GC1 Flashcards
Exam questions
Outline meaning of the terms:
Health
Safety
Welfare
Health - absence of disease or ill health, either physical or psycholical, which could be caused by asbestos fibres or stress respectively.
Safety - the absence of risk of serious injury, which may be caused by work place hazards such as chemicals or WAH
Welfare - access to basic facilities to allow comfortable environment, such as toilet, wash, drinking water for example.
Identify 8 costs when an employee is off sick due to work related illness
Agency staff cover rates Training of the cover staff - takes others time Loss of productivity Impact on team morale Rehabilitation costs Compensation costs Criminal fines Reputational damage
Outline the purpose of employers liability insurance
Compulsory insurance to ensure that in the event of an employee injury or death, there are funds available to pay them, or their family, compensation.
Identify possible uninsured costs after a work place accident
Sick pay for injured workers company reputation damage Impact on morale Investigation costs Training of replacement staff Criminal fines
Outline main features of Civil Law
Civil law is used by the employee to bring an action against the employer with the purpose of being awarded compensation
The burden of proof is on the claimant to prove the case on the balance of probabilities.
If successful the compensation can be covered by the employers liability insurance
Common law can be used in the civil courts to show there is precedent from previous judgements.
Outline the main features of the Criminal Court
Criminal law is concerned with punishment of the company and cases are brought by the state against for breach of statute health and safety law.
There is usually a time limit after an incident or discovery of an illness before which time the state must bring the case
Insurance against criminal fines or penalties is not available.
The burden of proof is on the state to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Identify the main common law duties of an employer and Give and example of how each can be met
A safe place of work and safe access to and from it
Eg - a rooftop work site should be fitted with guard rails and have either a scaffold or ladder for safe access.
Safe plant and equipment
Eg - Plant and machinery should be maintained in line with manufacturer instructions
Safe Systems of Work
Eg - Procedures and risk assessment should be in place for safe use of a lathe in a work shop
Safe and competent workers
Eg - Provide a competence matrix for each role and ensure all those carrying out the role are fully competent.
Outline ways and MD can demonstrate commitment to improving health and safety culture
Leading by example, ensure he sets the standard and has the best safety culture in the company
Safety audits are a visible way of showing commitment, attend 1 a week for example and ensure he speaks to the work force when out on tour
Inviting ideas from the work force and being open to change. Ensure that good ideas are implemented and communicated to the team.
Being seen to enforce the rules and have a just cause culture where it is known that there are consequences to taking short cuts
Being involved in day to day safety and attending daily meetings in different departments, safety committee meetings etc
Outline the powers of a health and safety investigator when investigating an accident/ incident
To enter the premises, at any reasonable time. This will be unannounced and they may require escorted around hazardous areas
To interview any person who may assist the investigation - statement will need to be written and signed and dated
To have access to facilities to complete their duties - which may include an office, a desk, a computer/ power supply etc.
To take along technical assistance as they see fit - who they think are required to assist their investigations.
Identify 3 agencies who have the power to prosecute under health and safety legislation
Health and Safety Executive
Local authority environmental health
Fire and rescue authorities
Identify 2 types of enforcement notice and conditions which must be satisfied before they are served
Prohibition notice - will be served when the inspector believes there is a risk of serious personal injury, there does not necessary mean a breach of health and safety regulations.
Inhibition notice - will be issued when the inspector believes there believes there is an ongoing breach of health and safety regulations, or has been a breach and it is likely to be repeated, and also believes that there is NOT a risk of serious personal injury.
Give the meaning of negligence
First of all there must be a duty of care due by the duty holder, under the health and safety at work act or other regulation. It must also be the case that the duty holder has been negligent in this duty and has not fulfilled its intent.
Outline the defences for negligence
No duty was owed - the duty holder did not owe the defendant a duty of care and therefore did not have to consider them
Duty of care was not breached - the defendant did everything reasonably practicable to keep the claimant safe
No injury or loss as a result of the breach - the injury or loss cannot be substantiated or linked directly to the breach
Contributory negligence - the defendant claims that others should shoulder some of the responsibility for the claim - and hence the claim. This could be the claimant or another party.
Facts of the case are disputed - the defendant may have a different version of events from the claimant - with evidence to support.
Volenti non fit injuria - defence that the claimant chose to take part in a dangerous sport or activity, hence accepted the risk (willing volunteer)
Explain when employer may be subject to vicarious liability
Vicarious liability means that the employer can be held accountable for the negligent acts or omissions of his employees, so if an employee is negligent and injures someone then the injured person can pursue the employer for compensation via the civil courts
Explain the term contributory negligence
Partial defence used to claim that a part of the blame for the injury or loss is attributed to someone else, either the claimant or a 3rd party. This would be used to lessen the compensation due.
Director orders untrained person to use a known faulty excavator, someone is injured
Identify possible breaches of the health and safety at work act and give an example of each
AGAINST THE ORGANISATION
Section 2 (2) (a) Safe plant and system of work
The excavator was known to be faulty and the director still ordered it used
Section 2 (2) (c) Information, Instruction, Training, Supervision Employee was ordered to use the excavator even though he had never been trained in its use.
AGAINST THE DIRECTOR
Section 37 - Personal liability of directors and senior managers
The director knew the excavator was faulty and still ordered its use, he can be held personally liable.
Section 7 - Employee duties
The director is an employee and did not take reasonable care of others in his acts and omissions.
Identify 3 categories of person from an organisation section and give an example of a responsibility
Chief executive - overall responsibility for health and safety within the organisation
Directors - embed occupational health and safety and well being as part of service delivery
Line managers - ensure compliance with all relevant procedures and guidelines
Employees - take reasonable care of there own health and safety
Outline the purpose of these sections within an HSE policy:
- Statement of Intent
- Organisation
- Arrangements
The statement of intent is an outline of the commitment to health and safety. It should include coals and objectives and be signed and dated by the person at the top of the organisation
The organisation section indicates the chain of command within the company and includes clear roles and responsibilities for the safety management. it would be normal for an organisational chart to be included in this section.
Arrangements is often the largest section of a policy document and details the general arrangements for managing health and safety, as well as specific arrangements for particular hazards relating to company activities - this is a detailed overview only, not a full procedure or safe system of work.
Explain the meaning of health and safety culture
The way that all people within the organisation feel about health and safety and act towards safety. It could also be defined as the shared values, beliefs and hehaviours of the organisation - there is a strong link between the health and safety culture and the safety performance of the business.
Outline causes of deterioration of a safety culture
Serious incident
leads to heads dropping and focus being lost
A long run of good safety performance
leads to complacency and safety is taken for granted.
Change of leadership
Safety performance starts at the top and the message must always be fed down.
Change in terms and conditions
Can lead to a large turnover of staff and loss of experience, competence and the good safety culture.
Change of work cycle
Can lead to additional stress and fatigue which can affect safety performance.
Financial pressure
An economic downturn can lead to more financial pressure on a business, temptation to cut corners and less focus on safety.
Outline job factors which could lead to poor health and safety behaviours
Task repetition
Can lead to boredom and loss of focus
Task Ergonomics
Can lead to the body being under stress and muscular injuries
Too much work load
Rushing and loss of focus, accidents may occur
Too little workload
Lead to boredom, lack of focus and accidents
Too hot environment
Leading to tiredness, dehydration which can affect focus and physical condition, leading to accidents.
Too noisy environment
Leading to loss of hearing and warning of possible dangers - as well as damage to hearing
Motion
Rough seas on board a ship or vessel can lead to unsecured equipment rolling or moving presenting a constant hazard
Display and controls
Should be ergonomically designed with safety critical controls within easy reach
Outline 2 advantages and disadvantages of noticeboards
They are graphical and therefore do not require everyone to speak the language.
They can re-enforce key messages and are easily updated to reflect any ongoing safety performance issues.
There is no formal feedback from a notice board so no way to know if the message has been received, understood and agreed with.
Poster blindness can become an issue where there are so many posters that the work force do not even notice them any more.
Outline 2 advantages and disadvantages of TBT’s
They are a good tool to drive a safety discussion at the work site on any given safety topic
They can facilitate a free flow of information and 2 way discussion to exchange views and opinions as well as information.
They can become a tick box exercise where there is no real discussion, just a sheet the workforce have to sign before every job etc.
They rely on the presentation skill of the leader. If he does not have the knowledge or cannot pass the knowledge effectively then the TBT will be poor.
Outline rights and functions of trade union appointed safety reps
Investigate potential incidents or accidents within the work place
Can make representations to the employer on safety concerns of the work force, on matters affecting HSE
Have the right to inspect the work place and carry out a safety review or audit
Have the right to represent employees with dealings with the HSE inspectors. HSE inspectors will usually arrange a meeting with reps during a visit.
HSE inspectors will share certain information with the safety reps, which will not be shared with the general work force
Will attend the safety committee meeting and represent their constituents ie the work force.
Outline 2 facilities the employer must give the safety rep
Time to perform their duties which may be for training or to complete actual duties, this should all be in company time.
Facilities to complete their duties, may be an office, desk, computer etc.
Explain the difference between inform and consult (2)
Informing is the passing of information, ie a 1 way conversation with only the person passing the info speaking.
Consolation will be a 2 way discussion, with the person passing the information also collecting feedback and feelings from the group they speak to.
Inform could be to a large audience whereas consultation will usually be to small groups.
Outline health and safety matters where the safety reps must be consulted
Introduction of measures affecting health and safety of workers.
Eg - a new control of work process would have this effect so the work force should be consulted via safety reps.
Health and Safety training plans.
These plans have an effect on the whole work force so the safety reps should be consulted in their design and implementation.
Introduction of new technology - that affects health and safety
This equipment may need specialist training, additional risks may be introduced.
Identify 3 benefits of employee participation in the consultation process
Improved attitudes and behaviours of the work force if they feel involved.
The work force have a lot of experience and so may have some good ideas.
By encouraging ownership of the process you lessen the chance of negativity towards health and safety.
Identify 4 limitations of notice boards
can become part of the surroundings
may be defaced
can trivialise important issues
rely on the recipient interpreting the correct message
Identify 4 other methods of communication other than notice boards
Verbal
Written - email, procedures, letters.
Graphical - signs
Tool box talks
Outline 8 risks to pregnant employees
Chemical exposure - chemicals can cause harm to the baby, lead etc. exposure in a number of ways
Biological agents - viruses eg rubella can be easily contracted and are particularly harmful to the baby
Manual handling - increased risk due to the strain put on the body, later stages. restriction to the bump?
Ionising radiation - can cause cell mutation in the baby
Whole body vibration - risk to the pregnant person and baby
Night shift - eating sleeping pattern adds additional stress to the body and affects the baby
Extreme temperatures - body temperature already has issues regulating temperature when pregnant.
Stress - can increase blood pressure, which may already be increased - risk to baby and mother.
Outline main PRINCIPLES OF PREVENTION
Avoid risks where possible by either not doing work or finding safer way
Evaluate risks - which cannot be avoided - this would be the risk assessment phase
Combat the risks at source - go direct. This may be by turning off a source of noise or surrounding a source of bright light (welding) with blankets.
Adapt the work site - to suid the individual, design a work place equipment, change the methods and apply good ergonomic practices
Replace dangerous with non/ less dangerous eg use chemical in liquid form rather than aerosol etc.
Develop a coherent overall prevention policy, covering technology, organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships, the working environment (holistic approach)
Give priority to collective rather than individual protection methods, ie make a safe factory rather than protect the one person carrying out each task.
Give appropriate instructions to the employees - training and competence, method statements.
Identify the 5 steps of risk assessment
Identify the hazards
Identify who might be harmed
Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
Record significant findings and implement them
Review and update as necessary
Outline 3 circumstances when a risk assessment might be reviewed
Significant change to the matter which the risk assessment relates to - process, substances, people, equipment or environment.
Risk assessment should be reviewed periodically, annual would be normal.
In response to an accident or incident on this or similar process. The assumptions made in the risk assessment may have changed.
Identify what makes a risk assessment Suitable and Sufficient
Identifies the significant risks arising from the work
Identifies the persons who may be risk
Be appropriate and valid for the nature of the work.
Identify 4 sources of internal information relating to health and safety
Accident records
Medical records
Risk assessments
Maintenance records
Identify 4 sources of external information relating to health and safety
National legislation - regulations
ACOPS
British Standards
Safety Journals and Magazines
Identify 8 published sources of information on health and safety
External sources:
National legislation - regulations
ACOPS
British Standards
Safety Journals and Magazines
Outline factors to consider when developing a safe system of work - 8
Details of the task to be performed, full details required to identify all hazards
Details of the equipment being used - different equipment will have its own inherent risks
Any info or guidelines from manufacturers, they will provide a manual with details of specific controls or procedures and hazards.
Number of personnel who will carry out the task will affect the overall risk, lone workers will change the controls required.
Any history of accidents from this task or similar tasks. lessons learned from previous times task has been completed a very good source of info.
Any relevant legal requirements such as occupational exposure limits, health monitoring, or training requirements
Any emergency procedures required, a good example would be a rescue plan for CSE
Systems for and the level of monitoring and supervision, high risk tasks require more supervision and checks.
Give examples of confined space
Tank, vessel, pit, excavation, ditch
Outline specific hazards of a CSE
Toxic atmosphere/ low oxygen - non breathable, can lead to person being overcome and becoming unconscious
Too much oxygen/ flammable atmosphere - flammable substances and enriched oxygen can lead to fire or explosion if ignition source present
Sludge in the tank - if present it may contain or be covering hazardous substances. The tank can never be considered breathable whilst sludge present.
Filling with liquid/ solid - if all feed sources are not isolated then the space could be filled and overcome those inside.
Entrapment - those working can become trapped due to awkard access and egress, equipment being fed through entry point etc.
Residual chemicals - can flash off after work commences and create a hazardous or non breathable atmosphere.
Difficult recovery or rescue = a pre defined and practices rescue plan is usually required prior to work commencing in CSE.
Give examples of a confined space
Tank, vessel, ditch, excavation, large pipe, roof space
Outline 6 hazards of a confined space
Toxic atmosphere - can lead to persons being overcome and losing consciousness or deatch
Too much oxygen/ flammable atmosphere - can lead to risk of fire or explosion if ignition source present.
Sludge in the tank - if there is sludge at the bottom of the tank it may contain or trap hazardous substances underneath - these may be released once sludge is disturbed.
Filling with liquid or loose solid - if all feed sources are not correctly isolated (or a supply from elsewhere is introduced) those inside could be overcome.
Entrapment - those inside can become trapped due to awkward access and egress and changing conditions.
Residual chemicals - can flash off after work commences and create a hazardous atmosphere in the tank.
Difficulty of recovery - a predefined rescue plan is usually required for this reason.
Outline the contents of a typical permit to work system.
Description of the task taking place, a full detailed description, usually broken into steps.
The date and time the task will take place. the permit is only issued for this period, hazards may differ at other times.
An assessment of the hazards associated with the task, based on the full description given, time and place.
Controls required to reduce the risks to ALARP, such as isolation, purging, PPE or emergency procedures.
Signature to authorise the permit from a designated person, confirming the equipment is ready to work on.
Signature of the person accepting the permit, acknowledging the required controls and procedures for the task.
Signature of the person who has completed the work, stating the work is complete and worksite clear and tidy.
Cancellation of the permit by authorised person, staging isolations removed, reinstated and line walked ie returned to normal service.
Outline reasons to have emergency procedures (2)
To ensure that staff, and others, who may be affected by an emergency are well trained and know what to do in the event of an emergency.
To minimise the loss associated with an emergency, prevent escalation and bring it under control asap.
To lessen the effects of any emergency, ie the severity of any outcomes.
Identify main features of first aid (2)
Preserve life
Prevent deterioration
Promote recovery.
Outline the main factors to consider when making an assessment of first aid provisions in a work place
The general risk level of the work place, higher risk workplaces should have more first aid provision.
The hazards present, different types of hazard will required different first aid equipment and training.
Accident history, will give a good indication of the types and frequency of accidents to be planned for.
The presence of vulnerable persons, such as young, old or disabled, may affect the required provisions.
The number of workers in the work place, usually a certain quota of first aiders will be required for every so many workers.
The geographical location of the work place, it if is a remove location then more first aid will be required as emergency support will take longer.
Provision for non-employees - for example a school or shopping centre where most persons present are not employees.
The need to cover holidays or absence, a certain number above the minimal required should be aimed for - or add to safety critical persons list and track numbers.
Employee fell down stairs carrying mail at work - broken arm
Describe the requirements for reporting the accident to enforcing agencies
As the accident happened in the work place there is a chance it may be reportable under RIDDOR regulations.
As a broken bone, limb, is a specified injury this accident would be reportable within 10 days of the accident occurring.
Give information which should be included in a RIDDOR report of injury
Name of person reporting an organisation they work for.
The date and time
The location where the incident took place.
The name of the injured person.
The type of reportable injury sustained.
The type of work being completed.
Person slipped and fell on scaffold outside
Identify 2 reasons it is important to determine the cause.
To identify if there is an ongoing risk to other personnel
To identify if there is a breach of health and safety requirements.
Person slipped and fell on scaffold outside
Identify 2 possible causes of this incident
Worker slipped due to wet surfaces and was not wearing non-slip boots.
Worker tripped over an uneven board on the scaffold.
An employee was injured whilst operating a piece of work equipment.
Identify 8 documents the employer may use to defend a civil claim
Maintenance records for the equipment.
Training records for the member of staff.
Safe system or work/ procedure for the task.
Permit to work for the task
Risk assessment for the task
HSE policy for the work place
RIDDOR report
Manufacturers guidelines.
Previous accidents
Absence or illness reports.
Identify 8 reactive measured that can be used to monitor an organisations health and safety performance
Accident data
Dangerous occurrence records
Near miss data
cases of ill health
Complaints from the work force
The number and type of formal enforcement actions taken against the organisation
The number and value of civil claims for compensation against the organisation
Cost of accidents eg damage and repairs.
Outline 4 (Pro) active methods of monitoring health and safety performance
Safety inspections - comparing the workplace with a given standard, either in house or statutory (eg routine equipment/ work place inspections against legal requirements or company policy)
Safety Sampling - monitoring compliance in the work place by checking a representative sample eg 1000 extinguishers on site, 50 checked every month)
Safety Surveys - detailed examination on a particular issue or topic eg noise/ structural/ staff survey carried out at predetermined intervals
Safety Tours - walk around a specific route or area by a group or team including senior management, work force representation. occupational health, engineers etc.
Added benefit of being visible and demonstrating management commitment to HSE
Give the meaning of the term health and safety audit
The structured process of collecting independent information on the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of total health and safety management and drawing up plans for corrective actions.
Outline the advantages and disadvantages of external auditors carrying out a health and safety audit
External auditors will be independent of internal influence, a fresh pair of eyes, have more specialist experience and more authority behind recommendations.
However the may be expensive, time consuming, difficult to manage their time and who the speak to because the don’t know the people, place or business, may not understand the business and suggest impractical suggestions, also may intimidate the work force.
Identify the documents that are likely to be examined during a health and safety audit
recommendations from previous audits
Health and safety policy
Roles and responsibilities
Risk assessments
Safe system of work
Procedures for specific hazards
Training records
Maintenance records
Contractor control - due diligence
Enforcement actions/ history
Minutes of health and safety meetings
Accident investigation reports
Emergency arrangements
Inspection reports.
Explain how work place inspections may be used to improve safety performance in a work place
They determine and outline the standards of general health and safety that are acceptable, in compliance with legislation, regulations, acops, guidance from HSE and in line with company own policy.
Inspections will identify if the activities undertaken in the work place require any improvements or additional controls.
Workplace pre-use checks and periodic checks of plant and machinery will improve the safety by identifying any issues prior to any defects which may cause injury or damage.
Proactive monitoring will focus on plant, premises, people and procedures.
Explain how external audits may be used to improve safety performance in a work place
More issues may be identified by an external specialist rather than an internal member of staff.
A fresh set of eyes will usually find more.
Wider experience and knowledge from previous audits in similar work place.
External audits display the companies commitment to health and safety and contribute towards a positive safety culture
Explain how accident data may be used to improve safety performance in a work place
True indication of areas of high risk within the business.
Risk assessments can be reviewed and improved on to combat specific hazards which have caused previous incidents.
Work force will be receptive to change as they realise the risks involved.
Allow a benchmark to check for improvements.
Outline 8 when it may be necessary to review health and safety training within an organision..
An accident or incident in the work place - may uncover a higher risk and more training needs.
New technology - needs new training.
New legislation etc - change in the law may introduce additional responsibilities
New emergency procedures - would require new training for all those involved.
Appointment of new allocated personnel - fire wardens, first aiders etc. new duties may require additional training.
New members of staff joining the team - may have different experience from the rest of the team and require additional training.
New management (senior/ CEO) - new ways of working/ change to HSE policy requiring different training.
An audit or investigation recommendation.
Change to work place, process, or daily tasks anyone affected may require. retraining.
Identify documents which can be used to review and organisations health and safety performance
Accident data
Absence and sickness
Inspections
Safety surveys
Safety tours
Safety Sampling
External audits
Enforcement actions
Quality assurance reports
Previous incident reports
Training/ competence data
Give reasons why an employer may keep records of accidents and work related ill health
To show compliance with statutory obligations under RIDDOR 2013
To comply with the company HS policy as per HASAWA 1974
To collect evidence to defend civil or criminal claims
To prove management commitment to HSE
To improve safety culture within the workplace by demonstrating professional approach
To identify trends, or problem area, and allow risk assessments and safe system of work to be improved.
To keep records should the HSE (or other enforcement agency require) for 3 years.
For disciplinary purposes
To use data for statistics in the future
To supply as part of audit or investigations.
