Exam Q - Health and Safety Legislation

Question 1

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, outline the core duties of employers (six points)

MPPPEE

Answer 1

The Duties of the Employer:

1. Must manage acitvities in such a way to ensure safety, health and welfare of employers
2. Prevent improper conduct or behaviour
3. Protect against exposure: noise, vibrations, chemical etc. etc.
4. Provision of welfare activities
5. Ensure reporting of incidents
6. Emergency Plans

Question 2

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, outline the core duties of employees (nine points)

STAMMRECN

Answer 2

Employees must comply with:

1. Statutory requirement
2. Take reasonable care to protect his/her safety, health and welfare AND the health, safety and welfare of others who may be affected by their actions or omission at actions thereof.
3. Co-operate with employer on safety
4. Attend training and undergo measurements required
5. Make correct use at all safety activities or substances required.
6. Not be under influence of intoxicants, drugs or alcohol
7. Must submit if reasonably required to submit test results for intoxicants
8. Reporting: must as soon as practicle, report to employer/relevant society.
9. Employee must not misrepresent the level of training they have underdone

Question 3

List the potential parties to whom the employer may owe a duty towards

Answer 3

1. Visitors to place of work
2. Members of public
3. Trespassers
4. Employees of others

Question 4

What is the difference between diversity and inclusion?

Answer 4

Diversity involves representation, whereas, inclusion ensures equal opportunity while ensuring everyone feels safe.

Question 5

Why is diversity and inclusion important in the workplace?

Answer 5

Can be a source of competitive advantage, especially at enabling growth

There are also benefits to diversity and inclusion

1. Revenue Growth
2. Innovation
3. Recruiting
4. Retention
5. Client satisfactory
6. Collaboration
7. Decision Making
8. Productivity

Question 6

What is leadership and why is it important in an organisation? Name a well-known leader in business or society, explain their leadership style and explain why their style is effective.

Answer 6

A leader is somebody whom people follow, somebody who guides or directs others.

Leadership is a vital management function that helps to direct organisations resources for improves efficiency and the achievement of goals

Steve Jobs:

1. Meticolous eye for detail and hiring teams consisted of people with their own strengths and skills.
2. Encouraged questions and arguments that push each team member to deliver their best at all times.

Question 7

Explain the terms “employee engagement” and “business performance”. Explain
why there is a clear link between them. What steps should organisations take to
improve the levels of employee engagement in their workplaces?

Answer 7

Engaged employees are invested in their work, are connected to their team and organisation, have a sense of purpose

Question 8

Trinity College is an ‘employer’ under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

(i) The general over-riding duty that Trinity College has under the 2005 Act.

Answer 8

Every employer shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employee

Question 9

Trinity College is an ‘employer’ under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

(ii) THREE health and safety duties that Trinity College has under the 2005 Act.

Answer 9

1. Must manage activities in such a way to ensure safety, health and welfare of employers
2. Prevent improper conduct or behaviour.
3. Ensure reporting of incidents

Question 10

Trinity College is an ‘employer’ under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

iii) TWO categories of persons to whom duties are owed by Trinity College.

Answer 10

1. Employees
2. Members of public

Question 11

Under the Safety. Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers are required to put a Safety Statement in place.

(i) What is the purpose of the Safety Statement?

Answer 11

Identifies manner in which safety, health and welfare of employees is secured and managed

Question 12

Under the Safety. Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers are required to put a Safety Statement in place.

(ii) List and describe the key elements of the Safety Statement

Answer 12

1. Hazards identified and risks assessed
2. Emergency plans and procedures
3. Employee H&S duties
4. People responsible at place of work
5. Appointment of safety reps

Question 13

Under the Safety. Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers are required to put a Safety Statement in place.

(iii) List and describe any steps an employer needs to take once the Safety Statement is in place.

Answer 13

1. Must be brought to attention:

i) of employees at least once a year or following any amendment.

ii) new employees

ii) other persons at place of work who many be exposed to specific risks.

2. Safety Statement must be reviewed when:
3. Significant change
4. Reason to believe it is no longer valid

Question 14

Outline what every employer must do in a risk assessment

Answer 14

1. Identify the hazards present at the place of work
2. Assess the risks
3. Prepare a procedure and written risk assessment.

Question 15

What is a hazard?

Answer 15

Something which has potential to cause harm

Question 16

What does risk depend on?

Answer 16

1. Likelihood
2. Severity
3. Number of people who many get exposed to that harm.