Health & Safety

Question 1

Can you name legislation that affects you in terms of H&S?

Answer 1

• Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
• Construction Design & Management Regulations 2015
• Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

Question 2

What are the general duties set out under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974?

Answer 2

1. Duties of employers to employees and members of the public.
2. Duties employees have to themselves and to others.
3. Duties certain self-employed individuals have towards themselves and others

Question 3

What must employers do under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974?

Answer 3

1. Identify risks and take steps to prevent / reduce these. Risk assessments.
2. Explain how risks will be controlled and who’s responsible.
3. Consult and work with H&S representative.
4. Provide training.
5. Provide PPE.
6. Provide toilets, washing facilities and drinking water.
7. Provide first aid facilities.
8. Report major injuries and fatalities at work.
9. Have adequate insurance, ensure policy is displayed.
10. Collaborative efforts to ensure H&S of all protected.

Question 4

What steps can you take to ensure H&S?

Answer 4

1. Follow training I have received.
2. Take reasonable care of yours and others H&S.
3. Cooperate with employer on H&S.
4. Tell someone if inadequate precautions are in place and putting H&S at risk.

Question 5

What should you do if there’s a H&S problem?

Answer 5

Report the matter internally, escalate to HSE if not attended to.

Question 6

Are you aware of any RICS guidance on health and safety?

Answer 6

RICS Surveying safely, this guidance sets out the general principles of H&S for RICS members.

Question 7

How do you implement safe working in your role?

Answer 7

• Desktop research
• Risk assessments before visiting site and when on site (dynamic)
• Risk registers and scoring matrix (severity x likelihood = risk)
• PPE (boots, hi viz, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves)
• Site inductions and following site rules
• Personal safety device
• Lone working (shared calendar with approx times)

Question 8

Can you explain the hierarchy of risk management?

Answer 8

1. Elimination - where possible eliminate the risk
2. Substitution - replacement of materials / processes
3. Engineering Controls - use of equipment e.g. harnesses to prevent falls
4. Admin Controls - implementation of procedures e.g. training
5. PPE - safeguarding using clothing / equipment where other measures have not fully mitigated risk