Questions and Answers Related to

IGC Week 1 Elements 1 to 5

1
Give the meaning of the term perception (2)

Perception is the way we interpret data and

understand things using all our senses,
experience, training and general knowledge.

2
Identify ways in which a worker’s H&S perception in
the workplace might be improved (4)
- Provide general H&S awareness training
- Conduct a risk assessment and provide findings to
workers highlighting the hazardous areas and activities
- Conduct safety campaigns to improve safety awareness
- Conduct health surveillance to identify impairment of
senses.
- Use PPE which reduces any impairment of the senses
(sight, hearing, smell)

3
Give the meaning of the term Hazard and an
example of a hazard (4)
 Hazard is something with the potential to
cause harm. Example: Fire
Give meaning of the term Risk and an example of
a risk (4)
 Risk is the likelihood that harm will occur
and the severity of the harm. For
Example: Risk of slip trip and fall
Give meaning of the term “near miss” (2)
 An unwanted, unforeseen, unplanned event
that had the potential to result in a loss, but
did not.
Give meaning of the term Accident (2)
 An unwanted, unforeseen, unplanned event
which results in a loss of some kind.
Identify sources of information that can help
reduce risks to workers. (8)
Internal Sources:
 Risk assessments
 Inspection reports
 Accident/incident records
 Medical reports
 Maintenance reports
External Sources:
 Professional Institutions such as
IOSH
 World Health Organization, ILO
 Suppliers and Manufacturers
 Consultants and Specialists
 Insurance Companies and workers
unions
What are the reasons for having good health
and safety practice? (4)

The reasons for having good health and safety practice

include:
 Moral – duty to ensure safe workplace. Not exposing
workers to harm
 Legal – avoid fines and punishments.
 Financial – direct and indirect costs that are related to
an accident or incident.
Outline reasons for promoting and maintaining
good health and safety in an organisation? (8)
Maintaining good standards will lead to improved staff
morale and ultimately improved production . The
Company’s reputation will be enhanced by reducing
accidents and ill health. Ultimately this will reduce
damage caused to equipment by poorly trained staff
which will directly reduce insurance premiums. As staff
become more motivated staff complaints will reduce as
well as absenteeism and staff turnover. Legally the
company will see a direct reduction in fines and
compensation claims lodged against the Organization.
What are the benefits of having good health and safety practice (8)

 Improved production
 Improved level of compliance
 Improved staff morale
 Improved company reputation

 Reduced accidents
 Reduced ill health
 Reduced damage to equipment
 Reduced staff complaints
 Reduced staff turnover
 Reduced insurance premiums
 Reduced fines and compensation claims
Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of Employers (4)

It is the responsibility of an Employer to provide:

 Safe plant and equipment

 IT IS - Adequate Information, Training, Instructions and Supervision
 Safe environment
 Safe premises
 Safe access and egress
 Welfare facilities
 Safety policy
 Consultation with employees
 Emergency arrangements
 PPE to employees at no charge.
 Health Surveillance of Employees.
Outline the main health & safety responsibilities of
workers/employees (4)

It is the responsibility of an Employee to:

 Not to endanger themselves and others

 Co-operate with their employer
 Not to interfere with anything provided for safety
 Follow instructions and training given
 Report significant dangers in the workplace.
 Receive information, training and instruction offered by the
employer
Identify the possible costs that an organisation may incur as a result
of inadequate standards of workplace health & safety (8)
Direct Costs
 Damage to property – building, plant, machinery and equipment
 Increased insurance premiums
 Legal costs
 Fines
 Public liability insurance claims
 Sick pay for the injured person
Indirect Costs
 Loss of company reputation
 Production delays or stoppages
 Lost time paid to supervisors, managers and others involved in investigating the
accident or incident
 Loss of staff morale leading to poor production and customer service.
Outline ways in which an organisation could encourage
workers to be involved in setting and maintaining high
standards of health and safety (8)

- Show management commitment - lead by example

- Provide resources towards H&S initiatives - budget and manpower
- Organise safety campaigns
- Implement reward system
- Implement discipline system
- Form safety committee with equal representation
- Consult with workers on issues related to H&S - new procedures, new
equipment
- Consistent and clear communication between management and staff

13
Outline the purpose of an organisation’s health and
safety policy. (6)

Purpose of Safety Policy is to:

• To ensure H&S management is carried out on a cost
effective basis
• Sets out management’s commitment to safety
• To comply with the law and avoid prosecutions
• Set out the organisation and arrangements for
controlling hazards
• To create a structured approach to H&S
• Protect people from occupation ill-health and injury
What are the components of a Safety Policy? (2)
 Statement of Intent
 Organisation
 Arrangements

Outline the purpose of each of the components of a Safety Policy. (6)

 Statement of Intent - Demonstrates Management’s commitment to
health and safety and sets the H&S aims and objectives
 Organization - To identify H&S roles & responsibilities and reporting
lines within the company. This involves Competence Control Co-
operation and Communication
 Arrangements - Set out in detail the systems and procedures for
implementing the safety policy - for example safe systems of work.
Explain why the safety policy should be signed by the
most senior person in the organisation. (2)

 Shows management commitment to safety in the

workplace
 Gives the policy authority
 Person who signs it has ultimate responsibility for safety
Why it is important for organisation to set health and
safety targets? (2)
 Gives evidence of Management commitment
 Motivates staff by giving them something to aim for.

Give 4 examples of H&S targets that an organisation

could set.
 Reduce accidents by 20% in 12 months
 Zero Prosecutions for 2015
 Reduced sickness absence by 10% in 6 months
 Reduction in compensation claims by 20% for 2015
What are key components/elements of a H&S management
system? (8)
 Policy: Sets the Health and Safety aims and objectives of the organization, and
establishes management commitment
 Organisation: Clear roles and responsibilities, clear line of reporting to include
Competence, Control, Consultation and Communication
 Planning and Implementation: Perform risk assessments to identify hazards,
assess risks and decide how they can be eliminated or controlled. Set standards
against which performance can be measured.
 Evaluation: A means of determining the extent to which health and safety policy
and objectives are being implemented and should be both reactive and
proactive
 Action for Improvement / Reviewing: Analyzing data gathered through
monitoring to see whether performance is adequate
 Audit: Systematic critical examination of each stage of an organization's
management systems and procedures
.
Identify issues that are included in the
Organisation section of the Policy.

 Clear roles and responsibilities for H&S functions to be allocated

Clear line of reporting.
 Competence – From recruitment through to staff transfers &
training
 Control – Policies, procedures, auditing, supervision &
management involvement
 Cooperation –
 Communication - Needs to flow in all directions.
Identify the circumstances that requires a H&S
policy to be reviewed. (8)
 Changes in processes  After Prosecutions
 Changes in materials  After Enforcement Action
 Changes of premises  After Compensation Claims
 Changes in legislation  After Policy Review
 After Professional Advise
 Changes to work patterns
 After Accidents or Incidents.
 Risk Assessments indicate
policies are not suitable or
sufficient.
Outline issues that are typically included in the health
and safety arrangements section of a policy. (8)

Set out in detail the systems and procedures for implementing the
safety policy eg.
 Risk Assessments
 COSHH Assessments
 Safe Systems of Work
 Permits to Work
 Policies and procedures e.g. Fire, First Aid,
 Training programmes, e.g. manual handling, DSE, fork lift trucks
 Maintenance of plant and equipment
 Housekeeping
Outline what is meant by the terms
Active Monitoring (2)
Reactive Monitoring (2)

 Active monitoring: A way of looking and checking before things go

wrong, it involves regular inspections and checking to ensure that
standards are being implemented and management controls are
working

 Reactive monitoring: Reactive monitoring is after something goes

wrong; it involves learning from your mistakes
Identify issues that may be considered in a Safety
Committee Meeting and Agenda (8)

 Statistics
 Audit reports
 Inspector’s reports
 Safety Representative’s reports
 Development of work safety rules and safe systems of work
 Effectiveness of safety training
 Health and safety communications
Explain how an organisation could reduce the risks to
contractors before and during a building project

BEFORE PROJECT DURING PROJECT

 Select suitable contractors  Progress meetings
 Identify job hazards  Regular inspections
 Check health & Safety aspects  Safety Committee
of bids
 Accident/Incident reporting
 Provide Site rules
 Client set example
 Train employees
 Safety propaganda
 Do risk assessments etc.
 Monitor training program
 Create method statements
 Appoint a Coordinator
 Arrange Pre-contract meeting
Outline the checks (or factors) that the company should
make when deciding on the health and safety
competence of contractors tendering for the work. (6)

 Previous experience  Accident record

 References  Trade / professional body membership
 Enforcement history  Employee competence
 Safety management system /  Selection and management of sub-
policy contractors
 Competent advice  Liaison with the client
 Risk assessments and method Monitoring and supervision
statements  Insurance
Give reasons why visitors to a workplace might be at
greater risk of injury than workers. (8)
Visitors to workplace might be at greater risk of injury than workers for the
following reasons:

 Unfamiliar with the workplace environment – safety exits.

 Unaware of existing hazards and risks
 May panic in an emergency and wonder into high risk areas
 No appropriate PPE
 No safety induction training
 No safety policy or procedures for safety of visitors
 May be no segregation of pedestrian and vehicles
 No security to control unauthorized entry.
List the precautions that could be taken to ensure
the health and safety of visitors to the workplace
(8)

 Signing in
 Providing identification badges
 Site induction e.g. Fire precautions
 Providing PPE
 Escorting visitor to area of work
 Remain with visitor or regular monitoring
 Escorting visitor back to reception area
 Signing out visitor and removing badge
Two organisations share the same worksite.
Outline how the two organisations could work together to help
ensure the workplace is safe and healthy. (8)
- Risk assessments to be jointly conducted and findings are shared
between the two organisations.
- Ensure that there is a security to check all visitors and direct them to
the right organisation, to prevent unauthorised entry.
- Ensure safety induction is given to all visitors
- Ensure there is joint co-ordination for evacuation drills
- Form a safety committee that include representatives from both
organisation
- Conduct regular safety meetings to be attended by both organisations
- Safety signage to be installed in common areas where applicable
- Conduct joint safety inspections regularly in common areas.

29
List the functions of a safety practitioner (8)

 Advise management
 Carry out inspections
 Investigate accidents
 Record and analyse accident data
 Assist with training
 Contact with external bodies
 Liaison with workforce
 Up to date with new safety standards
 Liaison with contractors
List 5 types of information that can be displayed on
notice boards (4)

 Information for Employees – poster with site rules

 Health and safety policy
 Evacuation procedures
 First aid arrangements
 Contacts details for safety representatives
 Targets for accident reduction
How can we improve the effectiveness of notice
boards as a means of communication on health &
safety. (4)

 Locate common/prominent area

 Dedicated to health and safety only
 Information displayed relevant and current
 Keep information in a neat orderly state
 Make boards eye catching by use of colour and
graphics
Outline ways in which the health and safety of an
organisation might be improved. (8)

 Management to set a good example - shows commitment to health

and safety
 Involve employees in risk assessments and drawing up safe
systems, procedures
 Involve employees in safety tours & inspections
 Encourage hazard spotting and suggestion schemes
 Organize training courses
 Safety committee meetings
 Give staff responsibilities - i.e. Mentoring young workers
Give 5 reasons why verbal communication is not
effective. (4)

 Inconsistent message
 Hearing defects
 Noise
 Distance
 Language (Jargon)
 Lack of Knowledge
 Attitude
 Duration/Speed
Give reasons why it is important to use a variety of
methods to communicate health & safety information
in the workplace (4)

- People respond differently to different stimuli

- Prevents over familiarization
- There may be language barrier therefore, pictures better than words
- Need to motivate and stimulate interest, gain involvement and get
feedback
- Different types of information requires different methods of
communication

35
Identify factors that should be considered when developing a program
of health & safety training within an organisation. (8)
 What employees need to know and what they do know
 Employees’ existing knowledge/experience
 Types of training already received
 Employees’ responsibilities
 Activities carried out
 Risks associated with activities
 Actions required by employees
 Different requirements for various staff
 Numbers involved
 Resources needed
 Competence of trainers
 Communicating to employees and getting their commitment
Outline the various measures that might be used to
assess the effectiveness of H&S training (8)
Post Evaluation by:
 The trainers
 The delegates
 Their supervisors
 Accident rates
 Absenteeism through illness
 Compliance to procedures
 Concerns raised by employees
 Results of attitude surveys
 Quality of suggestions made
Give reasons why it is important for an employer to
keep a record of the training provided to each
employee. (4)

 Proof of employees’ competence

 Provide evidence in legal actions
 Provide evidence in investigations
 Identify when refresher training needed
 Review effectiveness of training
 Assess progress against targets
Identify reasons why a worker could require additional health and
safety training during their employment (8)

 Change in Job - Promotion or reorganisation

 Change in processes
 Change in procedures
 Changes in work patterns
 New legislation introduced
 Enforcement action
 Insurance company requirements
 Results of inspections/audits
 Result of Risk assessments
 Increased accidents/incidents
 As a result of accident investigation
 Dangerous occurrences
Identify two main purposes of first aid treatment
(2)

 Preserve life - minimize the consequences of

serious injury;

 Prevent deterioration - reassuring the casualty and

lessening the effects of medical shock; and

 Promote recovery - provide the treatment of minor

injuries that do not require medical attention.
Out line the factors to be considered when carrying out
a risk assessment of first aid requirements in a
workplace. (8)
 Size of organization
 The nature and distribution of the workforce
 Nature of the work
 Types of hazards and risks
 Past accident and injury types
 Remoteness from emergency services
 Travelling, remote and lone workers
 Need to train personnel in special procedures
 Need to cover in absence of first aiders
Outline how induction training programs for new workers
can help to reduce the number of accidents in the
workplace. (4)
Induction training programs for new employees will help reduce the
number of accidents in the workplace because the training program
would help the new employee to :
 Quickly fit into unfamiliar and frightening workplace.
 Perform his/her task smoothly without creating hazards for their
colleagues, themselves or damaging equipment.
 Learn terminology of the workplace or trade.
 How to be safe during his/her first few days at work and where
to ask for assistance and guidance if required.
 Quickly get to know his/her work colleagues
Identify reasons why young people could be at
greater risks of accidents at work. (4)
Young persons are at greater risks because:
 Lack of knowledge, experience and training
 Body not fully developed
 More likely to take risks
 More likely to respond to peer group pressure
 Be over enthusiastic
Outline the control measures that could be taken to
minimise risks to young workers. (4)

Control measures for young persons:

 Induction training
 Close supervision
 Mentoring
 Clear lines of communication
 Restrictions on type of work
 Restricting the hours worked
Outline reasons for reviewing a risk assessment (3)
Circumstance requiring Risk Assessment to be reviewed
are:
 Changes in Processes
 Changes in Materials
 Changes in Premises
 Changes in Legislation
 Changes in work patterns
 Accidents/Incidents
 Prosecutions/Enforcement notices
 Enforcement Action
 Compensation Claims
 Policy Review
 Professional Advice
Outline the key stages of risk assessment (6)

 Identify the Hazards - Example : electricity, moving vehicle

 Decide who may be harmed and how - Consider in particular
the special needs people i.e.; reduced mobility, impairments,
pregnant women, young workers
 Evaluate risks & existing precautions – estimate the risk,
and if existing controls are adequate, what further actions are
necessary to eliminate or reduce the risk.
 Record the findings - Significant hazards to be recorded,
people affected, adequacy of controls, further precautions
required, review timeframe.
 Review assessments - and revise if necessary – for example
after an accident or changes to work processes.
Outline the factors to be considered when
selecting individuals to assist in carrying out
the required risk assessment. (4)
 Competence in risk assessment – KATE Knowledge, Ability,
Training and Experience and personal qualities
 Knowledge of own limitations
 A thorough understanding of the processes and procedures
involved
 Good communication skills
Explain the criteria which must be met for the
assessment to be suitable and sufficient. (4)

A risk assessment is considered suitable and sufficient if it:

 Ensures that all aspects of work activity are reviewed

 Identifies all the significant hazards and risks
 Takes account of the way the work is organized
 Identifies employees and others at risk
 Evaluates the risks
 Identifies control measures

48
 Outline the factors to consider when assessing the
risks to a long distance lorry driver (8)

 The distance to travel  Load properly secured

 Road condition  Vehicle suitable for task

 The weather conditions  Vehicle properly maintained

 The type of load – e.g.  Ergonomic design of cab and

hazardous seat

 Security issues e.g. valuable  Competence of driver

load
Identify the factors to be considered to reduce the risks
to workers required to work alone away from the
workplace (8)

 Workplace hazards
 Task
 People – workers, women, young people
 Violence
 Access and egress
 Medical conditions
 Additional physical or mental burden through
lone working.
Give the meaning of Permit to Work (2)
A Permit to Work procedure is a formal written
system to control certain types of work which are
potentially hazardous.
Identify 3 types of work that require a permit to work
and give the reasons why in each case. (6)

 Confined space – loose material, earth, water and

toxic fumes hazard.
 Welding – fire and explosion hazard,
 Working with Electricity – electricity hazard.
All are high risk activities that require checking, testing
and controls put into place prior to entry or
commencement of work to ensure that all precautionary
measures are taken and all hazards are identified and
controlled prior to commencement of work.
Identify the general information that should be
included in permit to work (12)
General information to be included in a PTW include:
 The duration of the permit
 Description of the task to be performed
 Inherent risks
 Electrical and mechanical isolations
 Other precautions required
 Issued by an authorised person
 Acceptance by the competent person
On completion of the work:
 Permit should be cleared by the competent person
 Cancelled by the authorised person indicating that the isolations
have been removed and the plant is safe to operate.
Identify factors that would influence the
effectiveness of a Permit To Work System (3)

Factors that may influence the effectiveness of a permit to work

system are:
 It should be designed as a formal document
 It should be simple to use, not overly complicated
 It should have the commitment from those who use it.
Outline with examples the general hierarchy
that should be applied to control health and
safety risks in the workplace. (6)

 Eliminate
 Reduce
 Isolate
 Control
 Personal Protective Equipment
 Discipline
Give the meaning of the term Hierarchy of
control (2)

 A preferred series of measures to control risks

in order of priority starting with elimination and
ending with discipline.
Identify four types of emergency that would require
an organization to have an emergency procedure. (2)
 Fire, bomb, hazardous chemical spill, earthquake

Explain why visitors to a workplace should be

informed of its emergency procedure. (2)
 They can act appropriately in the event of an
emergency.
 They will not obstruct other employees and putting
themselves and the employees at risks.
Give the meaning of the term Safe System of
Work (2)

 Is a system use to analyze a task or process in order

to identify the hazards likely to be present and details
the precautions necessary to avoid or minimize the
risks to the health and safety of individuals.
Identify the sources of information that could be consulted
when developing a SSOW (8)
Internal:
 Risk assessments
 Accident/incident records
 Policies
 Inspection reports
 Medical records
 Health & Safety committees
 Plant registers
 Safety advisors
External:
 Governmental organizations e.g. Enforcing
Authorities
 National safety organizations / Professional
institutions
 Various standards organizations such as
 International Standards Organization such as
(ISO) and
 British Standards Institute (BSI)
 Suppliers and manufactures
 Consultants and specialists
 Insurance Companies and Workers Trade Unions
Outline the reasons why the provision of PPE should be
considered only after all other control measures. (8)

 Only a barrier between the wearer and the hazard - does not
eliminate the hazard.
 Fails to danger
 May create an additional hazard for the wearer
 May be worn incorrectly making it ineffective
 Relies on action being taken by user
 Uncomfortable
 Relies on management commitment
 Incompatibility with other PPE
 Could become contaminated
Due to its limitations, PPE should only be considered
after other control measures.
Outline the limitations of using PPE (8)
- Relies on workers to be self disciplined to wear PPE
- May interfere with other PPE
- May become a hazard and expose worker to risk. Eg. Wearing
hearing protection, may not hear forklift truck approaching
- Does not remove the hazard
- Only protects the individual who is wearing the PPE
- Misuse or abuse by wearer
- Relies on management enforcement for worker to wear PPE
- May be contaminated

61
Outline reasons why an organisation should review its
health and safety performance . (8)
 Identify sub-standard H & S practices
 Identify Trends
 Compare actual performance against targets
 Useful in benchmarking
 Identify effectiveness of control measures
 Identify suitable control measures
 Prioritise the implementation of control measures
 Assess compliance with legal requirements
 Provide feedback to Board, Committees etc.
Identify four active means by which an organization
can monitor it’s health and safety performance. (4)

 Safety audit. It is a thorough, critical examination of an

organization's safety management systems and procedures.
 Safety Sampling (involving the targeting of specific areas such
as checking of noise level, dust level.
 Safety Tours (where unscheduled, less formal workplace
inspections are carried out to check on issues such as
housekeeping or the use of personal protective equipment)
 Safety Surveys (focusing on particular activities such as
checking the level of noise pollution) may be carried out by
specialists
Identify four reactive means by which an organisation can
monitor it’s health and safety performance. (4)

 Review number of Enforcement actions

 Review Injuries or ill health records (including sickness absence)

 Review complaints reports

 Review damage to property, goods or equipment report

 Review the dangerous occurrences data

 Review the near misses data

Outline the features of a Health and safety inspection. (4)

 A straightforward observation of a workplace &/or the activities or

equipment within it.
 A safety inspection is usually carried out by a manager, employee
representative and Safety Advisor and is often aided by the use
of a checklist.
 It may be carried out routinely with the aim of identifying hazards
& assessing the & effectiveness of control measures.
Give two strengths of using a checklist when carrying
out an inspection (2)
- Inspection will be consistent
- Will not miss out or forget items to be checked
- It creates an immediate record of findings
Give two weaknesses of using a checklist when
carrying out an inspection (2)
- Can be abused and or human error
- May be carried out by untrained personnel
- No scope for other issues to be identified

66
Outline the key features of a health and safety audit (6)

 It is a lengthy process carried out by a trained auditor, often

someone from outside the organization looking at the strengths
and weaknesses of the organization.
 The process uses a combination of interviews, workplace
inspections and reviewing of documentation
 It could also be carried out internally by competent member of
staff
 It is a thorough, critical examination of an organization's safety
management systems and procedures.
 It uses a checklist to aid in the audit process.
Identify the written information that is likely to be
examined during a health and safety audit. (8)

 Previous audit reports  Safety monitoring procedures

 Safety policy  Minutes from the safety

committee
 Details of statutory inspections
 Maintenance records
 Risk assessment procedures
 Health surveillance records
 Training records
 Accident and ill health reports
 Explain how the findings of an audit may be used to
improve health and safety performance (10)

 The findings could identify weakness in the management system

which allows corrective actions to be implemented.
 It helps to identify and confirm if H&S objectives are achieved and
whether further efforts and H&S initiatives are required.
 Prioritises the implementation of corrective action so that the most
significant issues receive attention first.
 It recommends effective risk controls to be implemented (continue
next page)
 Explain how the findings of an audit may be used to
improve health and safety performance.(cont.)

 It identifies effectiveness of training, communication and consultation

programs and whether more needs to be done
 It identifies if legal standards are met and what additional measures
are required to meet standard.
 It makes recommendations for management to take action on
improving the management systems and procedures and to
implement the action required. The use of prioritized, timed and
allocated action plans will aid the process.
 Implementation of the action plan should then be monitored.
Identify the written information that is likely to be examined
during a health and safety audit. (8)

 Safety policy
 Risk assessment procedures
 Safety monitoring procedures
 Maintenance records
 Accident and incident reports
 Health surveillance records
 Training records
 Inspection records
 Previous audit reports
What are the limitations of a Workplace Inspection? (4)

 It is only a snapshot in time

 Some hazards invisible – e.g. gas
 Some hazards not always present during the inspections and may
occur later in the process
 Unsafe practices may not occur during the inspection if the
employees know the inspection is taking place
Give the meaning of the term “immediate cause” (2)
 Immediate/Direct Cause: The unsafe act or condition that results
in an accident or incident
Give two examples of immediate causes of workplace accident (2)
 Damaged grinder, oil spill on floor

Give the meaning of the term “underlying causes” (2)

 Root/Underlying Cause: The failure of procedures, management
systems that have resulted in the unsafe act or condition
Give two examples of underlying causes of workplace accident (2)
 Lack of supervision, lack of maintenance, no training
Identify four reasons why accidents should be investigated
(4)

 To provide information to insurance companies

 Provide information for any criminal or civil actions
 To learn from the accident and prevent it from happening
again
 Find root causes and weaknesses in the management
system
Outline the information that should be included in an accident
investigation report (8)
 The personal details of the injured party, time & location of the accident,
 Environmental conditions, the work activity at the time of the accident,
 Control measures in place,
 Circumstances of the accident,
 Type & extent of injury sustained,
 Details of witnesses & copies of their statements where taken,
 Drawings & photographs,
 Immediate & root causes identified,
 Possible breaches of the law,
 Recommendations - remedial actions required.

75
Identify four reasons why accidents should be reported
and recorded. (4)
 To provide information to insurance companies
 To prevent an accident happening again
 Provide information for any criminal or civil actions
 To comply with legal requirements
Explain why an organization should have a system for the
internal reporting of accidents (4)
It will help organizations to:
 Learn from mistakes and prevent a recurrence,
 Monitor trends and analyze immediate and root causes of
accidents. This may be useful in legal actions and civil claims.
 It is also important as many occupational ill-health effects may
take years to develop and become apparent
 Good reporting can significantly reduce accidents if
improvements or corrective actions are implemented.
Outline the benefits to an employer of conducting
accident investigations (4)
 Learn from mistakes and prevent a recurrence,
 Monitor trends and analyze immediate and root causes of accidents.
 This may be useful in legal actions and civil claims.
 Improve staff morale
 Shows management commitment towards health & safety
 Evidence in case of criminal charges or civil claims
 Evidence for insurance company
 May be useful in identifying needs and areas for improvement in
management system
 May be useful in identifying training needs of workers.

78
Identify the reasons why workers might not report accidents at
work (4)
Accidents may not be reported because:
 Individuals ignorant of reporting procedures;
 Peer pressure
 Retribution by management or other staff.
 Perception that they are preserving the company’s or department’s
safety record (particularly when an incentive scheme is in operation).
 To avoid receiving first-aid or medical treatment (for whatever
reason);
 Over-complicated reporting procedures.
 Lack of obvious management response to earlier reported accidents.
A worker has received serious injuries from being struck by a
reversing vehicle in a loading bay.
Identify four reasons why the accident should be investigated. (4)

 Primary purpose of investigating an accident is to identify the

immediate and root causes in order to prevent similar accidents
occurring in the future.
 The identification of possible weaknesses in risk assessment
processes and other aspects of safety management systems.
 Collecting evidence to defend a civil claim, where applicable.
 Demonstrating management commitment to occupational health
and safety.
A worker has received serious injuries from being struck by a
reversing vehicle in a loading bay. Outline :

Four possible immediate causes (4)

 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.
A worker has received serious injuries from being struck by a
reversing vehicle in a loading bay. Outline :

Four possible underlying (root) causes are: (4)

 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.
 Lack of maintenance of vehicles and/or the workplace.
 An employee has been seriously injured in an accident with a
vehicle in the workplace
Outline the immediate and longer term actions that should
be taken following the accident (8)
IMMEDIATE LONGER TERM
 Treatment for injured personnel  Decide the depth of the investigation an
 Make the area safe select team
 Initiate emergency plan  Gather evidence at the scene
 Contact emergency services  Interview witnesses
 Preserve scene for investigation  Examine documents
 May have to notify enforcing authority  Appoint specialists if necessary

83
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. (8)
- There is a poor safety culture
- The person who carried out the inspection was untrained and did not
understand the need for correction.
- The inspection was inadequate, it did not record the unsafe condition
- There was no follow up for corrective action due to lack of resource
- There was no management commitment & supervision
- The procedures are too complicated to understand or follow
- There is a perception that the unsafe situation is insignificant
- Hiding of information to avoid punishment or protect co-workers

84
Identify the measures an employer could take in order to
ensure that the drivers of internal transport are and remain
competent (4)

 Check licence valid

 Previous experience reference accident history
 Refresher training
 Practical workplace assessments
 Supervision and monitoring

85
Identify four categories of workplace safety signs and
give an example of each (8)
 Prohibition – white background with red circle and crossbar.
Example : No Smoking

 Warning – Black triangle, yellow background and black symbol.

Example Caution flammable

 Fire – Square shape, white symbols on red background.

Example : fire extinguisher

 Mandatory – Blue circle with symbol in white.

Example Helmut must be worn

86