Gulf Test Safety Consultancies - NEBOSH International General Certificate

IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

IGC1: Element 1 - Foundations in Health and Safety
1. 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. (8)
Answer:
The costs incur for inadequate standard of workplace Health and safety include
lost production, time dealing with the subsequent investigations; plant damage and
replacement and cleanup 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; costs by fines from the
enforcement authorities or by a civil claim from the injured, rise in insurance
premiums, poor staff morale which could lead to industrial unrest and high staff
turnover, the damage to the organizations reputation which could lead to a loss of
orders and a subsequent decrease in its profitability.
2. Outline reasons for promoting and maintaining good standards of health and safety
in the workplace.(8)
Answer
The reasons for promoting and maintaining good standards of health and safety in the
workplace are the moral, social and economic arguments.
The moral argument centred on the need to provide a reasonable standard of care and
to reduce the injuries, pain and suffering caused to workers by accidents and ill-health
while the social reasons were concerned with the 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.
The economic benefits would include a more highly motivated work force 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 and the possible repair of
plant and equipment; securing more favorable terms for insurance and maintaining the
image and reputation of the organization with its various stakeholders.
3. Identify EIGHT sources of information that might usefully be consulted when
developing a safe system of work. (8)
Answer:
The eight sources of information include statutory regulations/requirements,
approved codes of practice and HSE guidance, manufacturers' information,
European and other official standards, industry or trade literature, results of risk
assessments, accident statistics and health/medical surveillance records, the
employees involved, and enforcement agencies and other experts.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

4. An organization 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 organization to reduce the number of
manual handling accidents include international agencies such as the ILO; national
enforcement agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive in the United
kingdom; employers organizations and Trade Unions; national and international
standards such as ISO; information from manufacturers and also from other
organizations carrying out work of a similar nature; professional health and
safety bodies such as IOSH in the United Kingdom; 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.
5. (a) Explain, giving an example in EACH case, the circumstances under which a
health and safety inspector may serve:
i). an improvement notice (3)
ii). a prohibition notice. (3)
(b) State the effect on EACH type of enforcement notice of appealing against it. (2)
Answer
(a) (i) To serve an improvement notice, an inspector must be of the opinion that there is
a breach of relevant statutory provisions, or that there has been a breach that is
likely to be continued or repeated. A relevant example would be the absence of manual
handling assessments.
(ii) For a prohibition notice to be served, an inspector must be of the opinion that there
is, or is likely to be, a risk of serious personal injury. (The risk of injury does not have
to be 'imminent', as many candidates suggested, although in practice it often is.) A
relevant example would be a dangerous machine that lacks the necessary safeguards.
(b) The effect of an appeal against an improvement notice is to suspend the notice
until the appeal is held, whereas a prohibition notice continues in force during this
time.
6. Identify possible influences on an organizations health and safety management
standards. (8)
Answer
The possible influences on an organizations health and safety management
standards include regulatory and enforcement authorities, and individual
governments, 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
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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

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
organizations 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.
7. (a) Define the term 'negligence '. (2)
(b) Outline the THREE standard conditions that must be met for an injured employee to
prove a case of negligence against his/her employer following an accident at work. (6)
Answer:
(a) Negligence is defined as a civil wrong (tort) involving unreasonably careless
conduct (a breach of the common law duty of care), resulting in loss, damage or
injury.
(b) The three standard conditions for an employee to prove a case of alleged
negligence against an employer include (1) a duty of care was owed by the employer
(ie that the employee was acting in the course of his/her employment);
(2) that the employer acted in breach of that duty by not doing everything that was
reasonable to prevent foreseeable harm; (3) thirdly, that the breach led directly to
the loss, damage or injury.
IGC1: Element 2 - Health and Safety Management Systems (Policy)
8. Outline the key elements of a health and safety management system.
Answer:
The key elements of the health and safety management system are beginning with
policy which should be a clear statement of intent, setting the main health and safety
aims and objectives of the company and the commitment of management, followed by
organisation for health and safety which should ensure the allocation of responsibility
to appropriate members of staff, with the emphasis on achieving competency, control,
communication and consultation.
The next stage would be planning and implementing that should involve carrying out
risk assessments, the setting of standards and targets and the introduction of
appropriate control measures to achieve them. That done, 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. Finally a review and audit should
be carried out to check whether what was planned was actually taking place, to
consider options for improvement and to set new targets where necessary.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

9. (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 organization, such as a Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer.
Answer
(a) The three sections of a policy are the 'statement of intent', which both
demonstrates management's commitment to health and safety and sets goals and
objectives for the organization, then to the 'organization' section, the purpose of which
is to allocate health and safety responsibilities within the company, to ensure effective
delegation and to set up lines of communication, and finally, to the 'arrangements'
section which 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) The signature of the most senior person in the organization would
demonstrate management commitment but did not go on then to add that this would
give authority to the policy or that the person concerned ultimately had
responsibility for health and safety in the organization
10. (a) Explain the purpose of the 'statement of intent section of a health and safety
policy
(b) Outline the circumstances that would require a health and safety policy to be
reviewed.
Answer:
(a) The 'statement of intent' section of a health and safety policy is designed to
demonstrate management commitment to health and safety in terms of aims and
objectives, example, commitment to improve trainings.
(b) The circumstances to review the policy include significant changes in the
organization; after the introduction of new or changed processes or work methods;
following changes in key personnel; following changes in legislation; where risk
assessments, monitoring exercises or investigations show that the policy is no longer
effective or relevant; and after a sufficient period of time has elapsed since the
previous review to suggest that another one is due.
11. (a) Outline why it is important for an organization to set health and safety targets.(2)
(b) Identify health and safety targets that an organization could set. (6)
Answer
(a) To give evidence of management commitment, to motivating staff by providing
them with something tangible to aim for; the important part they can play in

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

facilitating the measurement and review of performance and for benchmarking
against other like organizations.
(b) Identified targets such as reductions in the number of accidents and defined
incidents; an improvement in the reporting of near miss incidents or minor
accidents and an improvement in inspection and audit scores; a reduction in
actions taken by the enforcement authorities and in the number of civil claims; a
reduction in sickness absence and absenteeism; an improvement in the outcome of
benchmarking of performance against like organizations; reduced insurance costs; an
increase in the degree of worker involvement and additionally in the number of
workers trained in health and safety.
IGC1: Element 3 - Health and Safety Management Systems (Organising)
12. There has been deterioration in the health and safety culture of an organization.
(a) Define the term 'health and safety culture. (2)
(b) Identify the factors that could have contributed to the deterioration.(6)
Answer
(a) Safety culture is the reference to attitudes and shared perceptions and defined
as the product of individual and group values, and a pattern of behaviour based on
competencies and confidence and on communications founded on mutual trust.
(b) factors that could have been identified included: 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.
13. Outline ways in which the health and safety culture of an organization might be
improved. (8)
Answer:
The ways to be improved include establishing and implementing a sound health and
safety policy; securing the commitment of management and ensuring that managers
lead 'by example; involving and consulting with employees on matters affecting their
health and safety; and providing effective supervision and training, the organization
should give equal priority to health and safety as other business objectives (such as
production and quality), establishing effective means of communication with the
workforce, and providing a pleasant working environment with good welfare
facilities.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

14. Outline the factors that should be considered when assessing the health and
safety competence of contractors. (8)
Answer
The factors 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.
15. 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. (8)
Answer
The issues reducing the risks to contractors include 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 materials; 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; and the location of welfare facilities including first
aid. Finally, 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.
16. (a) Explain the meaning of the term 'competent person? (2)
(b) Outline the organizational factors that may cause a person to work unsafely even
though they are competent.(6)
Answer:
(a) The competent person is defined as a person would need to possess knowledge
based on appropriate qualifications and training, the skills, experience and personal
qualities to apply the knowledge in a given situation.
(b) The organizational factors include management or peer group pressure, a poor
safety culture in the organization, a lack of resources' or equipment, a lack of
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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

clarity in roles and responsibilities, inadequate supervision and poor working
conditions.
17. (a) Identify FOUR types of health and safety information that could be displayed on
a notice board in a workplace. (4)
(b) Identify how the effectiveness of notice boards as a method of communicating health
and safety information can be increased. (4)
Answer
(a) Types of information that could have been identified include: the health and
safety policy of the organisation; the "Information for Employees" poster;
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;
and a copy of the Employer's liability insurance certificate.
(b) The ways of increasing the effectiveness of notice boards include 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.
18. Give reasons why a verbal instruction may not be clearly understood by an
employee. (8)
Answer:
The reasons include the nature of the working environment (eg high levels of noise,
interference from personal protective equipment and other distractions), the use of too
much technical jargon, language or dialect issues, ambiguity of the message,
sensory impairment or learning difficulties, the inexperience of the recipient (ie
being unable to relate properly to what is being said), and the fact that the instruction
may be too complex or lengthy to be given verbally.
19.(a) Explain the difference between consulting and informing workers in health and
safety issues. (2)
(b) Outline the health and safety issues on which employers should consult their
workers. (6)

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

Answer
(a) The difference between the consulting and informing could refer to "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) risk assessments and personal protective equipment and training issues. Other
issues which should have been outlined include: the introduction of any measure at the
workplace that may substantially affect workers health and safety such as a change in
the materials being used; changes in organizational 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.
20. (a) State the circumstances under which an employer must establish a health and
safety committee. (2)
(b) Give SIX reasons why a health and safety committee may prove to be ineffective in
practice. (6)
Answer:
(a) An employer must establish a health and safety committee when one is
requested, in writing, by two or more trade union-appointed safety
representatives.
(b) Lack of management commitment; no terms of reference for the committee; no
agenda and/or minutes of the meetings being produced; an uneven balance
between management and employee representatives; poor chairmanship; no
access to the decision-making processes; infrequent meetings; inappropriate
topics for discussion; and no access to health and 'safety expertise.
21. Two organizations share the same workplace. Outline how they could co-operate to
achieve good health and safety standards. (8)
Answer:
In order to achieve good health and safety standards in the workplace, the two
organizations 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
matters from a shared consultant.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

22. Give reasons why it is important to use a variety of methods to communicate health
and safety information in the workplace. (8)
Answer:
The reasons to communicate variety of information in the workplace include, people
respond differently to different stimuli, and that variety prevents over familiarization
with one method and helps to reinforce a message. Other reasons that could have been
given were: 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; that the policy of the
organization may require certain information to be in a specified format; and that on
occasions evidence that the message was given may need to be kept.
23. Outline how induction training programmes for new workers can help to reduce the
number of accidents in the workplace. (8)
Answer:
An induction training programme for new workers may assist in reducing the number of
accidents in the workplace firstly by making the workers aware of the hazards and
risks in the workplace; by introducing them to the safe systems of work and the
various procedures including those for emergencies that must be followed; by making
them aware of any restricted areas; by 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. Additionally, the induction training programme will alert the new workers to
the procedures for reporting hazards and incidents, of the sources of help, advice
and mentoring that are available to them and of their own responsibility for ensuring
accidents and incidents are kept to a minimum. Finally the 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.
24. Outline why it is important that all persons are aware of their roles and
responsibilities for health and safety in an organization.
Answer:
Making all persons in an organization 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 organization.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

25. Outline the main health and safety responsibilities for (a) employers;(4)
(b) workers. (4)
Answer
(a) 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, the responsibility 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.
(b) As for workers, their responsibilities include 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.
26. Identify reasons why workers may fail to comply with safety procedures at work.(8)
Answer:
There are many reasons why employees may fail to comply with safety procedures at
work and better answers recognized most of them 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 organization;
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 recognize risks
and ultimately a willful disregard of the safety procedures.
27. (a) Identify FOUR types of emergency that would require an organization to have
an emergency procedure. (4)
(b) Explain why visitors to a workplace should be informed of its emergency
procedures. (4)
Answers
(a) Emergency procedures that companies might need to have in place include
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.
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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

(b) Visitors should be informed of the emergency procedures so that they could react
appropriately in the event of an emergency, to prevent visitors obstructing workers
and putting them at risk, the moral responsibility of the organization for the safety
of visitors and the duty of care it might owe them under law.
28. (a) Identify TWO main purposes of first-aid treatment.(2)
(b)Identify TWO main purposes of first-aid treatment.(2)
(c) Outline the factors to be considered when carrying out a risk assessment of first aid
requirements in a workplace.(6)
Answer:
(a) The two main functions of first-aid treatment are, firstly, the preservation of life
and/or the minimization 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.
(b) The two main functions of first-aid treatment are, firstly, the preservation of life
and/or the minimization 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.
(c) The factors to be considered include the number of trained first-aid personnel and
first-aid facilities in relation to, for example, the size of the organization; 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.
IGC1: Element 4 - Health and Safety Management Systems (Planning)
29. (a) Define the term 'hazard'. (2)
(b) Define the term 'risk'. (2)
(c) Identify FOUR means of hazard identification that may be used in the workplace. (4)
Answers
(a) Hazard is defined as something with the potential to cause harm
(b) Risk is defined as the probability/likelihood that the potential would be realized
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 carrying out
inspections, observations and safety audits; completing task and/or job analyses
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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.
30. (a) Identify the key stages of a workplace risk assessment. (5)
(b) Outline THREE reasons for reviewing a risk assessment.(3)
Answer
(a) The key stages involved in carrying out a risk assessment are 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) The reasons for reviewing the risk assessment include 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.
31. With respect to undertaking general risk assessments on activities within a
workplace:
(a) Outline the key stages of the risk assessment process, identifying the issues that
would need to be considered at EACH stage; (10)
(b) Explain the criteria which must be met for the assessment to be 'suitable and
sufficient'; (4)
(c) Outline the factors that the employer should take into account when selecting
individuals to assist in carrying out the required risk assessment. (6)
(d) Identify the various circumstances that might require a review of the risk
assessment.(8)
Answer
(a) The first stage is to consider the activities that are being undertaken at the
workplace and to identify the significant hazards involved. This would be followed by the
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; The next stage would involve an evaluation of the
risks arising from the identified hazards, taking into account the likelihood and severity
of the harm that could be caused, the frequency and duration of the exposure of the
employees, the measures in existence to control the risks and the need and scope for a
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further reduction in risk 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), while the final stage would be concerned with a review and revision
of the assessment at regular intervals or more particularly if there are developments 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 should have been outlined included 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.
(d) Typical circumstances to review the risk assessment include: a change to the
process, work method or substances in use; the introduction of new or modified
plant; the availability of new information on hazards and risks; accidents or
incidents of ill-health; the results of monitoring and/or auditing; a change in the
requirements of legislation; action taken or advice given by an enforcement
authority or insurance company; and a change in personnel, in particular the
involvement of young persons, new or expectant mothers or disabled persons.
32. (a) Explain the meaning of the term 'risk'. (2)
(b) Identify SIX hazards that might be considered when assessing the risk to the
health and safely of a mufti-storey car park attendant.(6)
Answer:
(a) The risk is the product of the probability or likelihood of the occurrence and the
severity of the occurrence of an unwanted event;
(b) the hazards facing a person employed as an attendant in a multi-storey car park
include, fumes and/or dust; impact or crushing by moving vehicles; fire (particularly
in relation to fuel); extremes of ambient temperature; the possibility of being subjected
to violence; noise from, for instance, car alarms; slips, trips or falls (exacerbated
perhaps by oil and stairs); biological hazards from the presence of vermin, human
waste and hypodermic needles; and ergonomic hazards caused by the need to stoop
or twist in what might be a restricted workspace.
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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

33. Outline, with examples, the general hierarchy that should be applied in order to
control health and safety risks in the workplace. (8)
Answer
The general hierarchy for controlling health and safety risks in the workplace include the
possibility of eliminating the risks either by designing them out, changing the
process or contracting the work out. The next step would be the reduction of the risks
by, for example, the substitution of hazardous substances with others which were less
hazardous and reducing exposure time for example by job rotation. If this were not
possible, then isolation would have to be considered, using enclosures, barriers or
worker segregation. Operating procedures or safe systems of work are probably the
most common form of control measure used industry and the only practical way of
managing a particular risk. It allow for methodical execution of tasks. 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. While safe
work practices can be considered forms of administrative controls, the term
administrative controls to mean other measures aimed at reducing employee exposure
to hazards. These measures include additional relief workers, exercise breaks and
rotation of workers. These types of controls are normally used in conjunction with other
controls that more directly prevent or control exposure to the hazard, would follow with
the final control measure being the provision of personal protective equipment such
as ear defenders or respiratory protective equipment.
34. 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. (8)
Answer:
The factors that would determine the actual level of risk at the work location include
such issues as the type of work to be done and its attendant hazards and risks',
the, equipment to be used, the work environment and the control measures in
place. The particular factors in relation to those working alone at a distant location
could then have been identified. The' competence and suitability of the persons
involved, the methods of communication with the home base, and emergency and
first aid procedures would all be relevant in this respect.
35. Outline the specific factors that should be considered when assessing the risks to
employees working on night shifts. (8)
Answer:
The factors to be considered include lighting, heating, welfare and first-aid provision,
and emergency arrangements; the effects of fatigue and the increased likelihood of
human error; the number of hours worked and the period allowed for recovery
between shifts; general well-being when normal routines are disrupted; the level of
supervision provided and access to specialist advice if required; and the possible
increased risk of violent assault on the way to and from work.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

36. Explain why personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered as a last
resort in the control of occupational health hazards. (8)
Answer
There are numerous reasons why personal protective equipment (PPE) should be
considered only after other possibilities or hierarchy of controls have been exhausted or
failed. At a basic level, it is a legal requirement that other means of control are
considered first. Other reasons include that PPE may not provide adequate
protection because of such factors as poor selection, poor fit, incompatibility with
other types of PPE, contamination, and misuse or non-use by employees. In
addition, PPE is likely to be uncomfortable and relies for its effectiveness on a
conscious action by the user. In certain circumstances, its use can actually create
additional risks for instance, warning sounds masked by hearing protection.
37. Explain why personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered as a last
resort in the control of occupational health hazards. (8)
Answer
There are numerous reasons why personal protective equipment (PPE) should be
considered only after other possibilities or hierarchy of controls have been exhausted or
failed. At a basic level, it is a legal requirement that other means of control are
considered first. Other reasons include that PPE may not provide adequate
protection because of such factors as poor selection, poor fit, incompatibility with other
types of PPE, contamination, and misuse or non-use by employees. In addition, PPE is
likely to be uncomfortable and relies for its effectiveness on a conscious action by
the user. In certain circumstances, its use can actually create additional risks for
instance, warning sounds masked by hearing protection.
38. Identify EIGHT health and safety hazards relevant to the role of a long distance
delivery driver (8)
Answer:
Health and safety hazards relevant to the role of a long distance delivery driver include:
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.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

39. An organization 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)
Answer
(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. Additionally, 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. Finally their involvement will emphasize management's commitment to
health and safety and help to raise its profile within the organization. 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.
(b) 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 and could be used as evidence in defending an
enforcement action or a civil claim. Finally, the use of written procedures may well be a
requirement of the organizations quality assurance procedures.
40. Identify EIGHT sources of information that might usefully be consulted when
developing a safe system of work. (8)
Answer:
The eight sources of information include statutory instruments, approved codes of
practice and HSE guidance, manufacturers' information, European and other
official standards, industry or trade literature, results of risk assessments,
accident statistics and health/medical surveillance records, the employees
involved, and enforcement agencies and other experts.
41. (a) Give the meaning of the term 'permit-to-work'.(2)
(b) Identify THREE types of work that may require a permit-to-work, AND give the
reasons why in EACH case. (6)
Answer:
(a) A permit-to-work is a formal documented planned procedure designed to
protect personnel working in hazardous areas or carrying out high risk activities.
(b) The types of work where a permit-to-work system might be required such as work in
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
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would be a danger of electrocution; hot work involving welding or cutting 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.
IGC1: Element 4 H & S Management Systems (Monitoring, Audit & Review)
42. (a) Outline the importance of monitoring as part of a health and safety management
system (6)
(b) Identify the (i) active (proactive), and (ii) reactive measures by which an
organization can monitor its health and safety performance. (5+5)
(c) Explain why monitoring reports should be submitted to the chief executive or
managing director of the organization. (4)
Answer:
a) The importance of monitoring as part of a health and safety management system is it
reinforces management's commitment to health and safety objectives; helps in
developing a positive health and safety culture by rewarding good work; assures the
compliance with the performance standards; identifies the areas for improvement;
enables in making decisions for remedial measures for any identified deficiencies;
assists in setting the targets for the future improvement of performance; it motivates
managers and employees for better performance and continual improvement.
b) (i) Active measures include safety inspections, surveys, safety tours, audits,
sampling, health surveillance, behavioral observations, environmental
monitoring, benchmarking with other organizations. Routine procedures to monitor
specific objectives, regular view of performance; and recording of training needs;
and delivery of suitable training,
b)(ii) Reactive measures include the accident and ill health statistics, reporting of
near misses and dangerous occurrences, reporting of property damage, actions
taken by the enforcement authorities, number of civil claims, analysis of absences
and lost time, analysis of costs involved in the incidents.
c) There are number of reasons why monitoring reports should be submitted to the
CEO or Managing Director. These include CEO is the ultimate responsibility to
review the process, he has authority to take appropriate actions, he authorizes the
resources necessary for implementation health and safety system, takes the
disciplinary actions against employees where necessary and motivate staff with
rewards.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

43. Outline four proactive monitoring methods that can be used in assessing the health
and safety performance of an organization.(8)
Answer
Proactive methods that could have been outlined include the audits which involve
comprehensive and independently executed examinations of all aspects of the
organizations health and safety performance against stated objectives. Safety surveys,
focusing on a particular activity such as manual handling, training programmes etc,
Safety sampling, where specific areas of health and safety are targeted; safety tours
involving unscheduled workplace inspections to check on issues such as wearing PPE
and housekeeping.
44. (a) Outline the key features of
(i) a health and safety inspection (4) (ii) a health and safety audit (4)
(b) Explain how the findings of an audit may be used to improve health and safety
performance. (12)
Answer:
(a) (i) A workplace inspection involves physical inspection of a workplace, and the
activities or equipment within it. It is generally carried out by supervisors and
safety representatives at regular intervals and checklists are often used. The
inspection looks for the unsafe acts and conditions and results in short report of its
findings with suggestions for remedial actions to be taken.
(ii) A safety audit is a systematic critical and independent examination of an
organizations health and safety management system, involving a structured
process including the use of a series of questions and the examination of
documentation, to collect objective evidence 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 organization.
(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
bench marking 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.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

45. 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: 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; the hazard not being visible as with certain gases or that
arising from radiation; over familiarity as, for example, from exposure to sunlight; the
individual susceptibility of certain workers; a particular task which was not in
progress and the workers not available during the inspection; the unwillingness of
individuals to admit there are problems with their health; the fact that health is given a
low priority in the organization; the person carrying out the inspection concentrating
on the more immediate and often safety hazards; and ultimately the lack of
competency of the inspector.
46. Outline the immediate AND longer term actions that should be taken following an
accident at work that has caused serious injury to a worker. (8)
Answer1:
The immediate actions such as: isolating services and making the area safe;
administering first aid treatment and contacting the emergency services; informing
the next of kin and offering counseling and support; notifying the regulatory
authority if appropriate; collecting initial evidence such as photographs and sketches
and the names of witnesses; setting up the accident investigation team and
investigating the accident; determining the root and underlying causes of the
accident; making and implementing recommendations to prevent a recurrence of
the accident and ensuring feedback is provided to the workforce; collecting evidence to
be used in any possible litigation following the accident and managing the provision of
information to the media.
Answer2:
The immediate action include treat person if safe to do so, ring for an ambulance &
send to hospital, inform dependants, make area safe & cordon off ensuring scene is
not disturbed, notify enforcement authority, speak to any eye witnesses and take
photographs, statements and measurements.
The long term actions include, investigate the accident, identify the immediate and
root causes, recommendations, report the causes to the management, draw the
action plan for implementation, verify the effectiveness of the implementation,
communicate the causes to all employees etc.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

47. Outline the initial actions that should be taken following a major injury accident at
work. (8)
Answer
The initial that should be taken following a major injury accident include 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.
48. (a) Outline why an organization should have a system for the internal reporting of
accidents. (4)
(b) Identify the reasons why workers might not report accidents at work. (4)
Answer:
(a) There are a number of reasons why an organization 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; for use in civil claims or to satisfy
insurance requirements; to help in the identification and reduction of loss; and to
inform the review of risk assessments
(b) The reasons for not reporting accidents at workplace include employee being
unaware of reporting procedures or the fact that no procedure was in place; peer
pressure and a reluctance to take time off from the job in hand; possible retribution
or blame by management; to preserve 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, and lack of obvious management response to earlier reported
accidents.
49. Outline the benefits to an employer of conducting accident investigations. (8)
Answer
The benefits of conducting accident investigation such as the prevention of
similar accidents occurring in the future; facilitating compliance with legal
requirements and obligations; an improvement in the health and safety performance of
the organization; an improvement in the morale of the workforce and its attitude
towards health and safety; the prevention of business loss and the provision of
evidence to support a defense in the event of enforcement action or a civil claim
being brought against the employer.

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IGC 1: Management of Health and Safety (Question and Answers)

50. (a) Explain how accident data can be used to improve health and safety
performance within an organization. (4)
(b) Explain TWO active (proactive) monitoring methods that can be used when
assessing an organizations health and safety performance.(4)
Answer
(a) The accident data could be used to identify trends, prevent recurrence, identify
problem areas, give the opportunity for remedial actions, data could be used to
compare with others, to inform and stimulate discussion at joint consultation
meetings with the workforce and to identify the costs of accidents.
(b) Proactive methods that might have been explained included: audits involving
comprehensive and independently executed examinations of all aspects of an
organizations 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; 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; (Candidates can write any two
proactive measures among above)

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