the hiring or training of replacement staff
-
the possible repair of plant and equipment
-
securing more favourable terms for insurance
-
maintaining the image and reputation of the organisation with its various stakeholders.
Question:
Identify reasons for maintaining good standards of health and safety in an organisation.
(8)
Answer: Moral – duty of care not to cause injury and ill-health Legal / social responsibilities to provide: -
A safe place of work
-
Safe systems of work
-
Safe access and egress
-
Safe working environment
-
Safe plant and equipment
-
Information, training, instruction and supervision
-
Welfare arrangements
Financial / economic
Question:
-
Cost of accidents, e.g. replacement staff, investigation, training, damage to plant and equipment, etc.
-
Cost of legal actions
-
Loss of business or reputation
-
Loss of business opportunity
-
Financial penalties for delays
Identify sources of information that an organisation may use to help maintain and promote good standards of health and safety in the workplace.
(6)
Answer: -
legislation including directives and regulations;
-
ILO codes of practice, conventions, guidelines and recommendations
-
Legislation produced nationally;
-
information produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work;
-
international standards such as those from ISO and BSl;
-
guidance produced by the various enforcement agencies;
-
manufacturers’ data;
-
information produced by trade associations, trade unions and professional bodies;
-
accident and ill-health data and information emanating from completed risk assessments,
-
inspections and audits.
Question:
Outline the key elements of a health and safety management system.
Answer:
HSG 65 model:
(8)
Policy - clear statement of intent, setting the main health and safety aims and objectives of the company and the commitment of management, Organisation - ensure the allocation of responsibility to appropriate members of staff, with the emphasis on achieving competency, control, communication and consultation. Planning and implementing - carrying out risk assessments, the setting of standards and targets and the introduction of appropriate control measures to achieve them. Monitoring - proactive and reactive monitoring systems would need to be introduced to provide data on the achievement or non achievement of the objectives and targets set. Review and audit – to check whether what was planned was actually taking place, to consider options for improvement and to set new targets where necessary.
OHSAS model Policy - appropriate to the nature and scale of the organisation’s health and safety risks, include a commitment to the prevention of injury and ill health and to comply at least with applicable legal requirements. Planning - introduction of procedures for hazard identification and risk assessment and for identifying and accessing the legal and other health and safety requirements that were applicable to the organisation. It would also be necessary to establish health and safety objectives for relevant functions and levels within the organisation. Implementation and operation - senior management would have to demonstrate its commitment, ensure effective lines of communication throughout the organisation and seek effective consultation with and participation by the workforce. Checking - monitoring the extent to which the organisation’s health and safety objectives are being met and the effectiveness of the risk control measures that have been introduced. Management Review - examination of the results of internal audits and an evaluation of compliance with applicable legal requirements and other requirements to which the organisation subscribes, assess the extent to which objectives have been met and decide on further improvement that would need to be made. Question:
Outline the key elements of a health and safety management system.
(8)
Answer: -
Policy – Setting and communication of senior management commitment, aims, objectives / targets towards health and safety
-
Organising – Identification of roles and responsibilities for all levels of staff and for those with specific health and safety responsibilities, e.g. safety adviser, in an organisation. Making arrangements for control, communication, co-operation and competence to develop a positive health and safety culture
-
Planning and Implementation – Provision of standards / arrangements for hazard identification, risk assessment and control
-
Measuring performance – Using active, e.g. inspections, and reactive, e.g. accident investigation, techniques to monitor actual performance
-
Review – Considering results from monitoring and audit activities to identify weaknesses in the management system in order to set new objectives to ensure continual improvement
-
Audit – a systematic, critical examination of all elements of the management system to ensure it exists, is used and is effective
Question:
Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of (a) employers (b) workers
(4) (4)
Answer: The main health and safety responsibilities of an employer are: -
to provide and maintain safe plant and equipment, to carry out risk assessments and to introduce safe systems of work
-
to ensure the safe use, storage, handling and transport of articles and substances
-
to provide and maintain a safe workplace, including access and egress
-
to provide a safe working environment with adequate welfare facilities, and to provide information, instruction, training and supervision for employees.
-
to prepare and revise a health and safety policy
-
to cooperate with and consult with employees
-
to secure competent health and safety advice and to cooperate with other employers at the workplace.
Main responsibility of workers
Question:
-
taking reasonable care of themselves and their fellow workers and to refrain from misusing equipment provided for their health and safety
-
cooperating with their employer
-
reporting accidents and dangerous situations to their employer or other nominated member of management
-
to comply with site rules and to refrain from taking alcohol or drugs during and immediately before working hours.
An organisation has been found to have inadequate standards of workplace health and safety. Identify the costs that the organisation may incur as a result.
Answer:
(8)
The results of providing inadequate standards of workplace health and safety are normally an increase in accidents and incidents and cases of ill-health amongst the employees. These result in direct costs such as those arising from: -
lost production and time dealing with the subsequent investigations;
-
plant damage and replacement and clean up activities;
-
paying those involved during absences as a result of accident or ill-health, having to recruit and train replacement labour and redeployment and/or rehabilitation costs on return to work;
-
possibility of action by the enforcement authorities or by a civil claim from the injured parties and the inevitable rise in insurance premiums.
There are also indirect costs related to: -
poor staff morale which could lead to industrial unrest
-
high staff turnover
-
damage done to the organisations reputation which could lead to a loss of orders and a subsequent decrease in its profitability.
Question:
An organisation has had an increase in the number of manual handling accidents and associated ill-health. Identify sources of information that may be available to help reduce the risks to the workers. (8)
Answer:
Sources of information that may be available to an organisation in their quest to reduce the number of manual handling accidents to members of their workforce include: -
international agencies such as the ILO;
-
national enforcement agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive in the United Kingdom;
-
employers organisations and Trade Unions;
-
national and international standards making bodies such as ISO;
-
information from manufacturers and also from other organisations carrying out work of a similar nature;
-
professional health and safety bodies such as IOSH in the United Kingdom;
-
occupational health services; and
-
consultation with the workers themselves who from their experience could be in a position to offer information on procedures that could be followed to reduce the risks.
Question:
State FOUR possible direct AND FOUR possible indirect costs to an organisation following a serious accident at work. (8)
Answer:
Direct costs to an organisation following a serious accident al work those associated with: -
lost production
-
staff absence
-
repair of damaged plant and equipment
-
damage to products
-
an Increase in insurance premiums and
-
fines and uninsured costs arising from legal action, criminal or civil, including legal costs.
Indirect costs might include: -
time taken in the investigation of the accident and the preparation of the necessary reports
-
the temporary replacement or re-training of staff
-
the possible loss of goodwill or business image and
-
the detrimental effect on employee morale that may result in reduced efficiency
Element 2 Question:
Policy
Give reasons why the health and safety policy should be signed by the most senior person in an organisation, such as a Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer.
(2)
Answer: The signature of the most senior person in the organisation:
Question:
-
would demonstrate management commitment
-
would give authority to the policy
-
the person concerned ultimately had responsibility for health and safety in the organisation
Outline the purpose of the three main sections of an organisation’s health and safety policy.
(6)
Answer: ‘statement of intent’: to demonstrates management’s commitment to health and safety and sets goals and objectives for the organisation, ‘organisation’: to allocate health and safety responsibilities within the company and to ensure effective delegating and reporting ‘arrangements’: sets out in detail the systems and procedures to show how the policy is to be implemented. Question:
Outline the circumstances that may require a health and safety policy to be reviewed.
(4)
Answer:
Question:
-
significant changes in the structure of the organisation and/or a change of premises
-
after the introduction of new or changed processes or work methods
-
following changes in key personnel
-
following changes in legislation
-
Outcome of audits, risk assessments, monitoring exercises or accident investigations show that the policy is no longer effective or relevant
-
as a result of consultation with the workforce
-
following enforcement action
-
after a sufficient period of time elapsed since the previous review to suggest that another one is due
With respect to undertaking general risk assessments on activities within a workplace: (a) Outline the general content of the THREE sections of a health and safety policy. (b) Explain why the health and safety policy should be signed by the most senior person in an organisation, such as a Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer.
Answer:
(6) (2)
‘Statement of Intent’ – to demonstrates management’s commitment to health and safety and sets goals and objectives for the organisation ‘Organisation’ - to allocate health and safety responsibilities within the company to ensure effective delegation and to set up lines of communication, and ‘Arrangements’ - sets out in detail the systems and procedures to implement the policy covering issues such as controlling hazards, monitoring compliance and arrangements for consultation and communication with employees. (b) -
Signature of the most senior person in the organisation would demonstrate management commitment
-
this would give authority to the policy
-
that the person concerned ultimately has responsibility for health and safety in the organisation.
Element 3
Organising for health and safety
Question:
Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of employers.
Answer:
The main health and safety responsibilities of an employer are to provide and maintain
Question:
Answer:
-
safe plant and equipment,
-
carry out risk assessments and
-
introduce safe systems of work;
-
ensure the safe use, storage, handling and transport of articles and substances;
-
provide and maintain a safe workplace, including access and egress;
-
provide a safe working environment with adequate welfare facilities including first aid,
-
provide information, instruction! training and supervision for workers.
-
prepare and revise a health and safety policy;
-
cooperate with and consult with workers;
-
secure competent health and safety advice
-
cooperate with other employers at the workplace.
Explain why it is important for an organisation to consult with its workers on health and safety issues.
(6)
(4)
It is important for an organisation to consult with its workers on health and safety issues since in the first instance it may be a legal requirement or if not that, a requirement of the organisation’s health and safety policy. Apart from this consultation will help to raise the profile of health and safety, improve the perception of its value and importance and assist in improving the health and safety culture of the organisation. Additionally, it is useful in developing ownership amongst the workers of health and safety measures, obtaining their commitment, inviting their ideas for improvement and allowing them to contribute to health and safety decision making and to help in agreeing priorities for attention. Their views would also be useful in ensuring that suggested improvements would be workable in practice.
Question:
Explain how arrangements for consultation with workers maybe made more effective,
Answer:
Arrangements for consultation with workers might be made more effective by: -
the establishment of safety committees;
-
consultation with elected representatives of employee safety;
-
planned direct consultation at departmental meetings, team meetings,
-
tool box talks and staff appraisals;
(4)
-
consultation as part of an accident or incident investigation or as part of a risk assessment;
-
day to day informal consultation by supervisors with their team;
-
questionnaires and suggestion schemes.
-
If formal meetings are to be held, it is important to ensure that there is a correct balance between management and worker representation;
-
that an agenda is set and the meeting well managed by the chair that the business of the meeting is not side tracked by discussion of non health and safety issues;
-
that minutes of and report back from the meeting are made available to the workforce as a whole and that actions agreed receive attention without undue delay.
Question:
Outline why it is important that all persons are aware of their roles and responsibilities for health and safety in an organisation.
(8)
Answer:
Making all persons in an organisation aware of their roles for health and safety will assist in defining their individual responsibilities and will indicate the commitment and leadership of senior management. A clear delegation of duties will assist in sharing out the health and safety workload, will ensure contributions from different levels and jobs, will help to set up clear lines of reporting and communication and will assist in defining individual competencies and training needs particularly for specific roles such as first aid and fire. Finally, making individuals aware of their own roles and responsibilities can increase their motivation and help to improve morale throughout the organisation.
Question:
Two organisations share the same workplace. Outline how they could co-operate to achieve good health and safely standards.
(8)
Answer: In order to achieve good health and safety standards in the workplace, the two organisations could: -
hold regular meetings, share information and risk assessments and avoid carrying out incompatible processes;
-
prepare and agree joint site rules for the workplace for example for assembly points and smoking areas;
-
set up joint procedures for the management of visitors and contractors;
-
agree on procedures for the management of traffic and the movement of vehicles;
-
carry out joint inspections and monitoring of the workplace; draw up joint emergency procedures; agree a policy for the management of waste and obtain advice on health and safety mailers from a shared consultant.
Question:
(a) Explain the difference between consulting and informing workers in health and safety issues. (b) Outline the health and safety issues on which employers should consult their workers.
Answer:
(a)
(2) (6)
“informing’ as a one way process, for example providing information to workers on hazards, risks and control measures and to “consulting” as a two way process in which the employer listens to, and takes account of, the views of workers before a decision is taken.
(b) the health and safety issues on which employers should consult their workers should be: -
On risk assessments
-
Selection and use of personal protective equipment
-
Training requirements and its effectiveness issues
-
Introduction of any measure at the workplace that may substantially affect worker’s health and safety such as a change in the materials being used;
-
changes in organisational structure;
-
the arrangements for appointing and/or nominating competent persons to assist in complying with the health and safety requirements;
-
the introduction of emergency procedures welfare issues incentive schemes and
-
the introduction of policies on smoking alcohol and substance misuse
Question:
Contractors are carrying out a major budding project for an organisation Outline how this organisation could reduce the risks to contractors before the start of and during the building project:
(8)
Answer:
Question:
-
the initial selection of a competent contractor ensuring they had sufficient resources and had allowed sufficient time to enable the work to be completed safely.
-
There would then be a need to share information with the contractor on the particular risks in the working area for instance the presence of vehicles including fork lift trucks and the danger of falling material, the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos and the location of services such as electricity, water and gas;
-
general site safety rules such as a smoking policy and reference to the host employer’s safety policy;
-
requirements for permits to work for certain work activities, accident reporting procedures, emergency procedures;
-
the main point of contact on the site;
-
the location of Welfare facilities including first aid.
-
whilst the building work was in progress, there would have to be ongoing cooperation and coordination with the contractor with regular monitoring of performance in ensuring the health and safety of both their and the organisation’s workers.
Outline the practical means by which a manager could involve employees in the improvement of health and safety in the workplace. (8)
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
-
involving employees in risk assessments, accident investigations and the development of safe systems and procedures;
-
encouraging hazard spotting and the reporting of defects;
-
setting up suggestion schemes;
-
organising training courses and information programmes;
-
supporting active involvement in safety committee meetings;
-
being accompanied by employees or their representatives on safety tours and inspections; and
-
giving employees responsibilities for mentoring young and inexperienced workers.
With respect to the ‘statement of intent’ section of a health and safety policy: (a) explain its purpose (b) outline the issues that may be addressed in this section of the health and safety policy
(2)
(6)
(a) ‘statement of intent’ section of a policy should both demonstrate managements commitment to health and safety and set goals and objectives for the organisation (b) an organisation might, amongst other issues state its commitment to provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment to carry out an assessment of all tasks within the workplace to work towards a reduction and eventual prevention of accidents and cases of ill health to provide all employees with the necessary information instruction and training to ensure their competence to consult with employees on health and safety issues to ensure the availability of expert health and safety advice and to provide the necessary resources to secure the above objectives
Question:
Answer:
Outline the factors that should be considered when assessing the health and safety competence of a contractor. Their: -
Previous experience of the work – seek references
-
Resources, financial and people
-
Risk assessments and method statements
-
Insurances, e.g. employers’, public and fire liability
-
Health and safety policy
-
Enforcement history
-
Accident history
-
Staff competence levels / qualifications
-
Membership of Trade Association
-
Safety adviser
-
Use of sub-contractors
(8)
Element 4 Question:
Promoting a positive health and safety culture
Identify: (a) FOUR active (proactive);
(4)
(b) FOUR reactive
(4)
means by which an organisation can monitor its health and safety performance Answer: Active Monitoring methods -
safety inspections, surveys, audits and sampling, environmental monitoring, health surveillance, behavioural observation such as by carrying out safety observation tours and benchmarking against the performance of other like organisations.
Reactive Monitoring methods Question:
accident and ill-health statistics and reports; incidents of reported near-misses and dangerous occurrences; property damage; actions taken by the enforcement authorities; the number of civil claims; an analysis of absences and lost time; complaints by workers and the costs involved in all the above.
Outline ways in which an organisation could encourage workers to be involved in setting and maintaining high standards of health and safety.
(8)
Answer: Ways an organisation could encourage workers to be involved in setting and maintaining high standards of health and safety such as: -
involving workers in risk assessments,
-
accident investigations
-
and the development of safe systems and procedures;
-
setting up suggestion schemes and
-
acting on the ideas and recommendations put forward;
-
organising training courses and information programmes on the benefits of good safety standards;
-
supporting active involvement in safety committee meetings;
-
introducing an effective two-way communication system;
-
introducing a system of award and reward to recognise achievement; and
-
importantly ensuring that management set a good example for the workforce to follow.
Question:
Outline ways in which workers’ perceptions of hazards in the workplace might be improved.
(6)
Answer: -
motivation or to the need to increase awareness in the individual by safety campaigns or posters and to increase knowledge by means of training.
-
need to identify reasons for workers’ misperceptions, by the use of surveys, in order to increase awareness and challenge currently held views.
-
making hazards more obvious (for example, by the use of signs) and
-
addressing environmental factors, such as lighting and noise, this might cause distraction or otherwise hinder the perceptual processes.
Question:
Give the meaning of the term ‘perception’.
Answer:
Perception means the way people interpret and make sense of presented information, for instance in relation to their surroundings
Question:
Outline possible reasons why good standards of health and safety in the workplace may not be achieved.
(2)
(6)
Answer:
Question:
-
a lack of management commitment;
-
poor morale among the workforce and a lack of motivation
-
frequent changes in the organisation
-
a lack of resources possibly due to a harsh economic climate;
-
conflicting demands with priority being given to production targets and meeting deadlines;
-
poor communication and consultation with the workforce;
-
a failure to provide adequate training leading to a lack of awareness amongst workers;
-
a failure to complete risk assessments and to produce safe systems of work and method statements;
-
generally poor standards of health and safety in the industry leading to a lack of peer pressure.
Give reasons why it is important to use a variety of methods to communicate health and safety information in the workplace.
(8)
Answer: -
people respond differently to different stimuli, and that variety prevents over-familiarisation with one method and helps to reinforce a message.
-
the need to overcome language barriers and the inability of some workers to read;
-
the need to motivate, stimulate interest and gain involvement and feedback;
-
the acceptance that different types of information require different methods of communication for example emergency signs;
-
policy of the organisation may require certain information to be in a specified format;
-
on occasions evidence that the message was given may need to be kept.
Question:
Identify reasons why workers may fall to comply with safety procedures at work.
Answer:
There are many reasons why employees may fail to comply with safety procedures at work such as:: -
inadequate resources whether of tools, equipment or employees;
-
unrealistic or ill-considered procedures;
-
a perceived lack of commitment to health and safety by management and emphasis on other priorities such as production;
-
the lack of adequate information and training and a perceived lack of consultation;
-
a poor safety culture within the organisation;
-
fatigue, illness and stress; lack of concentration because of boredom and repetitive work tasks;
-
poor working conditions;
-
mental and/or physical capabilities not taken into account;
-
inadequate supervision and a failure to enforce compliance with the procedures;
-
peer group pressure;
-
a failure to recognise risks and ultimately a wilful disregard of the safety procedures.
Question:
Identify possible influences on an organisation’s health and safety management standards.
Answer:
Possible influences on an organisation’s health and safety management standards,
Question:
Answer:
(8)
(8)
-
those arising from bodies that are involved in framing legislation such as EU organisations and individual governments, as well as from those bodies that are charged with its enforcement.
-
influences include industry based standards of good/safe practice; shareholder demands and expectations;
-
that exerted by trade unions in seeking acceptable standards for their members;
-
those exerted by insurance companies by placing requirements on employers as a condition of insurance;
-
those from production demands and the pressure to cut costs in times of economic down turn;
-
the need to maintain the organisation’s reputation to meet the expectations of society in general and its customers in particular;
-
the competence and experience of the workforce and its involvement and cooperation in setting and complying with the standards and
-
finally the commitment of members of senior management themselves in setting and enforcing high standards for their company.
(a) Identify FOUR types of health and safety information that could be displayed on a notice board in a workplace. (b) Identify how the effectiveness of notice boards as a method of communicating health and safety information can be increased.
(4) (4)
(a) The types of information that could have been identified include; -
the health and safety policy of the organisation;
-
the information for Employee’s information regarding health and safety representatives such as their names and contact details;
-
targets set for the reduction of accidents and ill- health and information showing -the current level of performance against the targets;
-
forthcoming health and safety events including information on training courses available;
-
identification of first aid arrangements and procedures for evacuation in the event of a fire;
-
health and safety posters specific to current campaigns being run;
-
information on current issues affecting health and safety such as contract work, no go areas and diversions;
-
copy of the Employer’s liability insurance certificate. In general, most candidates provided answers to an acceptable standard.
(b) Ways of increasing the effectiveness of notice boards such as: -
Question:
ensuring they were located in a common and prominent area of the workplace such as the staff room or canteen;
-
dedicating the boards to health and safety matters;
-
ensuring the information displayed was relevant and current and kept up to date;
-
giving consideration to all ethnic groups and employees with special needs;
-
displaying the information in a neat and orderly fashion and making the notice board eye-catching by the use of colour and graphics and, where possible, allocating responsibility for the up-keep of the board to a named member of the workforce.
There has been deterioration in the health and safety culture of an organisation. (a) Define the term health and safety culture (b) Identify the factors that could have contributed to the deterioration
Answer:
(2) (6)
(a) attitude and shared perceptions, the product of individual and group values and a pattern of behaviour based on competencies and confidence and on communication founded on mutual trust. (b) factors included: -
Question:
the lack of leadership and commitment at senior level;
-
the lack of effective communication with the workers;
-
an inadequate level of supervision
-
the suspicion of a blame culture
-
time pressures with production over-riding health and safety
-
the lack of monitoring or where this did take place, a failure to implement suggested remedial action;
-
the lack of consultation and workers involvement;
-
a poor working environment;
-
a high staff turnover and a reduction in staffing levels;
-
and external influences such as a downturn in the economy leading to a lack of investment and resources and
-
a fear for job security
Non compliance with safety procedures by employees has been identified as one of the possible causes of a serious accident at work. Outline reasons why the safety procedures may not have been followed. (8)
Answer:
There are many reasons why employees may fail to comply with safety procedures at work such as: -
inadequate resources whether of tools, equipment or employees;
-
unrealistic or ill-considered procedures;
-
lack of adequate information and training and a perceived lack of consultation;
-
a poor safety culture within the organisation;
-
fatigue, illness and stress;
-
lack of concentration because of boredom and repetitive work tasks;
-
poor working conditions;
-
mental and/or physical capabilities not taken into account;
-
inadequate supervision;
-
peer group pressure;
-
a failure to recognise risks and ultimately a wilful disregard of the safety procedures.
Question:
(a) Identify FOUR typos of health and safety information that might usefully be displayed on a notice board within a workplace. (4) (b) Explain how the effectiveness of notice boards as a means of communicating health and safety information to the workforce can be maximised. (4)
Answer:
(a) the types of information which could have been identified included: -
the health and safety policy of the organisation;
-
the ‘Information for Employees’ poster information regarding health and safety representatives (e.g. their names and contact details);
-
targets set for the reduction of accidents and ill-health and information showing the current level of performance against the targets;
-
forthcoming health and safety events including information on training courses available;
-
identification of first aid arrangements and procedures for evacuation in the event of a fire;
-
health and safety posters specific to current campaigns being run by the employers or HSE and
-
a copy of the Employers Liability insurance certificate.
(b) ways of maximising the effectiveness of notice boards such as: -
ensuring they were located in a common and prominent area of the workplace (e.g. the staff room or canteen);
-
dedicating the boards to health and safety matters;
-
ensuring the information displayed was relevant and current and kept up to date;
-
displaying the information in a neat and orderly fashion and making the notice board eye-catching by the use of colour and graphics.
Question:
(a) Giving a practical example, explain the meaning of the term ‘human error’. (b) Outline individual factors that may contribute to human errors occurring at work.
Answer:
(a) human error is an action or decision that was not intended which involved a deviation from an accepted standard and which led to an undesirable outcome. (b) individual factors that might contribute to human errors occurring at work include: -
age and/or past experience perception of risk
-
physical capabilities or disabilities
-
sensory defects
-
attitude and aptitude
-
lack of motivation
-
fatigue and
-
effects of drugs or alcohol.
(2) (6)
Question:
(a) Identify the factors that should be considered when developing a programme of health and safety training within organisation. (12) (b) Outline the various measures that might be used to assess the effectiveness of health and safety training. (4) (c)
Answer:
Give reasons why it is important for an employer to keep record of the training provided to each employee. (4)
(a) (Why, who, what, when, where and how) -
Aims and objectives
-
Legal requirements
-
Competence of the trainer
-
How many people to train
-
Training needs - gap analysis / training needs analysis
-
Existing competence levels
-
Worker responsibilities / activities
-
Workplace risks
-
Resources – financial and cost of the training programme,
-
Course duration and timing
-
Course venue and facilities
-
Course content and method of delivery
-
Props or equipment required
-
Evaluation /ongoing monitoring requirements
-
Evaluation by the trainer
-
Written / practical test
-
Accident rates
-
Near misses
-
Sickness / absence rates
-
Ongoing monitoring / levels of compliance
-
Concerns raised
-
Legal / best practice / insurance requirements
-
Proof of competence, e.g. for audit
-
To identify when refresher training is needed
-
To identify progress against objectives / targets
-
In accident investigation
-
For a legal defence
(b)
(c)
-
Element 5 Question:
Risk Assessment
Outline the key stages of the risk assessment process, identifying the issues that would need to be considered at EACH stage.
(10)
Answer: Key stages of a workplace risk assessment such as: STEP 1 - identifying the hazards associated with the activities and tasks performed at the workplace STEP 2 - identifying who might be harmed including operators, maintenance staff, cleaners and visitors and groups especially at risk including young workers and the disabled STEP 3 - evaluating the likelihood and probable severity of the harm that might be caused STEP 4 - assessing the adequacy of existing control measures and deciding whether additional controls should be introduced STEP 5 - recording the significant findings of the assessment and STEP 6 - carrying out a review at a later date and revising the findings when necessary Question:
Outline the criteria which must be met for the risk assessment to be ‘suitable and sufficient.
Answer:
For a risk assessment deemed to be suitable and sufficient, it
Question:
(4)
-
should indicate the competence of the assessor together with any specialist advice that has been sought
-
should identify all significant hazards and risks arising from or connected with the activity to be carried out
-
identify all the persons at risk including workers, other workers and members of the public with reference to those who might be particularly at risk
-
evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of existing control measures and identify other protective measures that may be required
-
enable priorities to be set
-
record the significant findings of the assessment and
-
identify the period of time for which it is likely to remain valid
Outline reasons why young persons maybe at a higher risk of injury in a workplace.
Answer: -
individual’s stage of physical development and maturity;
-
lack of knowledge, experience, training and practical skills;
-
lack of perception or awareness of risk;
-
poorly developed communication skills;
-
a lack of confidence;
-
over enthusiasm
-
the tendency of young persons to take risks and
-
to respond more readily to peer group pressures.
(4)
Question:
Give TWO reasons why visitors to a workplace might be at greater risk of injury than workers.
(2)
Answer:
Question:
-
Visitor’s unfamiliarity with the processes carried out at the workplace, the hazards they present and their associated risks and the fact that they may not have been issued with personal protective equipment;
-
their lack of knowledge of the site layout and the fact that pedestrian routes might be inadequate and unsigned
-
their unfamiliarity with the emergency procedures and
-
their vulnerability particularly if they were disabled, very young or had language problems.
Identify precautions that could be taken to reduce the risk of injury to visitors to a workplace.
(6)
Answer: -
by the issue of badges with a routine for signing in and out;
-
prior notification to those members of staff to be involved in the visit;
-
the provision of information to the visitors in suitable languages on hazards and emergency procedures;
-
an explanation of specific site rules! for example, restricted areas and the wearing of personal protective equipment;
-
the clear marking of pedestrian routes and the need for visitors to be escorted by a member of management or supervisory staff.
Question:
Identify EIGHT health and safety hazards relevant to the role of a long distance delivery driver.
Answer:
Health and safety hazards relevant to the role of a long distance delivery driver include:
Question:
Answer:
(8)
-
the duration of the journey and the hours of driving
-
issues connected with the route to be followed and the different road conditions
-
the weather and other environmental factors; inadequate vehicle maintenance and the possibility of breakdown
-
the manual and/or mechanical handling of the goods being carried and other hazards associated with them such as exposure to chemicals
-
physical hazards such as exposure to noise and vibration
-
lone working with a possible absence of communication and supervision
-
the lack of emergency procedures including the provision of first aid
-
security hazards including the possibility of violence and psychological hazards such as stress.
Outline the factors that should be considered when assessing the health and safety competence of contractors.
(8)
Factors that should be considered when assessing the health and safety competence of contractors include: -
the contractor’s previous experience with the type of work to be carried out;
-
the reputation of the contractor amongst previous or current clients;
-
the quality and content of the health and safety policy and the systems in place for its implementation including the preparation of risk assessments, monitoring and consultation with the workforce;
-
the arrangements in place for the management of sub-contractors;
-
the level of training and qualifications of staff (including those with health and safety responsibilities);
-
the contractor’s accident and enforcement history; membership of professional bodies;
-
equipment maintenance and statutory examination records; and
-
the detailed proposals, for example method statements, for the proposed work.
Question:
(a) Identify the key stages of a workplace risk assessment. (b) Outline THREE reasons for reviewing a risk assessment.
Answer:
(a) The key stages of a workplace risk assessment
(5) (3)
-
identifying the hazards associated with the activities and tasks performed at the workplace;
-
identifying who might be harmed including operators, maintenance staff, cleaners, visitors etc;
-
evaluating the likelihood and probable severity of the harm that might be caused;
-
assessing the adequacy of existing control measures and deciding whether additional measures were required;
-
recording the significant findings of the assessment and
-
carrying out a review at a later date and revising the findings when necessary.
(b) candidates were expected to outline reasons such as changes in the processes, work methods or materials used; the introduction of new or the modification of existing plant; the availability of new information on hazards and risks; the availability of new or improved control measures or techniques; a change in legislation; changes in personnel, for example the employment of young or disabled persons; when the results of monitoring of accidents, ill-health and the workplace environment are not as expected and finally after the passage of time. Question:
(a) Define the term hazard (b) Define the term Risk (c) Identify FOUR means of hazard identification that maybe used in the workplace.
Answer:
(a) Hazard is as something with the potential to cause harm
(2) (2) (4)
(b) The probability/likelihood that the potential would be realised and its possible consequence and severity in terms of injury, damage or harm. (c) Means that may be used to identify hazards in the workplace include:
Question:
Answer:
-
carrying out inspections, observations and safety audits
-
completing task and/or job analyses and risk assessments
-
the study of data on accidents and near miss incidents including the investigation reports
-
reference to legislation and its accompanying guidance and manufacturers’ documents such as safety data sheets
-
carrying out health surveillance and consulting with members of the workforce.
(a) Outline the key stages of the risk assessment process, identifying the issues that would need to be considered at EACH stage; (b) Explain the criteria which must be met for the assessment to be suitable and sufficient (c) Outline the factors that the employer should take into account when selecting individuals to assist in carrying out the required risk assessment.
(10) (4) (6)
(a) The key stages of the risk assessment process: -
The first stage is to consider the activities that are being undertaken at the workplace
-
identify the significant hazards involved.
-
identification of those exposed to the hazards such as operators, maintenance staff, cleaners and visitors and noting in particular groups who might be especially at risk such as young or disabled workers.
-
evaluation of the risks arising from the identified hazards, taking into account the likelihood and severity of the harm that could be and the frequency and duration of the exposure of the employees the measures in existence to control the risks
-
need and scope for a further reduction by the introduction of additional controls.
-
The fourth stage involves recording the significant findings of the assessment in a written and retrievable form such as for example, the additional preventative and protective measures needed to control the risks,
-
final stage would be concerned with a review and revision of the assessment at regular intervals or more particularly if there are development in the processes or activities or changes in legislation
which indicate that the original assessment may no longer be valid (b) A risk assessment, to be deemed suitable and sufficient, should identify all significant hazards and risks arising from or connected with the activity to be carried out identify all the persons at risk including employees, other workers and members of the public, evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of existing control measures and identify other protective measures that may be required, enable priorities to be set, be appropriate to the nature of the work and be valid over a reasonable period of time. (c) Relevant factors which employer should take into account when selecting individuals to assist in carrying out the required risk assessment.
Question:
Answer:
-
the individuals’ past experience and training in hazard identification and in carrying out risk assessments,
-
their experience of the process or activity carried out in the workplace and their knowledge of the plant and equipment involved,
-
their ability to understand and interpret regulations, standards and guidance,
-
their communication and reporting skills,
-
an awareness of their own limitations and
-
their attitude and commitment to the task.
(a) Outline the key stages of the risk assessment process, identifying the issues that would need to be considered at EACH stage; (b) Explain the criteria which must be met for the assessment to be suitable and sufficient (c) Outline the factors that the employer should take into account when selecting individuals to assist in carrying out the required risk assessment.
(10) (4) (6)
(a) The key stages of the risk assessment process: -
The first stage is to consider the activities that are being undertaken at the workplace
-
identify the significant hazards involved.
-
identification of those exposed to the hazards such as operators, maintenance staff, cleaners and visitors and noting in particular groups who might be especially at risk such as young or disabled workers.
-
evaluation of the risks arising from the identified hazards, taking into account the likelihood and severity of the harm that could be and the frequency and duration of the exposure of the employees the measures in existence to control the risks
-
need and scope for a further reduction by the introduction of additional controls.
-
The fourth stage involves recording the significant findings of the assessment in a written and retrievable form such as for example, the additional preventative and protective measures needed to control the risks,
-
final stage would be concerned with a review and revision of the assessment at regular intervals or more particularly if there are development in the processes or activities or changes in legislation which indicate that the original assessment may no longer be valid
(d) A risk assessment, to be deemed suitable and sufficient, should identify all significant hazards and risks arising from or connected with the activity to be carried out identify all the persons at risk including employees, other workers and members of the public, evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of existing control measures and identify other protective measures that may be required, enable priorities to be set, be appropriate to the nature of the work and be valid over a reasonable period of time. (e) Relevant factors which employer should take into account when selecting individuals to assist in carrying out the required risk assessment. -
the individuals’ past experience and training in hazard identification and in carrying out risk assessments,
-
their experience of the process or activity carried out in the workplace and their knowledge of the plant and equipment involved,
-
their ability to understand and interpret regulations, standards and guidance,
-
their communication and reporting skills,
-
an awareness of their own limitations and
-
their attitude and commitment to the task.
Question:
(a) Identify work activities that may present a particular risk to pregnant women at work giving an example of EACH type of activity. (6) (b) Outline the actions that an employer may take when a risk to a new or expectant mother cannot be avoided. (2)
Answer:
(a) activities that may present a particular risk to pregnant women at work -
work activities such as manual handling
-
tasks involving long periods of standing or sitting
-
work involving exposure to biological agents or chemical substances that might affect the unborn child or pregnant/nursing mother work in hyperbaric atmospheres
-
tasks involving exposure to ionising radiation and unusually stressful work.
(b) actions such as changing the working conditions or hours or work of the employees, offering them suitable alternative work or suspending them from work for as long as necessary on full pay. Question:
(a) Identify reasons why young workers could be at greater risk of being injured at work. (b) Outline the control measures that should be taken to minimise risks to young workers.
Answer:
(a)
(4) (4)
-
Lack of perception of risk due to limited experience / knowledge / competence
-
Because a young persons’ body and mind is not fully developed making them more susceptible to harm, e.g. from ionising radiation
-
They are prone to react to peer pressure
-
Due to bravado / being a risk taker
-
Carry out a young person risk assessment
-
Provide an induction programme and provide a mentor
-
Supervision with clear lines of communication
-
Not employing young persons on high risk work
-
Acclimatising young persons to the work / limiting their working hours / not allowing them to work night shifts
(b)
Question:
(a) Explain, using an example, the meaning of term ‘risk’. (b) Identify the key stages of a risk assessment.
Answer:
(a) Risk is the likelihood and severity of harm, e.g. a trailing cable under a desk poses a low risk of injury, whereas a trailing cable across the top of a busy stairway poses a high risk of injury
(3) (5)
(b) -
Identify the hazards (things with the potential to cause harm) from the work activity and workplace
-
Identify who is at risk including employees and non-employees, e.g. visitors, contractors and members of the public, and any vulnerable people / those especially at risk, e.g. young persons, the disabled or pregnant workers
-
Evaluate the risks (carry out a risk assessment) taking account of the adequacy of existing control measures in order to prioritise the risks involved and identify further control measures
-
Record the findings, e.g. the hazards, who is at risk, the risk involved, existing precautions and further precautions required
-
Question:
Review the assessment when it is no longer valid, e.g. after an accident, or where there is significant change, e.g. personnel, legislation, knowledge about the hazard, and periodically, e.g. every year
Identify the factors to be considered to reduce the risks to workers required to work alone away from the workplace. (8)
Answer: -
Health of the person
-
Location of the work, is it an unsafe environment?
-
Workplace hazards and risks
-
Potential for injury
-
Access and egress
-
Welfare facilities
-
Manual handling requirements
-
Risk of violence
-
Women especially at risk
-
Young person especially at risk
-
Regular communication and checking their whereabouts
-
Equipment required, phone, alarm, first-aid, etc.
-
Supervision and monitoring requirements
Element 6 Question:
Principles of control
An organisation is introducing a new work activity that requires a safe system of work. Outline:
Answer:
(a) why it is important to involve workers in the development of a safe system of work;
(4)
(b) why it is important for safe systems of work to have written procedures.
(4)
(a) It is important to involve workers in the development of a safe system of work because of their: -
knowledge of the particular working environment involved and what will work in practice.
-
involvement will establish their ownership of the system and will encourage them to use and follow it once it has been finalised and introduced.
-
involvement will emphasise management’s commitment to health and safety and help to raise its profile within the organisation.
(b) Once a safe system of work is developed, it is imperative that a clear method of communicating its procedures to the workforce is used and this would be better achieved in writing rather than orally. The procedures may contain complex information that will need to be consulted on more than one occasion to ensure the correct sequence of operations is followed. Additionally, different people will need to be aware of the procedures and it is preferable to have them written down rather than pass them on by word of mouth, a method that may not always guarantee consistency in their presentation. A written document will also be needed for audit purposes used as evidence in defending an enforcement action or a civil claim. use of written procedures may well be a requirement of the organisation’s quality assurance procedures. Question:
(a) Give the meaning of the term hierarchy of control’.
(2)
(b) Outline, with examples, the general hierarchy that should be applied with respect to controlling health and safety risks in the workplace.
(6)
Answer: (a) Measures designed to control risks which are considered in order of importance, effectiveness or priority or measures designed to control risk that normally begin with an extreme measure of control and end with personal protective equipment as a last resort. (b) -
eliminating the risks either by designing them out or changing the process.
-
reduction of the risks by, for example, the substitution of hazardous substances with others which were less hazardous. If this were not possible, then
-
isolation would have to be considered, using enclosures, barriers or worker segregation.
-
The application of engineering controls such as guarding, the provision of local exhaust ventilation systems, the use of reduced voltage systems or residual current devices
-
management controls such as safe systems of work, training, job rotation and supervision
-
final control measure being the provision of personal protective equipment such as ear defenders or respiratory protective equipment.
Question:
Due to its limitations personal protective equipment (PPE) should only be considered after other control measures. Outline the limitations of using PPE.
(8)
Answer:
Question:
-
At a basic level, it is often a legal requirement that other means of control are considered first particularly since PPE does not remove the hazard.
-
PPE may not provide adequate protection because of such factors as poor selection, poor fit because of facial features such as beards, incompatibility with other types of PPE, contamination, and misuse or non-use by workers.
-
PPE is likely to be uncomfortable and relies for its effectiveness on a conscious action by the user which raises issues such as training and supervision.
-
In certain circumstances! its use can actually create additional risks, for instance, impaired vision and warning sounds masked by hearing protection.
Explain why it is important to develop emergency procedures in the workplace.
(5)
Answer: importance of developing procedures for the safe evacuation of workers in the event of an emergency. -
need to comply with legal requirements;
-
to be prepared for foreseeable emergencies;
-
to ensure the safety and protection of the workers including those dealing with the emergency, and to assist the safe evacuation of persons including those with specific needs such as visitors and the disabled;
-
to provide information on the action to be taken, not only by workers but also by neighbours and others who might be affected by the emergencies such as in a shared or joint occupancy premises;
-
to allocate specific responsibilities to certain workers in the event of an evacuation being necessary;
-
to be able to mitigate the effects of adverse events and to restore the situation to normal;
-
to ensure the procedures are made available to any relevant emergency services and to ensure business continuity.
Question:
Identify THREE types of emergency in the workplace that may require the evacuation of workers.
Answer:
types of emergency in the workplace that could lead to the need to evacuate the workers: -
fire or explosion,
-
the accidental release of toxic chemicals or gases,
-
transport incidents,
-
bomb alerts or other terrorist activities,
-
weather related emergencies and earthquakes.
(3)
Question:
Give the meaning of the term ‘permit-to-work’.
(2)
Answer:
A permit-to-work is a formal documented planned procedure designed to protect personnel working in hazardous areas or carrying out high risk activities.
Question:
Identify THREE types of work that may require a permit-to-work, AND give the masons why in EACH case.
(6)
Answer: -
confined spaces where there is a danger of being overcome by fumes or gases or by a shortage of oxygen
-
work on live or high voltage electrical equipment where there would be a danger of electrocution;
-
hot work involving welding or cuffing operations, where the risk of sparks may ignite nearby flammable materials
-
maintenance work on dangerous process plant or production machinery where it may not be possible to keep the normal standards of protection in place and work at heights.
Question:
(a)
(2)
Answer:
The two main functions of first-aid treatment are, firstly, the preservation of life and/or the minimisation of the consequences of injury until medical help is obtained and, secondly, the treatment of minor injuries that would not receive or do not need medical attention.
Question:
Outline the factors to be considered when carrying out a risk assessment of first-aid requirements in a workplace.
Identify TWO main purposes of first-aid treatment.
(6)
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
-
the number of trained first-aid personnel and first-aid facilities in relation to, for example, the size of the organisation
-
the distribution and composition of the workforce including the special needs of employees such as trainees, young workers and the disabled; the types of hazard and level of risk present
-
the past history of accidents and their type, location and consequences; the proximity of the workplace to emergency medical services
-
the special needs of travelling, remote or lone workers
-
the need to train the first aid personnel in special procedures; and
-
the ability to provide continued cover over different shifts and for sickness, leave and other absence.
An organisation is introducing a new work activity that requires a safe system of work. Explain: (a) why it is important to involve workers in the development of a safe system of work; (b) why it is important for safe systems of work to have written procedures.
(4) (4)
(a) It is important to involve workers in the development of a safe system of work because of their: -
knowledge of the particular working environment involved and what will work in practice.
-
involvement will establish their ownership of the system and will encourage them to use and follow it once it has been finalised and introduced.
-
involvement will emphasise management’s commitment to health and safety and help to raise its profile within the organisation.
(b) -
Once a safe system of work is developed, it is imperative that a clear method of communicating its procedures to the workforce is used and this would be better achieved in writing rather than orally.
-
The procedures may contain complex information that will need to be consulted on more than one occasion to ensure the correct sequence of operations is followed.
-
different people will need to be aware of the procedures and it is preferable to have them written down rather than pass them on by word of mouth, a method that may not always guarantee consistency in their presentation.
Question:
Answer:
-
A written document will also be needed for audit purposes and could be used as evidence in defending an enforcement action or a civil claim.
-
the use of written procedures may well be a requirement of the organisation’s quality assurance procedures.
(a) Identify FOUR types of emergency that would require an organisation to have an emergency procedure (b) Explain why visitors to a workplace should be informed of its emergency procedures.
(4) (4)
(a) Emergency procedures that companies might need to have in place include: -
those for evacuation in case of fire,
-
for accidents,
-
for dangerous occurrences such as a chemical spillage
-
for a security or intruder alert and
-
in the event of an explosive device being discovered on site.
(b) Need for visitors to be informed of the emergency procedures so that they could react appropriately in the event of an emergency and to prevent those obstructing workers and putting them at risk. In addition to this it is the moral responsibility of the organisation for the safety of visitors and the duty of care it might owe them under law. Question:
Answer:
Outline how induction training programmes for new workers can help to reduce the number of accidents in the workplace.
(8)
An induction training programme for new workers may assist in reducing the number of accidents in the workplace by: -
making the workers aware of the hazards and risks in the workplace;
-
introducing them to the safe systems of work and the various procedures including those for emergencies that must be followed;
-
making them aware of any restricted areas;
-
training them in the correct use of tools and equipment and ensuring they are fully conversant with the use, maintenance and
-
arrangements for reporting deficiencies of any personal protective equipment that has to be used.
-
Alert the workers to the procedures for reporting hazards and incidents, of the source of help, advice and mentoring that are available to them and
-
their own responsibility for ensuring accidents and incidents are kept to a minimum.
-
training programme will assist in helping the workers to adopt a positive attitude to health and safety and to counter the negative attitude that can often be created by peer pressure.
Question:
Answer:
(a) Identify TWO main purposes of first-aid treatment.
(2)
(b) Outline the factors to be considered when making an assessment of first-aid requirements in a workplace.
(6)
(a) -
To preserve life by giving CPR
-
To prevent the condition worsening by giving medical attention and treating minor wounds
-
To discharge the casualty to medical services
-
Legal / best practice requirements
-
The number of employees / people on site
-
The hazards and risks associated with work activities, substances used and the workplace
-
The site location and distance from emergency services
-
The spread of buildings across the site
-
The planned and unplanned absence of first-aiders
-
First-aid training needs
(b)
Question:
-
First-aid facilities, e.g. medical room, and equipment
-
Informing employees of the first-aid arrangements
-
Cost
-
Any special first-aid training requirements
-
Lone worker requirements
Explain why the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered only after other control measures. (8)
Answer: -
It relies on the wearer to use it
-
It is lowest on the hierarchy of control measures
-
It does not reduce the hazard
-
It may create additional hazards, e.g. respirator worn by people with respiratory problems
-
It gives a false sense of security
-
It fails to danger
-
It may not be worn due to reasons such as comfort, fit, and availability
-
It may not be worn due to peer pressure
-
In compatibility between PPE may inhibit protection, e.g. hard hat and ear muffs
-
It is reliant upon management commitment to enforce its use
-
It may become contaminated or damaged due to lack of maintenance
-
It may be incorrectly selected and not protect against the hazard
Element 7 Question:
Monitoring, review and audit
Explain how accident data can be used to improve health and safety performance within an organisation
(4)
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
Question:
-
accident data could be used to identify trends and problem areas and give the opportunity for remedial action
-
to enable improvement in resource allocation
-
to make comparisons with others
-
to inform and stimulate discussion at joint consultation meetings with the workforce
-
to identify the costs of accidents and
-
to set new targets.
Explain TWO active (proactive) monitoring methods that can be used when assessing an organisation’s health and safety performance.
(4)
Proactive methods that can be used are: -
audits involving comprehensive and independently executed examinations of all aspects of an organisation’s health and safety performance against stated objectives; inspections carried out on a regular basis which identify existing conditions and compare them with agreed performance objectives;
-
safety surveys focusing on a particular activity such as manual handling, training programmes and workers’ attitudes towards safety;
-
sampling where specific areas of occupational health and safety are targeted;
-
tours involving unscheduled workplace inspections to check on issues such as wearing of personal protective equipment and housekeeping;
-
benchmarking where an organisation’s performance in certain areas is compared with that of other organisations with similar processes and risks, and
-
health or medical surveillance using techniques such as audiometry and blood or urine analysis to assess the effectiveness of control elements of health hazard such airborne particle, toxic fumes, gases, mist etc.
Outline the role of workplace health and safety inspections.
(4)
Answer: -
general examination of health and safety performance at a particular point in time.
-
demonstrating management commitment, its role is to identify workplace hazards;
-
to implement immediate corrective action where this is possible;
-
to ensure compliance with the law and with laid down standards;
-
to recommend improvements and further controls when these are seen to be necessary;
-
to observe employee behaviour, for example, in the use of personal protective equipment; to listen to and consult with workers on health and safety issues; to review previous findings and recommendations and to provide a summary report to individual managers on standards in their areas of control. Few candidates were able to outline the role of workplace health and safety inspections with some referring to the powers of inspectors of the enforcement authorities.
Question:
(I) Give TWO strengths of using a checklist when carrying out an inspection. (ii) Give TWO weaknesses of using a checklist when carrying out an inspection.
(2) (2)
Answer:
Using a checklist to complete a health and safety inspection of a workplace enables prior preparation and planning to be made so that the inspection is structured and systematic; reduces the chance that important areas or issues might be missed; provides an immediate record of findings; ensures a consistent approach by those carrying out the inspection; is easily adapted or customised for different areas; and provides an easy method for comparison and audit. The weaknesses of using such a system are that over reliance on a checklist may lead to a blinkered approach by inspectors with the possibility that significant risks might be missed; that the checklist may not be reviewed and updated to account for changes to work processes or equipment; that there is a danger that inspections become routine with no follow up questions being asked; that the system is too objective and restrictive with no scope for peripheral issues to be considered; that untrained persons might be tempted to conduct inspections and that the procedure is subject to human error and/or abuse.
Question:
Answer:
(a) Outline the key features of: (i) a health and safety inspection; (ii) a health and safety audit.
(4) (4)
(b) Explain how the findings of an audit may be used to improve health and safety performance.
(12)
(a) (i) A workplace inspection involves the straightforward physical inspection of a workplace, and/or the activities or equipment within it. It is carried out by supervisors and/or safety representatives at regular intervals and checklists are often used. The inspection looks for unsafe acts and conditions and results in a short report of its findings suggesting remedial action that should be taken. (ii) A safety audit, on the other hand, is a systematic critical examination of an organisation’s health and safety management system, involving a structured process including the use of a series of questions and the examination of documentation, to collect independent information with the aim of assessing the effectiveness and reliability of the system and suggesting corrective action when this is thought to be necessary. It is carried out by trained auditors, who may be internal or external to the organisation. (b) The findings of a safety audit may be used in a number of ways to improve health and safety performance such as: identifying strengths and weaknesses in the management system; identifying compliance and non-compliance and the reasons for the latter thus informing and enabling remedial actions; enabling comparison and benchmarking with other similar organisations; assisting with the allocation and prioritisation of resources; communicating its findings to management and staff and so giving an indication of the organisation’s commitment to health and safety and finally, by means of subsequent audits at regular intervals, assisting in the continual improvement of the management system.
Question:
Outline the strengths AND weaknesses of using a checklist to complete a health and safety inspection of a workplace. (8)
Answer:
Strength of using checklist include: -
Using a checklist to complete a health and safety inspection of a workplace enables prior preparation and planning to be made so that the inspection is structured and systematic;
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reduces the chance that important areas or issues might be missed;
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provides an immediate record of findings;
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ensures a consistent approach by those carrying out the inspection and
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provides an easy method for comparison and audit.
On the other hand, the weaknesses of using such a system are: -
over reliance on a checklist may lead to a blinkered approach by “inspectors” with the possibility that significant risks might be missed;
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that the checklist may not be reviewed and updated to account for changes to work processes or equipment;
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that there is a danger that inspections become routine with no follow up questions being asked that the system is too objective and restrictive with no scope for peripheral issues to be considered;
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that untrained persons might be tempted to conduct inspections and
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that the procedure is subject to human error and/or abuse.
Question:
Give the reasons why hazards to the health of workers may not be identified during a workplace inspection. (8)
Answer:
There are a number of reasons why hazards to the health of workers may not be identified during a workplace inspection such as:
Question:
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the nature of the hazard may not be well understood as for example with those arising from contact with biological agents; a lack of measuring equipment such as for noise; the fact that effects may be chronic rather than immediate
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the hazard not being visible as with certain gases or that arising from radiation
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over familiarity as, for example, from exposure to sunlight
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the individual susceptibility of certain workers
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a particular task which was not in progress and the workers not available during the inspection
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the unwillingness of individuals to admit there are problems with their health
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the fact that health is given a low priority in the organisation
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the person carrying out the inspection concentrating on the more immediate and often safety hazards
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lack of competency of the inspector
(a) Outline the importance of monitoring as part of a health and safety management system. by which an organisation can monitor its health and safety performance. (b)
Identify the: (i) active (proactive), and (ii) reactive measures
(6) (5) (5)
(c) Explain why monitoring reports should be submitted to the Chief Executive or Managing Director of the organisation. (4) Answer:
(a) Monitoring health and safety management system may be a legal requirement and could well form part of the organisations quality assurance systems, the importance of monitoring as part of a health and safety management system is that it provides assurance of compliance with set standards, identifies areas of non-compliance, enables decisions to be made on appropriate remedial measures for any deficiencies that are identified and assists in setting targets for a future improvement in performance. It is also important in that it demonstrates the commitment of the organisation to health and safety and is a source of motivation for both managers and employees. (b) (i)
Active Monitoring Methods -
including safety inspections,
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surveys,
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audits and sampling,
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environmental monitoring,
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health surveillance,
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behavioural observation such as by carrying out safety observation tours and
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benchmarking against the performance of other like organisations.
(b) (ii)
Reactive Monitoring Methods -
accident and ill-health statistics;
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incidents of reported near-misses and dangerous occurrences;
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property damage; actions taken by the enforcement authorities;
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the number of civil claims;
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an analysis of absences and lost time and the costs involved in all the above.
(c) There are number of reasons why copies of the monitoring reports should be submitted to the Chief Executive or the Managing Director of the organisation. These include: -
the fact that because of his/her position he/she has ultimate responsibility for health and safety and may wish to contribute to the review process;
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has the authority to require appropriate action to be taken and to authorise the resources that might be necessary and is in a position to take disciplinary action against employees in cases where this is thought to be necessary.
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his/her involvement may be written into the organisation’s quality assurance systems and is normally required by ILO and international standards.
Question:
(a) Outline why it is important for an organisation to set health and safety targets. (b) Identify health and safety targets that an organisation could set.
Answer:
(a) The importance of setting targets in terms of health and safety performance:
(2) (6)
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give evidence of management commitment,
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motivating staff by providing them with something tangible to aim for the important part they can play in facilitating the measurement and review of performance
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benchmarking against other like organisations.
(b) Health and safety targets that an organisation could set targets such as:
Question:
-
reductions in the number of accidents and defined incidents;
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an improvement in the reporting of near miss incidents or minor accidents
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an improvement in inspection and audit scores;
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a reduction in actions taken by the enforcement authorities and in the number of civil claims;
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a reduction in sickness absence and absenteeism;
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an improvement in the outcome of benchmarking of performance against like organisations;
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reduced insurance costs;
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an increase in the degree of worker involvement
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number of workers trained in health and safety.
A health and safety inspection has been carried out on one of a company’s workshops. The inspection has found a number of unsafe conditions and practices and some positive issues. (a) In addition to the date and time the inspection was carded out; state other issues that should also be included in the report to enable management to make an informed decision on possible remedial action to be taken. (12) (b) Explain how the report should be structured and presented in order to make it more effective and to increase the likelihood of action being taken by management. (8)
Answer:
(a) -
details of the person carrying out the inspection;
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the purpose and scope of the inspection including the workshops and the activities that were covered;
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matters requiring urgent action with justification for the priority;
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actions taken at the time of the inspection such as stopping an activity or isolating plant or equipment;
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details of potential breaches of health and safety legislation and the implications for possible enforcement action;
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a summary of previous accidents and enforcement at the premises;
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details of realistic remedial actions and their cost together with the benefits that might accrue such as improving the health and safety culture of the organisation.
(b) structure and presentation of the report should:
Question:
-
be well and clearly written and not contain any jargon.
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be divided into sections with appropriate headings and should contain, preferably at the beginning, an executive summary of the key findings.
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have an introduction detailing the scope of the inspection,
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the sections which followed should highlight the significant risks that were found;
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contain an explanation of the possible breaches of legislation and their potential consequences;
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set out a draft plan for remedial action with a suggested timescale for completion and
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finally summaries concisely the conclusions and recommendations.
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Appendices might be added if they were thought to be relevant and helpful.
Outline FOUR active (proactive) monitoring procedures that could be used to assess the health and safety performance of an organisation. (8)
Answer: -
Inspection – to identify uncontrolled hazards. Inspections are recorded.
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Safety Tour – an unannounced random tour of site, often by senior management, to get an overview of health and safety performance
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Safety Sampling – an in depth review by a competent person of a particular aspect of health and safety, e.g. fire safety
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Audit – a critical examination of the health and safety management system by trained auditors to ensure it exists, is used and is adequate. May be performed by internal staff or external auditors who usually use a scoring system
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Safety Sampling –carried out at walking pace, unsafe practices and non-conformances are observed and recorded on a sampling sheet. A score is obtained and communicated, the purpose being to reduce non-conformances at the next sampling exercise
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Attitude survey – an questionnaire is completed by employees anonymously to determine the culture of an organisation
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Benchmarking – comparisons are made between departments, locations in the same organisation or between organisations, information shared and lessons learned to assist continual improvement programmes
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Health surveillance – this can be invasive, e.g. blood sampling, and non-invasive, e.g. audiometry and the results give an indication of the success of control measures
Element 8
Question:
Occupational incident and accident investigation, recording and reporting
A machine has leaked hot liquid into a work area. No-one has been injured. Outline reasons why it is important for an organisation to investigate ‘near miss’ incidents.
(8)
Answer:
Question:
-
that the investigation of ‘near-miss’ incidents and the identification of their underlying causes might allow
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preventive action to be taken before something more serious occurs.
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gives the right message that all failures are taken seriously by the employer and not just those that lead to injury.
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generally accepted that ‘near- misses’ far outnumber incidents resulting in injury and can therefore produce more data from which a greater understanding of the deficiencies in existing management systems such as risk assessments and safe systems of work can be identified and rectified.
Outline reasons why an organisation should review its health and safety performance.
(8)
Answer:
Question:
-
identify substandard health and safety practices and conditions;
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identify trends in relation to different types of incident, or incidents in general by analysis of relevant incident data;
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compare actual performance with previously set targets;
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‘benchmark’ the organisation’s performance against that of similar organisations or an industry norm;
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identify whether control measures are in use, to assess their effectiveness and to be able to make decisions on appropriate remedial measures for any deficiencies identified;
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identify any new or changed risks;
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assess compliance with legal requirements and accepted national/international standards;
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able to provide a Board of Directors or safety committee with relevant information;
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boost morale and motivate the workforce; and
-
monitoring and review is a vital component of any safety management system and is essential if the system is externally accredited and audited by a specific body.
Outline the immediate AND longer term actions that should be taken following an accident at work that has caused serious injury to a worker.
Answer: -
isolating services and making the area safe;
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administering first aid treatment and contacting the emergency services;
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informing the next of kin and offering counselling and support;
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notifying the regulatory authority if appropriate;
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collecting initial evidence such as photographs and sketches and the names of witnesses;
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setting up the accident investigation team and investigating the accident;
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determining the root and underlying causes of the accident;
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making and implementing recommendations to prevent a recurrence of the accident and ensuring feedback is provided to the workforce;
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collecting evidence to be used in any possible litigation following the accident and managing the provision of information to the media.
(8)
Question:
(a) Outline why an organisation should have a system for the internal reporting of accidents. (b) Identify the reasons why workers might not report accidents at work.
(4) (4)
Answer:
(a) There are a number of reasons why an organisation should have a system for the internal reporting of accidents. These include: -
the compilation of accident statistics and the identification of trends;
-
to satisfy legal requirements;
-
so that an investigation may be carried out to prevent a recurrence or to identify weaknesses in the safety management system;
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for use in civil claims or to satisfy insurance requirements;
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to help in the identification and reduction of loss; and
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to inform the review of risk assessments.
(b) Reasons for workers not reporting accidents:
Question:
-
the employee being unaware of reporting procedures or the fact that no procedure was in place
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peer pressure and a reluctance to take time off from the job in hand
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possible retribution or blame by management; to preserve the company’s or department’s safety record particularly when an incentive scheme is in operation
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to avoid receiving first-aid or medical treatment for whatever reason
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over-complicated reporting procedures, and lack of obvious management response to earlier reported accidents.
Outline the benefits to an employer of conducting accident investigations.
(8)
Answer: -
prevention of similar accidents occurring in the future;
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facilitating compliance with legal requirements and obligations;
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an improvement in the health and safety performance of the organisation;
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an improvement in the morale of the workforce and its attitude towards health and safety;
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the prevention of business loss and the provision of evidence to support a defence in the event of enforcement action or a civil claim being brought against the employer.
Question:
Outline the initial actions that should be taken following a major injury accident at work.
Answer:
Initial actions such as:
(8)
-
isolating services and making the area safe;
-
administering first aid treatment and contacting the emergency services;
-
informing the next of kin;
-
notifying the regulatory authority if appropriate;
-
collecting initial evidence such as photographs and sketches and the names of witnesses and setting up the accident investigation.
Question:
Outline the actions that should be taken following an accident at work that caused serious injury to a worker. (8)
Answer: -
Deal with the casualty, provide first-aid
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Secure the scene
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Inform next of kin / insurance company / enforcement authority
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Collect evidence - take photographs / measurements, etc.
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Identify witnesses
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Select the investigation team
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Interview witnesses
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Review documents, e.g. previous accident records / risk assessments, inspection, maintenance and training records, etc.
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Identify the immediate and underlying causes
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Make recommendations to prevent recurrence
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Record the findings
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Communicate findings to workforce / senior management
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Revise working practices / risk assessments / safe systems of work / policy
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Monitor progress of actions
