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Chapter 1 Foundations in health and safety

1 Explain, using an example in each case, the meaning of the following terms:
(i) Hazard it is the potential of a substance, person, activity or process to cause harm.
Examples Electricity, Work at height, Chemical
(ii) Risk it is the likelihood of a substance to cause harm and its resulting severity.
Examples Electrocution, Falling from height, Poisoning
2 An organization has been found to have inadequate standards of workplace health
and safety. Identify the costs that the organization may incur as a result.
Costs

Fines or penalty from the enforcement authority

Sick pay
Damage to product, equipment, vehicles
Increases in insurance premiums as inadequate standards may result in to the accident
Legal costs
Lost orders
Production delays
Loss of goodwill and poor corporate image.

3 Identify four possible direct and four possible indirect costs to an organization
following a serious accident at work.
Direct costs
Public liability insurance and claims on employers
Damage to buildings, equipment or vehicles
Fines or penalty from the enforcement authority
Sick pay
Increase in insurance premium
Legal costs
Indirect costs
Loss of goodwill and poor corporate image
Cost related to accident investigation time and any subsequent remedial actions
required
The recruitment and training of replacement staff
Production delays
Product or process liability claims
Extra overtime payments
4 Explain reasons for maintaining and promoting good standards of health and safety
in the workplace
The fundamental reasons for promoting and maintaining good standards of Health and
Safety are Moral, Social and Economic.
Moral reasons

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There is a need to provide a reasonable standard of care for all employees to reduce
injuries, pain and suffering that may be caused to employees as a result of accidents or illhealth.
Social reasons
There is a need to provide a safe place of work, safe plant/equipment, safe systems of
work, and a good standard of instruction, training, supervision and competent employees.
Economic reasons
Greater productivity and higher quality due to the high morale enjoyed by the work
force, the reduction in costs associated with accidents/investigations, reduction in the cost
of employing/training replacement staff and repair /replacement equipment, a more
positive image and reputation of the organisation and lower insurance premiums can all
add to the economic benefits gained as a result of good H&S standards in the work place.
5 Outline the key elements of a health and safety management system.
The planning phase
Setting policy
Organising
Identification and assessment
Procedures
The performance phase
Effective communication
Employees participation
Regular monitoring
The performance assessment phase
Active assessment
Reactive assessment
The performance improvement phase
Audit and review of the effectiveness of the health and safety management system
Continual improvement
6 Identify three insured costs and three uninsured costs to an organisation following a
serious accident at work.
Insured costs
Claims on employer and public liability insurance
Damage to buildings, equipment or vehicles
Any attributable production and/or general business loss
The absence of employees
Product or process liability claims
Recruitment of replacement staff
Uninsured costs
Legal fines and penalty from enforcement authority
Sick pay
Increase in insurance premiums
Loss of goodwill and a poor corporate image
Accident investigation time and any subsequent remedial action required
Production delays

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7 Identify actions an enforcement authority might take if it finds that an employer is not
fulfilling its responsibilities.
The enforcement authority may imposed fine or penalty
They may issue enforcement notices for improvement or to stop certain dangerous
activities
Criminal prosecution
8 Give the meaning of the following terms:
(a) Health the absence of a disease or ill-health and it relates to both body and mind
covering physical ill-health and psychological ill-health.
(b) Safety the conditions in the workplace resulting in the absence of a risk of a personal
injury.
(c) Welfare the provision of basic facilities to maintain the health and well-being of
individual at the place of work.
(d) Environmental protection these are the arrangements to cover those activities in the
workplace which affect the environment and the health and safety of employees and
others.

Chapter 2 Health and safety management systems 1 Policy

1 Outline the general content of the three sections of a health and safety policy.
1. Policy statement of intent: it is referred as the health and safety policy statement. It
should contain the aims and objectives of the organization. It should be signed and
dated by the most senior person in the organization such as Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) or the Managing Director. This will demonstrate management commitment to
health and safety policy and give authority to the policy.
2. Organization of health and safety: this section of the policy defines roles and
responsibility for everyone related to health and safety in organization. It identifies
those health and safety responsibilities and the reporting lines through the
management structure.
3. Arrangements for health and safety: it gives details of the specific systems and
procedures used to assist in the implementation of the policy statement.
2 Explain why the health and safety policy should be signed by the most senior person
in an organization, such as a Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer
This will demonstrate management commitment to health and safety policy and give
authority to the policy
It also gives authority to the policy
It will indicate where ultimate responsibility lies and the frequency with which the
policy statement is review
It is the responsibility of them to ensure that the health and safety policy is developed
and communicated
3 Identify the purposes of each of the following sections of a health and safety policy
document:
(i) statement of intent it should both demonstrate management's commitment to health
and safety and set goals and objectives for the organization
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(ii) organization the purpose of the policy section on 'organization' is to identify health
and safety responsibilities and reporting lines within the company
(iii) arrangements the section on 'arrangements' should set out in detail the systems and
procedures that assist in the implementation of the policy
4 Outline the issues that are typically included in the arrangements section of a health
and safety document.

Employee health and safety code of practice

Accident and illness reporting and investigation procedures
Emergency procedures, first-aid, Fire drill procedure
Procedures for undertaking risk assessments
Control of exposure to specific hazards
Machinery and Electrical equipment safety
Maintenance procedures
Permit to work procedures
Use of PPE
Monitoring procedures including health and safety inspection and audits
Provision of welfare facilities
Training procedures and arrangements for consultation with employees

5 Outline why it is important for an organization to set health and safety targets.
It is the indication of management commitment to improve health and safety
performance
It motivates the workforce with tangible goals resulting in individual or collective
rewards
It is useful evidence for monitoring, review and audit purpose
6 Identify health and safety targets and safety targets that an organization may set.
A specific reduction in the number of accidents, incidents and work related ill-health
cases
A reduction in the level of sickness absence
A specific increase in the number of employees trained in health and safety
An increase in the reporting of minor accidents and near miss incidents
A specific improvement in health and safety audit scores
The achievement of a nationally recognized health and safety management standards
such as OHSAS 18001
No enforcement notices from the Enforcement agency
A reduction in the numbers of civil claims
7 Outline the circumstances that would require a health and safety policy to be
reviewed. Significant organizational changes may have taken place

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There have been changes in key personnel

There have been changes in legislation and/or guidance
New work methods have been introduced
There have been alterations to working arrangements and/or processes
There have been changes following consultation with employees

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 The monitoring of risk assessments or accident/incident investigations indicates non

effectiveness of health and safety policy
Information from manufacturers has been received
Advice from an insurance company has been received
The findings of an external health and safety audit
Enforcement action has been taken by the national health and safety enforcement
agency
A sufficient period of time has elapsed since the previous review
8 Identify documents that may be examined when reviewing an organisations health
and safety management system.

Organisations health and safety policy

Documents for evaluation of compliance with legal and organisational requirements
Incident data, recommendations and action plans from investigators
Absence and sickness records
Audit results and implementation records
Documents related to communications from enforcing authorities and insurers
Inspection, surveys, tours and sampling records
Previous review meeting MOMs
Documents for internal communications.

Chapter 3 Health and safety management systems 2 Organising

1 Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of:
(i)

Employers
Provide safe workplace, safe access and egress to the workplace
Provide safe plant, equipment and safe method or process to work
Provide required PPE, information, training and supervision
Provide welfare facilities
Provide health and safety policy
Keep records as required by local legislation and concerned authority

(ii) Workers
To take care their own safety as well as others who affect may get affected by their
acts
To comply with organizations health and safety policy
Use safety devices and protective equipment correctly and not to render them
inoperative
Need to report to their immediate supervisor in case of emergency or harmful situation
Need to report any injuries or accident while working or in connection with work
2 Outline why it is important that all persons are aware of their roles and
responsibilities for health and safety in an organization
Organizing health and safety requires team efforts from everyone
In order to bring collective enthusiasm, skills and efforts
To prevent any accident or ill-health rather than blaming individual for the accident
occurs
For developing good health and safety culture
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3 Give two reasons why visitors to a workplace might be at greater risk of injury than
an employee.

Visitors are unfamiliar with workplace processes, the hazards and associated risks
They will have a lack of knowledge of the site or premises layout
They may came in contact of any hidden hazard
They may not have appropriate PPE
They are not familiar with the emergency procedures and/or means of escape

4 Outline measures to be taken to ensure the health and safety of visitors to the
workplace.
Visitors signing in and being provided with a site escort
Providing appropriate PPE and identity badges
Providing simple induction procedures with a short video and information on site rules,
hazards and emergency procedures
Clear making of walkway and area where unauthorized people no permitted
5 Two organizations share the same workplace. Outline how they could cooperate to
achieve good health and safety standards.
Workforce from both organisation should aware of hazards related to both
organisation
There should be one safety committee between them
They should have common minimum safety programs
They must follow single window safety system
Monitoring and review of the performance with help of incident and accident data
Common inspection plans
Co-operate with each other
Co-ordinate with other organisation in order to comply with legal requirements
6 Outline the factors that should be considered when assessing the health and safety
competence of a contractor.

Previous experience and reputation

Quality and content of health and safety policy and risk assessments
Level of training and qualifications of staff including health and safety staff
Accident/enforcement statistics
Membership of official bodies
Equipment maintenance records
Detailed proposals of work to be undertaken
Recommendations
Ability to provide safe systems of work for the job i.e. resources
Overall health and safety culture
Their arrangements to fulfill their duties with respect of the health and safety plan

7 Contractors are carrying out a major building project for an organization. Outline how
this organization could reduce the risks to contractors before the start of and during the
building project.
Initial selection of a competent contractor ensuring they had sufficient resources and
had allowed sufficient time to enable the work to be completed safely
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 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 materials
Sharing the location 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 employers
safety policy
Any requirements for permits to work for certain work activities
Accident reporting procedures, emergency procedures informing them of the main
contact on site
Informing them of 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 organizations workers
8 Define the term the health and safety culture.
The safety culture of an organization is the product of individual and group values,
attitude, perceptions, competencies and patterns of behavior that determines the
commitment to, and the style and proficiency of an organizations health and safety
management.
It can be also defined as:
the characteristic shared attitudes, values, beliefs and practices of people at work
concerning not only the magnitude of risks that they encounter but also the necessity,
practicality and effectiveness of preventive measures.
9 There has been deterioration in the health and safety culture of an organization.
Identify the factors that could have contributed to the deterioration.

Lack of leadership and commitment at senior level

An inadequate level of supervision
A high sickness, ill-health and absentee rate among the workforce
The perception of blame culture
Lack of consultation and worker involvement
Lack of compliance with relevant health and safety law
Lack of effective communication to workers
Lack of motivation among the workforce
Lack of the health and safety training
A weak health and safety management structure
Downturn in the economy leading to a lack of investment and resources and a fear for
job security

10 Outline the personal factors that might place an individual at a greater risk of harm
while at work.
Personal factors may be physical, mental or psychological such as,
Attitude
Motivation
Perception
Training
Human error
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Low skill
Low competency
Health problem
Previous work experience
Physique

11 Explain the meaning of the term perception.

Perception is the way in which people interpret the environment or the way in which person
believes or understand a situation.
Perception may be objective (based on knowledge of facts) or subjective (based on
experience and opinion).
12 Outline the factors relating to the individual that may influence a persons perception
of an occupational risk.

Peer group influences

Personal characteristics such as age, attitude and sensory impairment
Confidence in others ability and judgment
Level of competence & intelligence
Physical stature and health
Experience
The nature of the hazard
Familiarity with the situation
Language, skills, qualifications
The feeling of being in control
The level and nature of training attained

13 Outline the ways in which employees perceptions of hazards in the workplace might
be improved.
Involving them in safety management system
Rewarding suitably the persons/workers doing positive work related to accident
prevention
Interaction session with supervisor, line manager and top management with workers
regarding health and safety at work in scheduled manner
Increasing awareness of hazards e.g. safety campaigns or posters
Involving them in risk assessment process
Increasing their knowledge by giving specific job hazard training
Addressing environmental factor e.g. lighting and noise that might cause distraction or
otherwise hinder the perceptual processes
Identifying, including by the use of surveys, the reasons for employees misperceptions
in order to show how improvement might be achieved and how current held view might
be changed
14 Give reasons why it is important to use a variety of methods to communicate health
and safety information in the workplace.

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To have a positive impact of health and safety campaign

To involve members from each section of organization
To ensure the campaign communicated to all level effectively
To make sure that everyone understands it
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 Individuals respond to many stimuli

Variety prevents over familiarization with one method and there helps to reinforce a
message
It also helps to overcome barriers such as illiteracy and boredom
15 Identify four types of health and safety information that might usefully be displayed
on a noticeboard within a workplace.

A copy of employers liability insurance certificate

Details of first-aid arrangements
Emergency evacuation and fire procedures
Minutes of the last health and safety committee meeting
Details of health and safety targets and performance against them
Health and safety posters and campaign details

16 Explain how the effectiveness of noticeboards as a means of communicating health

and safety information to the workforce can be maximized.
They should be well positioned within the workplace
There needs to be regular review of the notices to ensure that they are up-to-date and
relevant
Highlighting the serious issues by use of posters and graph charts
Use of local workforce language for the easy understanding and effective use of
noticeboards
17 Explain how induction training programs for new employees can help to reduce the
number of accidents in the workplace.
Provide the trainee with information necessary for his/her safety in respect of hazards
that may be encountered at various stages of development to full job competence.
Introduce the new employee to the culture of organization the emphasis that it places
upon health and safety.
18 Identify ways in which the health and safety culture of an organisation might be
improved.

Involvement of senior level managers at health and safety issues

Effective communication between management and employees
Formation of health and safety committee at which there is employee representation
Consultation with employees
Employees involvement in decision making activities and getting their suggestions and
recommendations
Providing adequate recourses
Carrying out immediate accident / incident analysis after any accident / incident
occurred
Risk assessment before carrying out any work
19 Outline ways in which an organization could encourage workers to be involved in
setting and maintaining high standards of health and safety.
Involving workers in accident investigations, risk assessments and the development of
safe systems of work and procedures
Encouraging hazard spotting and reporting defects
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Setting up suggestion scheme

Organizing training courses and information programs
Supporting active involvement in health and safety committee meetings
Managers being accompanied by employees or their representatives on safety tours
and inspections
Giving them responsibilities for mentoring young and inexperienced workers
20 An organization needs to review its provision of health and safety training for its
workers.
(a) Identify factors that should be considered when developing a programme of health
and safety training.
It should be job specific in order to increase the overall awareness and understanding
of specific hazards and risks associated with the particular job and working
environment
Standard operating practice should be made understood by them
Legal requirement for the training must be satisfied
Target audience should be considered
Trainers experience and use of examples and illustrations
Presentation of training using DVDs, PowerPoint slides, case studies, lectures or small
group discussion
The training environment considering lighting, noise, heating, room layout and size
(b) Identify measures that might be used to assess the effectiveness of health and
safety training.
Pre and post course evaluation forms at the time of training sessions
Subsequent refresher session
By checking improvements in health and safety performance such as reduction in
specific accidents
(c) Identify checks that could be made to help to assess whether a person is
competent.

Knowledge (training and qualifications)

Skill
Experience
Reference

(d) Give reasons why it is important for an employer to keep a record of the training
provided to each worker.

To satisfy legal requirements

To provide proof of an employee's expected level of competence
To identify when additional or refresher training might be needed
To enable a review of the effectiveness of any training to be carried out
To assess the progress of the training programme against targets
To provide evidence to be used in any future accident investigations

21 Outline the health and safety roles and responsibilities of:

(a) Directors and senior managers;

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 They are responsible and accountable for organisations health and safety
performance
They must ensure the availability of adequate resources for the organisations health
and safety requirement
They should establish, implement and maintain a formal, written health and safety
programme for the organisation considering all areas of significant health and safety
risk
They should approve, introduce and monitor all site health and safety policies, rules
and procedures
They should review annually the effectiveness and if, necessary, require revision of the
health and safety programme
(b) Supervisors;
They are responsible and accountable for their teams health and safety performance
Enforce all safe systems of work procedures that have been issued by the
departmental manager
Instruct employees in relevant health and safety rules, make records of this instruction
and enforce all health and safety rules and procedures
Enforce PPE requirements, make spot checks to determine that protective equipment is
being used and periodically appraise condition of equipment
(c) Person with primary health and safety functions, eg health and safety officer.
They must be able to advise management and employees or their representatives with
authority and independence
They need to be able to advise on creating and developing health and safety
policies, the promotion of a positive health and safety culture, health and safety
planning, day-to-day implementation and monitoring of policy and plans and
performance reviews and audit of the whole health and safety management system

Chapter 4 Health and safety management systems 3 Planning

1 Define the following terms
(i) Hazard it is the potential of a substance, person, activity or process to cause harm.
(ii) Risk it is the likelihood of a substance to cause harm and its resulting severity.
2 Identify four means of hazards identification that may be used in a workplace.

Work place inspection.

Review of accident, incident and ill-health records
Job or task analysis reports
Safety inspection, survey and audit reports
MSDS ( Material safety data sheet) or manufacturers handbook
Approved codes of practice and other forms of guidance

3 Identify the key stages of a workplace risk assessment.

Look for the hazards
Decide who might be harmed and how
Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more
should be done
Record the significant findings
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 Review the assessment and revise it if necessary

4 Outline three reasons for reviewing a risk assessment.
Conditions change as a result of the introduction of new machinery, processes or
hazards
There may be new information on hazardous substances or new legislation
Changes in the workforce (such as introduction of trainees)
Significant changes have taken place since the last assessment was done
An accident or incident or a series of minor ones provides a good reason for review
5 Outline factors that an employer should take into account when selecting individuals
to assist in carrying out a risk assessment.
Individuals competence, experience and training in hazard identification and in
carrying out risk assessments
Their experience of the process or activity carried in the workplace
Plant and equipment knowledge
Ability to understand and interpret regulations, standards and guidance
Communication and reporting skills
An awareness of their own limitations
Attitude and commitment to the task
The views of their immediate supervisor should be sought before they are selected as
team members
6 Explain the criteria which must be met for the assessment to be suitable and
sufficient.
It should identify all the 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
Be valid over a reasonable period of time
7 Identify factors that may place young persons at a greater risk from workplace
hazards.
Lack of knowledge, experience and awareness of risk in the workplace
They tend to be subject to peer pressure and behave in a boisterous manner
Their willingness to work hard and want to please their supervisor and can become
over-enthusiastic and this can lead to the taking of risks without the realization of the
consequences
Underdeveloped communication skills and a limited attention span
Their physical strength and capabilities may not be fully developed and so they may
be more vulnerable to injury when manually handling equipment and materials
They are also more susceptible to physical agents, biological and chemical agents such
as temperature extremes, noise, vibration, radiation and hazardous substances

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8 Identify work activities that may present a particular risk to pregnant women at work
giving an example of each type of activities.
Radiography, involving possible exposure to ionizing radiation
Shop work when long periods of standing are required during shelf filling or stocktaking operations
Arduous work involving the manual lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads
Work involving exposure to biological chemical and physical agent which represents a
reproductive health hazard
Work requiring special equilibrium
Work involving physical strain due to prolonged period of sitting or standing, to
extreme temperature or to vibration
9 Outline the actions that an employer may take when a risk to a new or expectant
mother cannot be avoided.
Working conditions or hours must be altered
An adaption of her conditions of work, if above is not feasible
A transfer to another post, without loss of pay, when such as an adaption is not
feasible; or
Paid leave, in accordance with national laws, regulations or practice, when such a
transfer is not feasible
10 Identify the factors to be considered to ensure the health and safety of persons who
are required to work on their own away from the workplace.

The work to be done and its attendant hazards

The equipment to be used
The risk control measures in place at the work location
The competence and suitability of the persons involved
The training and supervision requirements
Methods of communication with the home base
Emergency and first-aid procedures

11 With respect to the management of risk within the workplace: Explain the meaning of
the term hierarchy of control.
The general hierarchy of control represents the detailed application of the management
strategy identified in the principles of prevention and is used specifically in the risk
assessment process to decide on the most effective measures in a particular situation.
Elimination of the risk
Reduce the risk by substitution
Isolate the people from the hazard
Engineering control
Administrative control
Personal protective equipment
12 Outline, with examples, the standard hierarchy that should be applied with respect to
controlling health and safety risks in the workplace.
Eliminating the risk: Once the hazard has been eliminated the potential for harm has
gone. Example: Disconnection the electric power line
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 Substitute the risk: Substitute a hazard work practice with a less hazardous one.
Example: Using an induced collapse technique in place of people working at height for
demolisher a building
Isolating the risk: Isolate the hazard from people this method has its problems in that
the hazard has not been removed. Example: Electrical switches
Engineering control: The provision of mechanical aids, barriers, machine guarding,
ventilation or insulation to isolate a hazard from employees. Example: Providing ELCB
in power sources to avoid electric shock
Administrative control: Establishing policies, procedures and work practices designed to
reduce a worker exposure to a risk. It can also include the provision of specific training
and supervision. Example: Providing alternative tasks for workers so as not prevent
continuous key board work for long periods.
Personal protective equipment: Personal protective equipments are used when all other
control methods are impractical or to increase control.
13 Identify the shape and colour, and give a relevant example, of each of the following
types of safety sign:
(i) Prohibition A white background within a red circle and with a diagonal red line.
Example: No smoking, overhead obstacles, construction site and prohibition notices
(ii) Warning A yellow triangle with black border. Example: warn against the hazards of
flammable materials, radiation and electricity
(iii) Mandatory A Blue circle with white symbol. Example: hearing or head protection, or
the need to keep a fire door closed
(iv) Emergency escape or first-aid A green square with symbol in white. Example: the
directional (running man') emergency escape sign, fire exist, first-aid post
14 Explain why personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered as a last resort
in the control of occupational health hazards. (Outline the limitations of using PPE)

Only protects the person wearing the equipment not others

Relies on people wearing the equipment at all times
It may not protect adequately if not fitted correctly
It may not be comfortable and may interfere with wearers ability to do the job
It may increase overall risk by impairing the senses
It may not be compatible with other items that have to be worn or used
If it fails it fails to danger

15 Outline the factors that should be considered when developing a safe system of work.

The particulars of the task or activity to be performed

The equipment and materials that are involved
The people carrying out the task or activity
The inherent and contingent hazards and risks (taking into account the particular
environment)
The control measures in place
Relevant legal requirements
Emergency procedures
The systems for monitoring and supervision

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16 An organization is introducing a new work activity that requires a safe system of

work, Explain: Why it is important to involve workers in the development of a safe
system of work.
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
Their involvement will establish their ownership of the system and will encourage them
to use and follow it once it has been finalized and introduced
Their involvement will emphasize managements commitment to health and safety and
help to raise its profile within the organization
17 Why it is important for safe systems of work to have written procedures.
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.
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 organisations quality
assurance procedures.
18 Define the term permit-to-work system.
Permit-to-work is a formal, documented and planned procedure requiring written
confirmation for ensuring that potentially very dangerous work is done safely.
19 Outline three types of work situation that may require a permit-to-work system, giving
reasons in each case for the requirement.
Welding to be done near oil pipeline, work near flammable area where heat or
sparks may be generated. Example: Hot work permit
Maintenance for electrical panel board where chance of electric shock. Example:
Electrical isolation work permit
Vessels entry for repairing work where hazards of oxygen deficiency, toxic gases and
limited access and egress. Example: Confined space entry work permit
20 Outline the specific details that should be included in a permit-to-work for entry into a
confined space.
A description of the plant involved with reference to the task to be completed and any
foreseeable hazards and risks
the precautions to be taken (e.g. isolating services, atmospheric purging and the
removal of contaminants, pre-entry and ongoing atmospheric testing, means of
communication, use of respiratory and other personal protection, etc)
The emergency arrangements and equipment to be provided (e.g. safety lines, support
staff, resuscitation and other first-aid equipment, welfare facilities, etc)
The need to include a reference to the duration of the permit and to the signatures for
authorization and receipt, and for hand-back and cancellation
Deploy only trained and experienced workers for confined space work
21 Give the meaning of confined space, giving two workplace examples.
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It is any space, which by virtue of its enclosed nature, presented a reasonably foreseeable
specified risk; examples such as chambers, tanks, vats, silos, pits, trenches, pipes, sewers,
flues and wells
22 Identify four types of emergency in the workplace for which employees may need to
be evacuated.

Fire
Gas explosion
Electrical burn or electrocution
Escape of toxic gases or fumes
Discovery of dangerous dusts like asbestos in the atmosphere
Terrorist threat
Large vehicle crashing into the premises
Aircraft crash if near a flight path
Spread of highly infectious disease
Severe weather with high winds and flooding

23 Explain why it is important to develop work place procedures to enable the safe
evacuation of employees during an emergency.
Workplace procedures should be developed and set in motion in order to minimize the
damage to the employee during an emergency.
Employers would need to introduce procedures to satisfy their duty of care to
employees and others who might be affected
To comply with statutory requirements
24 Identify the two main functions of first-aid treatment.
Preserving life
Minimizing the consequences of serious injury
The treatment of minor injuries that do not require medical attention
25 Outline the factor to consider when making an assessment of first-aid provision in a
workplace.

The size of the organization and number of employees

The layout of the workplace
The identified hazards and risks
The distance from the workplace to the nearest source of emergency medical services
Working patterns such as leave and shift working
The need in some circumstances to train first aid personnel in special procedures

26 The number of absences due to work-related upper limb disorders in an organisation

is increasing. Identify the possible sources of information that could be used when
investigating this problem.
Risk assessments and job safety analyses where the need for repetitive action has
been identified
Accident and ill-health reports together with an analysis of records of absenteeism
Worker records which would provide information on age and any reported disability
Relevant information from safety committee meetings and from supervisors particularly
of the complaints they have received
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 The results of surveys, questionnaires and interviews with workers

Published information such as guidance from the enforcing authority and/or
manufacturers and that available from trade bodies and other employers
27 Outline why visitors to a workplace should be informed of an organisations
emergency procedures.
They can act appropriately in the event of an emergency, thereby minimising the risk
to themselves as well as to other persons
The provision of such information will assist the employer in complying with the
requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
that relate to ensuring the safety of persons other than employees working on the
premises
The general duty owed to persons other than employees under section 3 of the HSW
Act is also of relevance, as is the employer's common law duty of care
Visitors are not aware of the workplace processes or activities
They dont know the hazards associate with workplace activities
They dont know about emergency escape route
28 An organisation has had an increase in the number of manual handling incidents and
associated ill-health. Identify sources of information that may be available to help
reduce the risks to the workers.
Risk assessments and job safety analyses where the need for repetitive action has
been identified
Accident and ill-health reports together with an analysis of records of absenteeism
Worker records which would provide information on age and any reported disability
Relevant information from safety committee meetings and from supervisors particularly
of the complaints they have received
The results of surveys, questionnaires and interviews with workers
Published information such as guidance from the enforcing authority and/or
manufacturers and that available from trade bodies and other employers

Chapter 5 Health and safety management systems 4 Measuring, audit

and review
1 Identify the:
(a) Active (proactive); and
(b) Reactive measures by which an organization can monitor its health and safety
performance.
(a) Active (proactive) measures:
Safety inspections, surveys, audits and sampling
Environmental monitoring
Health surveillance
Behavioral observation such as by carrying out safety tours and benchmarking against
the performance of other like organizations
(b) Reactive measures:
Accident statistics and reports

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 Sickness absence rates particularly those relating to occupational ill-health; incidents of

reported near misses and dangerous occurrences
Property damage
The number of actions such as the issue of notices or prosecutions taken by the
enforcement authorities
The number of civil claims
The number of complaints from workers
The costs involved in all the above
2 Explain two active (proactive) monitoring methods that can be used when assessing
an organizations health and safety performance
Inspections that covers the key issues to be monitored in a particular department or
area of the organization within a particular period
Safety sampling is a useful technique that helps organizations to concentrate on one
particular area or subject at a time
3 Outline the role of workplace health and safety inspections
Health and safety inspection would include
The identification of workplace hazards
The observation of unsafe conditions or the confirmation of existing safe conditions
The identification of good practice and compliance with agreed procedures and
conversely the identification of bad practice
Ultimately an impression of the existing situation at the time the inspection was carried
out
4 Give two strengths of using a checklist when carrying out an inspection.
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
Provides an easy method for comparison and audit
5 Give two weaknesses of using checklist when carrying out an inspection.
Over reliance on a checklist may lead to a blinkered approach by inspectors with
the possibility that significant risks might be missed
The checklist may not be reviewed and updated to account for changes to work
processes or equipment:
There is a danger that inspections become routine with no follow up questions being
asked
The system is too objective and restrictive with no scope for peripheral issues to be
considered
Untrained persons might be tempted to conduct inspections
The procedure is subject to human error and/or abuse
6 Outline the key features of:
(a) A health and safety inspection of a workplace;

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 A safety inspection involves the straightforward observation of a work place, and/or

the activities or equipment within it.
A general safety inspection, usually carried out by a manager or employee
representative and often aided by the use of a checklist, may be carried out routinely
and has the aim of identifying hazards and assessing the use and effectiveness of
control measures.
(b) A health and safety audit
A safety audit is a thorough, critical examination of an organisation's safety
management systems and procedures.
An audit is normally a lengthy process carried out by a trained auditor, often someone
from outside the organisation.
It is a structured way of assessing the health and safety performance of an
organisation by supplying answers to a series of preset questions, and often involves a
scoring system such that improvements can be measured.
7 Explain how the findings of an audit may be used to improved health and safety
performance.
For improving health and safety performance by identifying areas of compliance and
non-compliance and the reasons for and nature of the non-compliance
Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system, enabling comparison
and benchmarking with other similar organizations
Communicating the findings to management and staff
Informing and enabling remedial actions to be taken emphasizing the need for
proactive rather than reactive measures
Aiding prioritization and the allocation of resources
Producing evidence of commitment by the organization in putting health and safety on
the agenda
Encouraging continual improvement
8 Give four reasons why an organisation should have a system for the internal
reporting of accidents.

The compilation of accident statistics and identification of trends

To meet the legal requirements of reporting and recording of accidents
To prevent the recurrence or to identify weaknesses in the safety management system
For use in civil claims or to satisfy insurance requirements
To help in the identification and reduction of loss
To inform the review of risk assessments

9 Outline factors that may discourage employees from reporting accidents at work.

Ignorance of reporting procedures

Peer pressure
Possible retribution by management
Preservation of the companys or departments safety record (particularly where
incentive schemes are in place)
Avoidance of first-aid or medical treatment
Over-complicated reporting procedures
Lack of management response to earlier reported accidents
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10 Outline the benefit to an employer of conducting accident investigations.

The prevention of similar events occurring again
The prevention of business losses due to disruption immediately after the event, loss of
production, loss of business through a lowering of reputation or inability to deliver, and
the costs of criminal and legal actions
Improvement in employee morale and general attitudes to health and safety
particularly if they have been involved in the investigations
Improving management skills to improve health and safety performance throughout the
organisation
11 An employee has been seriously injured after being struck by a reversing vehicle in a
loading bay.
(i) Give four reasons why the accident should be investigated by the person`s
employer.
To identify the immediate and root causes in order to prevent similar accidents in the
future
For the identification of possible weaknesses in the risk assessment processes and other
aspects of the safety management system
To fulfill legal requirements
To collect evidence to defend a civil claim
To analyze trends
Determining economic loss
To demonstrate management commitment and restore the morale of the workforce
(ii) Outline the information that should be included in the investigation report.

The personal details of the injured party

The date, time and location of the accident
Environmental conditions
The work activity at the time of the accident
The control measures in place
The precise circumstances of the accident
The type and extent of injury sustained
Details of witnesses and copies of their statements where taken
Drawings and photographs
Immediate and root causes identified
Possible breaches of the law
The recommendations of the investigation team in relation to remedial action required

(iii) Outline four possible immediate causes and four possible underlying causes of the
accidents.
Immediate causes:
Human error or failure to comply with procedures
Mechanical failure
Poor visibility in the loading bay (e.g. absence of lighting)
Restricted view for the driver
Environmental conditions such as high noise levels
Underlying causes:
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Lack of driver and/or other employee training

Lack of supervision
Absence of site rules or procedures for the control of reversing vehicles
Failure to separate vehicular and pedestrian traffic
A lack of maintenance of vehicles and/or the workplace

12 Explain the purpose and benefits of collecting near miss incident data.
Purpose:
The near misses point up events that have the potential to lead to injury and their
investigation could prevent recurrence
Benefits:
Help to identify the underlying causes of accidents
Near miss incidents represent failures in the safety management system that should be
investigated to improve the system
Help to identify inadequate procedures and breaches of the law
Provide additional data for analysis
Help to identify trends
Increase safety awareness
Improve safety culture
13 Outline the immediate action and longer term action that should be taken following a
serious injury accident at work.
Immediate action:
Call for help (first aid & emergency services)
Take victim away from the danger area (if it is safe to do so)
Remove hazards with imminent danger
Longer term action:
Reporting the accident under legal requirement
Undertake an investigation
On the basis of investigation findings, work procedures are to be reviewed
14 Outline factors that would determine the frequency with which health and safety
inspections should be undertaken in a workplace.
Level of risk
There is evidence of particular problems in the workplace derived from previous
inspections and audits or reactive monitoring (such as an increase in accidents or
employee complaints)
The workforce includes more vulnerable members such as the young and/or disabled
where high standards of health and safety have to be maintained
Recommendations have been made following risk assessments
Justified by accident history and outcomes of accident investigations
On the basis of reports of ill-health or health surveillance
Required by enforcing authorities, insurers or manufacturers recommendations
There are new processes, new equipment or changes to safe system of work
15 Identify documentation that is likely to be inspected in a health and safety audit.
Maintenance procedures and records
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Safety monitoring procedures

Accident and incident reports
Emergency procedure
Health surveillance records
Environmental monitoring records
Training records
Consultation arrangements with staff
Company safety policy
Risk assessment documentation

16 Outline reasons why an organisation should review its health and safety
performance.
Monitoring and review is an essential part of any safety management system and is
particularly relevant if the system is externally accredited by a specific body
To identify substandard health and safety practices and conditions
To identify trends in relation to different types of incidents in general (by analysis of
relevant incident data)
To compare actual performance with previously set targets
To benchmark the organizations or and industry norm
To identify whether control measures are in use and to assess their effectiveness
To be able to make decisions on appropriate remedial measures for any deficiencies
identified
To set priorities and establish realistic timescales
To assess compliance with legal requirements
To be able to provide a Board of Directors or safety committee with relevant
information
To identify training needs within the organization
To trigger re-planning for health and safety
17 A serious accident has occurred. During the investigation it is found that an inspection
of the work site had taken place before the accident. Outline possible reasons why the
inspection did not lead to an unsafe situation being corrected.

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Unsafe condition was not taking place at the time of the inspection
The hazard was not obvious and so inspector would not have noticed it
The unsafe condition may not have been mentioned in the report
The responsibility for the corrective action may not have been cleared
Recommendation based on Inspection reports have not been implemented
Inspector may not have been competent enough to spot out any unsafe situation
Unsafe condition may have been present at the time of the inspection

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