GC1

Question 1

Outline meaning of the terms:
Health
Safety
Welfare

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Identify 8 costs when an employee is off sick due to work related illness

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Outline the purpose of employers liability insurance

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Identify possible uninsured costs after a work place accident

Answer 4

Sick pay for injured workers
company reputation damage
Impact on morale
Investigation costs
Training of replacement staff
Criminal fines

Question 5

Outline main features of Civil Law

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Outline the main features of the Criminal Court

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Identify the main common law duties of an employer and Give and example of how each can be met

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Outline ways and MD can demonstrate commitment to improving health and safety culture

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Outline the powers of a health and safety investigator when investigating an accident/ incident

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Identify 3 agencies who have the power to prosecute under health and safety legislation

Answer 10

Health and Safety Executive
Local authority environmental health
Fire and rescue authorities

Question 11

Identify 2 types of enforcement notice and conditions which must be satisfied before they are served

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Give the meaning of negligence

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Outline the defences for negligence

Answer 13

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)

Question 14

Explain when employer may be subject to vicarious liability

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Explain the term contributory negligence

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

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

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Identify 3 categories of person from an organisation section and give an example of a responsibility

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Outline the purpose of these sections within an HSE policy:

• Statement of Intent
• Organisation
• Arrangements

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Explain the meaning of health and safety culture

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Outline causes of deterioration of a safety culture

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Outline job factors which could lead to poor health and safety behaviours

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Outline 2 advantages and disadvantages of noticeboards

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Outline 2 advantages and disadvantages of TBT’s

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Outline rights and functions of trade union appointed safety reps

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Outline 2 facilities the employer must give the safety rep

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Explain the difference between inform and consult (2)

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Outline health and safety matters where the safety reps must be consulted

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Identify 3 benefits of employee participation in the consultation process

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Identify 4 limitations of notice boards

Answer 29

can become part of the surroundings may be defaced can trivialise important issues rely on the recipient interpreting the correct message

Question 30

Identify 4 other methods of communication other than notice boards

Answer 30

Verbal Written - email, procedures, letters. Graphical - signs Tool box talks

Question 31

Outline 8 risks to pregnant employees

Answer 31

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.

Question 32

Outline main PRINCIPLES OF PREVENTION

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

Identify the 5 steps of risk assessment

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Outline 3 circumstances when a risk assessment might be reviewed

Answer 34

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.

Question 35

Identify what makes a risk assessment Suitable and Sufficient

Answer 35

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.

Question 36

Identify 4 sources of internal information relating to health and safety

Answer 36

Accident records Medical records Risk assessments Maintenance records

Question 37

Identify 4 sources of external information relating to health and safety

Answer 37

National legislation - regulations ACOPS British Standards Safety Journals and Magazines

Question 38

Identify 8 published sources of information on health and safety

Answer 38

External sources: National legislation - regulations ACOPS British Standards Safety Journals and Magazines

Question 39

Outline factors to consider when developing a safe system of work - 8

Answer 39

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.

Question 40

Give examples of confined space

Answer 40

Tank, vessel, pit, excavation, ditch

Question 41

Outline specific hazards of a CSE

Answer 41

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.

Question 42

Give examples of a confined space

Answer 42

Tank, vessel, ditch, excavation, large pipe, roof space

Question 43

Outline 6 hazards of a confined space

Answer 43

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.

Question 44

Outline the contents of a typical permit to work system.

Answer 44

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.

Question 45

Outline reasons to have emergency procedures (2)

Answer 45

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.

Question 46

Identify main features of first aid (2)

Answer 46

Preserve life Prevent deterioration Promote recovery.

Question 47

Outline the main factors to consider when making an assessment of first aid provisions in a work place

Answer 47

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.

Question 48

Employee fell down stairs carrying mail at work - broken arm Describe the requirements for reporting the accident to enforcing agencies

Answer 48

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.

Question 49

Give information which should be included in a RIDDOR report of injury

Answer 49

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.

Question 50

Person slipped and fell on scaffold outside Identify 2 reasons it is important to determine the cause.

Answer 50

To identify if there is an ongoing risk to other personnel To identify if there is a breach of health and safety requirements.

Question 51

Person slipped and fell on scaffold outside Identify 2 possible causes of this incident

Answer 51

Worker slipped due to wet surfaces and was not wearing non-slip boots. Worker tripped over an uneven board on the scaffold.

Question 52

An employee was injured whilst operating a piece of work equipment. Identify 8 documents the employer may use to defend a civil claim

Answer 52

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.

Question 53

Identify 8 reactive measured that can be used to monitor an organisations health and safety performance

Answer 53

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.

Question 54

Outline 4 (Pro) active methods of monitoring health and safety performance

Answer 54

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

Question 55

Give the meaning of the term health and safety audit

Answer 55

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.

Question 56

Outline the advantages and disadvantages of external auditors carrying out a health and safety audit

Answer 56

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.

Question 57

Identify the documents that are likely to be examined during a health and safety audit

Answer 57

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.

Question 58

Explain how work place inspections may be used to improve safety performance in a work place

Answer 58

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.

Question 59

Explain how external audits may be used to improve safety performance in a work place

Answer 59

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

Question 60

Explain how accident data may be used to improve safety performance in a work place

Answer 60

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.

Question 61

Outline 8 when it may be necessary to review health and safety training within an organision..

Answer 61

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.

Question 62

Identify documents which can be used to review and organisations health and safety performance

Answer 62

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

Question 63

Give reasons why an employer may keep records of accidents and work related ill health

Answer 63

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.