Health and Safety and the Law

Question 1

Discuss, using an annotated diagram, the main principles behind Accident Triangles, highlighting why it is beneficial to record minor accidents.

Answer 1

More minor incidents than fatal ones. Should care about minor ones, just as much as one would care about a fatal one.

Question 2

List FOUR of the top five physical causes of fatalities in the workplace.

Answer 2

1. Fractures (apart from fingers, thumbs, & toes)
2. Loss of sight
3. Amputation
4. Hospitalisation for over 24 hours
5. Dislocation of shoulder, hip, knee, or spine

Question 3

Why is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 such an important piece of Law?

Answer 3

• Created goal setting risk-based law
• Put responsibilities on people
• Established the framework for the future e.g. Health & Safety Executive and HSE Inspectors
• Created new types of law e.g. Regulations

Question 4

Define the term ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’ which is used frequently in the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Answer 4

Employers to ensure ‘so far as is reasonable practicable’ the H&S of their employees, other people at work and members of the public
- Ensure work does not put others at risk or their own H&S
- Co-operate with employer on H&S matters and not do anything that puts them or others at risk
- Should be trained and clearly instructed in their duties
*What is reasonable, preventable, under their control (to a fair, reasonable standard)

*A JUDGEMENT CALL ON THE TIME, COST AND TROUBLE WEIGHED UP AGAINST THE RISK…

Question 5

List two duty holders in the Health & Safety Work Act 1974.

Answer 5

• Employers
• Self-employed

Question 6

List TWO examples of third party accredited Health & Safety Management systems.

Answer 6

1. Safe T Cert (Construction) (H&S)
2. BS OHSAS 1800:2008 (H&S)
3. BS EN ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental)
4. BS EN ISO 9001:2008 (Quality)

Question 7

Briefly discuss the benefits of an organisation having a third party accredited Health & Safety Management system.

Answer 7

• Required to get on public sector/government tender lists
• Demonstrates the Company is managing its H&S
• Should reduce the risks of accidents happening
• Should reduce the risk of the Company being prosecuted
• Should save the Company money by avoiding accidents
• Good for the public image/branding of the Company