NEBOSH Textbook Q&A Flashcards
Define an Accident?
An undesired event resulting in personal injury, damage or loss.
Define a Hazard
A situation with the potential to cause harm or damage.
Define a Risk
The likelihood that harm from a particular hazard may be realized.
What two types of Hazards are there?
Unsafe conditions.
Unsafe acts.
What factors are assessed in determining the magnitude of a risk?
The number of people likely to be affected by the harm from a hazard, and the severity of the harm that may be suffered.
Identify two responsibilities of workers/employees identified in the Occupational Health and Safety Recommendation 1981?
(1) Workers should:
(a) take reasonable care for their own safety and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work;
(b) comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and those of others and with safety and health procedures;
(c) use safety devices and protective equipment correctly and do not render them inoperative;
(d) report forthwith to their immediate supervisor any situation which they have reason to believe could present a hazard and which they cannot themselves correct;
(e) report any accident or injury to health which arises in the course of or in connection with work.
What are the consequences for an employer of non-compliance with Health and Safety responsibilities?
- Criminal - Fines
2. Civil - Compensation
What are the consequences for an employer of non-compliance with Health and Safety responsibilities?
Criminal – fines; Civil - compensation.
Identify two external and two internal sources of information about health and safety.
(4) External data sources include: National legislation (e.g. regulations); Safety data sheets from manufacturers and suppliers; Government Enforcing Authority publications such as Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes; Manufacturers’/suppliers’ maintenance manuals; National/International standards; Information from local safety groups; Information from trade associations; Information from journals and magazines.
Internal data sources include: Information from accident records; Information from medical records and the medical department (if you have one); Information from company doctors; Risk assessments; Maintenance reports; Information from joint inspections with safety reps; Information from audits, surveys, sampling and tours; Information from safety committee minutes.
What are the organizational requirements for effective health and safety management?
There should be a framework of roles and responsibilities for health and safety allocated to individuals throughout the organisation, including the appointment of specialist staff and ensuring that general management roles and arrangements address health and safety issues.
What is the roll of evaluation?
(2) To ensure that the organisational arrangements, health and safety standards and operational systems and measures are working effectively and, where they are not, to provide the information upon which they may be revised.
Why might the health and safety policy of two organisations, both undertaking similar work, be different?
Because the policy is a reflection of the particular circumstances of each organisation. Thus, any variations in size, nature and organisation of operations, etc., will mean that the health and safety policy will also vary.
What are the three key elements of a health and safety policy?
The general statement of intent, organisation and arrangements.
By whom should the policy be signed?
A senior Director or the Chief Executive Officer, indicating the organisation’s commitment at the highest level.
What does a safety organisation chart show?
The hierarchy of roles and responsibilities for health and safety, and the lines of accountability between them.
What responsibilities do all workers have relating to health and safety?
To act responsibly and safely at all times, and to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves and to fellow workers.
What forms the base for the plans for the systems, procedures and other measures required to put the health and safety policy into effect?
Risk Assessment
State the three main forms of communicating health and safety information to staff.
The three main methods of communicating health and safety information are the use of written procedures, provision of instructions and provision of appropriate training.
What are active monitoring systems?
Active monitoring systems are those which seek to identify deficiencies in current arrangements before any resulting accident. They include testing, inspections and consultation procedures, as well as management controls to ensure compliance.
In what specific circumstances should a policy review be held?
(4) The circumstances which should give rise to reviews, either of general policy or specific aspects of it, are:
Changes in the structure of the organisation, and/or changes in key personnel.
A change in buildings, workplace or worksite.
When work arrangements change, or new processes are introduced.
When indicated by a safety audit or a risk assessment.
Following government enforcement action or as the result of the findings from accident investigations.
Following a change in legislation.
If consultation with workers or their representatives highlights deficiencies.
If requested by a third party.
Outline typical duties of employers to workers.
The general duties of employers are:
Provision/maintenance of safe plant/equipment and a safe system of working.
Provision of adequate instruction, training, supervision and information necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of workers.
Provision and maintenance of a safe workplace (including a safe way of getting to and from that place of work).
Outline common duties of workers.
The two general duties of workers are:
To take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
To co-operate with the employer so far as is necessary to enable the employer to fulfil his legal obligations.
What are the responsibilities of employers to people who are not their workers?
Employers must make adequate provision to protect third parties from harm as a result of their work activities by:
Conducting their undertakings in such a way as to ensure that people not in their employment who may be affected by their activities are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
Giving people who are not their workers sufficient information regarding the undertaking as might affect their health and safety; for example, details of potential hazards.
Where business premises are rented, is the employer responsible for health and safety matters relating to points of entry to and exit from the workplace?
It would depend on the terms of the tenancy agreement. Responsibility lies with the person who may be said to control the particular aspect of the premises.
Outline the areas of responsibility placed on people in the supply chain for the articles and substances which they supply to workplaces.
(1) All people involved in the design, manufacture and supply of articles and substances, insofar as it relates to their own role, should:
Ensure that the articles and substances, are reasonably safe and without risks to health at all times at the workplace.
Carry out such testing as may be necessary for the performance of the above.
Take reasonable steps to ensure that the recipient of the article or substance is provided with adequate information about the article/substance (this might cover intended use, limitations, inherent hazards as well as how to use it properly).
Keep the recipient up to date if new information comes to light regarding additional (significant) risks arising from the article/substance.
Outline the responsibilities of the client and the contractor where a contractor is working in the client’s own workplace?
In general terms, the client would be responsible for the workplace and environment, and the contractor for the job, with each being responsible as the employer to his own workers.
How may employers consult workers?
(1) Directly, or through representatives.
What are safety circles?
Safety circles are small groups of workers who meet informally to discuss safety problems in their immediate working environment.
Define health and safety culture?
Your definition should cover the main points of the definitions given in the element:
From IOSH: “The characteristic shared attitudes, values, beliefs and practices of people at work concerning not only the magnitude of risks that they encounter but also the necessity, practicality, and effectiveness of preventive measures.”
What is the difference between active and reactive indicators of a health and safety culture
Active indicators show how successfully health and safety plans are being implemented, mainly through the extent of compliance with systems and procedures.
Reactive indicators show the outcomes of breaches of health and safety systems and procedures, mainly through accidents, etc
Why are low accident rates not a good indicator of a positive safety culture?
A low incidence of accidents may conceal a high number of near misses, or even a lack of reporting. In low risk organisations, a very low rate of accidents would be expected and any accidents may be a cause for concern. It is not the accident rate itself which indicates the state of health and safety in the workplace, but why those accidents take place.
Why do accident rates increase during periods of organisational change?
A lack of focus on health and safety by management and staff, increased pressure of work on individuals during the change period, uncertainty over the outcome of change causing demotivation.
List the main internal and external influences on the approach to health and safety in an organisation?
The main internal influences are management commitment, the demands of production, the form of communication, levels of competence and worker representation.
The main external influences are public opinion and expectations, legislation, trade unions and insurance companies.
What is perceptual distortion and how may it arise?
Perceptual distortion, as applied to risk, occurs where the risk is not recognised for what it is. This may occur because of a failure to notice the hazard or a failure to interpret it as a risk.
What is the difference between an error and a violation?
An error is an action or decision which was not intended, involving a deviation from an accepted standard and leading to an undesirable outcome. A violation is a deviation from a rule, procedure, instruction or regulation.
How do an individual’s peers exert influence over his/her behaviour?
Through the influence of groups and group norms.
Why is encoding such a key element in the communication process?
In order for the communication to be effective, the message at the centre of the communication must be understood by the receiver in the way intended by the sender. The process of encoding (and then decoding) involves putting the message into words, gestures and symbols, etc., which the receiver will understand, so this is central to the effectiveness.
Is feedback essential for effective communication?
No. Feedback opportunities may help, but are not essential. Most written communication is one-way and this does not, in itself, make that form of communication ineffective.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of both written and oral forms of communication?
(3) The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of the two forms of communication.
Written: Advantages: Permanent record More careful compilation Widely distributed with ease
Disadvantages:
Expensive
Impersonal
Lack of feedback may lead to misunderstandings
Oral: Advantages: Immediate provision of information Immediate feedback Personal and direct
Disadvantages:
Time consuming and expensive
Impermanent
Opportunities for misinformation
How are graphical (picture) symbols used in safety communications?
Predominantly in signs.
How may safety briefings be supported?
By the use of procedural manuals and by reinforcing signs.
What are the main functions of committees and working groups?
The main functions of formal meetings are to:
Provide members with an opportunity to exchange views and information.
Make recommendations for action to a higher organisational level.
Generate ideas or solutions to problems.
Make policy and other decisions for the organisation.
What should be the first priority in induction training?
To set out the general instructions and procedures to be followed for safe movement around the workplace and what to do in the event of a fire or accident.
Apart from induction, when should training always be provided?
Whenever there is a change to the job or tasks which workers are expected to perform, and when new legislation is introduced.
Why is the distinction between hazards and risks so important to health and safety management?
Hazards will always exist to some extent in the workplace and usually it is not possible to eliminate them. Risk can be controlled and reduced. This is the central point of health and safety management.
State the purpose and objectives of risk assessment?
Risk assessment is an examination of what could cause harm to people as a result of work activities in order that appropriate precaution may be put in place to prevent harm. Its overall aim is to ensure that no one suffers harm as a result of workplace activities.
What is the basic calculation for risk?
Risk = Frequency Severity.
What do accident triangles show?
Accident triangles show the relationship between numbers of accidents with different outcomes. They give the numbers of less serious accidents which occur for each occurrence of the most serious.
What limitations are there on the use of accidents statistics to draw comparisons with other workplaces or the industry as a whole?
The basis on which the statistics were prepared may not be the same and the workplaces themselves may not be directly comparable. The larger numbers of accidents included in statistics for an industry as a whole are likely to provide a more accurate reflection of reality than the smaller numbers involved in one particular workplace.
What are the two ways in which accidents may be classified?
By the cause of the accident itself or by the cause of the injury arising from the accident.
What are the main causes of accidents?
Human failings.
State the four forms in which chemical agents may be encountered.
Liquids, dusts, fumes and mists.
What is the difference between an acute and a chronic effect?
An acute effect is the response induced by a single dose or limited exposure to an agent, and a chronic effect is the long-term response, usually after repeated exposures to a sub- lethal concentration of the agent.
State the four ways in which physical hazards may cause harm to a person’s general health?
Physical hazards cause harm to the body through mechanical, radiation or thermal sources or because of ergonomic conditions.
Into what categories are accidents which result in injuries caused by falling divided?
Slips, trips and falls on the same level, and falls from a height.
What are the 5 steps of a Risk Assessment?
• Step 1: Look for the hazards
This is the process of identifying all the hazards that exist in the workplace. You must be aware of all the possible hazards, but it is the significant ones which are important.
One approach is to take each task and break it down into steps, assessing the hazards associated with each step. For example, the preparation of a meal could be broken down into preparation of the vegetables, etc.; cooking, to include boiling or roasting; serving, including the dishing-up and the moving to the table; and washing-up. Each step will have its own hazards. The staff actually performing the tasks are likely to be the best people to assess them, although their familiarity with the job may make them less objective about potential hazards.
• Step 2: Decide who might be harmed, and how
This is the process of determining who may be at risk from the hazards, that is the groups of staff and others likely to be affected in the case of an incident involving the hazard.
It is important to consider the wider implications of hazards, not just as they may affect those working in the immediate environment. We have to be aware of other staff groups, such as maintenance personnel and cleaners, as well as visitors and the public. Special attention should be given to inexperienced staff, lone workers or temporary staff, and to the particular needs of disabled staff, pregnant women and children.
• Step 3: Evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide if existing precautions are adequate or more should be done
This is where we assess the significance of the risks and suggest what should be done to protect people.
The key question is: have precautions been taken to protect the people we have identified against the risk from the named hazards? For example: are there proper working systems and procedures in place; are control measures such as guards on machines working properly; is there adequate information, instruction or training relating to the risk?
Action has to be taken where any existing measures do not appear to be adequate.
• Step 4: Record your findings
The significant findings of the assessment should be recorded and kept. There should be a record of all hazards, the risks that they present and what precautions are in place to protect people from harm. This written record is an important reference for future use, not only as the basis for reviewing risks, but also as information for enforcement officers; or even as evidence in any court proceedings arising from an accident involving the risk.
The record must cover all significant risks and state the current position; for example, “electrical wiring checks carried out in building A and everything found to be satisfactory”. Reference can be made to other information where appropriate; for example, “loading bay markings checked and all in accordance with site plan 44A”.
• Step 5: Review your assessment from time to time and revise it if necessary
The way we work is constantly changing, perhaps as a result of new equipment or modifications of existing equipment, building alterations, new procedures, new or modified products, etc. Sometimes systems and procedures are changed by the staff themselves.
They all bring their own hazards, but new hazards can also arise in existing methods of work; the effects of stress is a recent example.
It is important that we continue to be vigilant about hazards and risks and review workplace conditions regularly. How often is “regularly” will depend on the extent of the risks and the degree of change.
State the five steps involved in risk assessment?
Identifying hazards, identifying who might be harmed and how, evaluating the risks arising from the hazards and deciding if existing precautions are adequate or more should be done, recording the findings, and reviewing the assessment.
Apart from operators, what particular staff groups require special consideration during a risk assessment?
Maintenance staff, cleaners, young workers, lone workers, new and expectant mothers and disabled staff.
What techniques are used for identifying hazards?
Inspection, job/task analysis, analysis of incident data, examination of legislative requirements and associated guidance, examination of manufacturer’s information.
What is residual risk?
Residual risk is the level of risk remaining after the application of safety precautions. It should be only low-level, tolerable risk.
What factors are used to evaluate risk?
The likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of that harm.
State the three principles which underlie the order of the general control hierarchy?
Elimination of the hazard, using physical or engineering controls to reduce the risk at source and provide protection generally, and control of the person by job design, management or (as a last resort) personal protective equipment.
What conditions might trigger a risk assessment review?
Factors which would require a risk assessment include changes in legislation or control measures, a significant change in work practices and processes, or installation of new machinery and equipment.
(1) Which three general principles of prevention are not included in the following list?
Avoiding risks (wherever possible).
Evaluating risks that cannot be avoided by carrying out a risk assessment
Adapting work to the requirements of the individual.
Adapting to technical progress.
Replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or less dangerous.
Developing a coherent overall prevention policy.
The three missing principles are:
Combating the risks at their source, rather than taking measures to control the risk in the wider workplace.
Giving priority to collective protective measures over individual protective measures.
Giving appropriate instructions to workers.
(2) What type of sign is represented by the following pictograms? (i) Blue (ii) Red (iii) Green (iv) Yellow
(i) Mandatory action – must put litter in bins.
(ii) Prohibition – not drinking water.
(iii) Safe conditions – drinking water.
(iv) Warning – radiation hazard.
State, in order, the three elements of the hierarchy of control.
First, eliminate the hazard through elimination or substitution.
Second, use engineering controls which reduce the risk at source and provide protection generally rather than individually.
Finally, control the way people interact with the hazard by working patterns and methods, or as a last resort by the use of personal protective equipment.
What do engineering controls do?
Engineering controls provide plant and equipment with built-in safety features and add particular safety equipment to processes in order to remove or reduce risks.
When should personal protective equipment be used?
When it has not been possible to eliminate the hazard or reduce risk to acceptable levels by the use of engineering controls, working methods or working patterns.
Define a safe system of work?
A safe system of work is a formal procedure which results from a systematic examination of the tasks of a work process in order to identify all the hazards and define methods of working which eliminate those hazards or minimise the risks associated with them.
How does involving workers in the development of safe systems of work contribute to strengthening the safety culture?
Involvement enables workers to gain a deeper understanding of hazards and risks, and of the way in which safe systems of work will minimise those risks.
What is the difference between technical, procedural and behavioural controls?
Technical or engineering controls are those which are applied directly to the hazard itself in order to minimise the risk. Procedural controls define the way in which work should be carried out in relation to the hazard. Behavioural controls define how the individual operator or groups of workers must act in relation to the hazard.
Which types of control listed in (3) are used in permits-to-work?
All of them.
Technical or engineering controls are those which are applied directly to the hazard itself in order to minimise the risk. Procedural controls define the way in which work should be carried out in relation to the hazard. Behavioural controls define how the individual operator or groups of workers must act in relation to the hazard.
Why do instruction, training and supervision form a part of safe systems?
Because only people who are competent by means of appropriate training and instruction may be allowed to undertake the work. Supervision is necessary to ensure that staff follow instructions and their training.
What is a permit-to-work?
Permits-to-work are formal written documents specifying the work to be done and the precautions to be taken. Work can only start when it is confirmed that it is safe to do so, and the work must be carried out strictly according to the requirements of the permit. On completion, confirmation is required that all safety measures have been reinstated before any further work can commence.
What three key points are missing from this list of requirements for a permit-to-work form?
Permit title, number and reference to other relevant permits or isolation certificates.
Job location, plant identification, description of work to be done and its limitations.
Hazard identification and precautions necessary.
Signature of the manager releasing the plant for the job and confirming that isolations have been made/precautions taken, except those which can only be taken during the work.
Signature confirming understanding of the work to be done, the hazards involved and the precautions required.
Hand-back – signatures, with time and date, of both the permit acceptor and issuer confirming that all the procedures have been carried out correctly, the work has been completed and the plant is ready for testing and recommissioning.
Cancellation – signatures, with time and date, certifying that the work has been tested and the plant satisfactorily recommissioned, and that it has been accepted back in a safe condition for production to recommence.
The three missing elements are:
Protective equipment necessary when undertaking the work.
Date and time duration of the permit.
Extension/shift hand-over procedures – signatures confirming that checks have been made to ensure that the plant remains safe to be worked upon, and that the next workers have been made fully aware of the hazards and precautions. Where an extension to the work is involved, a new expiry time for the permit must be given.
What is the main objective of an emergency procedure?
The main objective of emergency procedures is to provide a safe environment for workers during an emergency and to limit the loss of property.
What hazards should be included in a risk assessment relating to emergency procedures?
Hazards at the workplace, and also those at nearby facilities which may affect it.
What is the role of those with specially designated responsibilities in the event of an emergency?
Their role will be to:
Receive information about incidents likely to give rise to an emergency situation.
Determine the initial response to the situation, including whether an evacuation is necessary, and lead that response.
Contact the emergency and rescue services as necessary, and brief them on the nature of the incident and any special problems/hazards they might face.
What items should not be included in a first aid kit?
Medicines and tablets (since they may only be dispensed by qualified medical personnel).
What are the three main types of hazard faced by pedestrians?
Slips, trips and falls; collisions; injury or damage caused by environmental conditions.
What are the main hazards causing slips, trips and falls on the same level?
Wet or greasy floors, uneven or loose surfaces, and obstacles on the surface.
What are the four main environmental hazards?
Lighting levels, heat, noise and air quality.
State four items that a risk assessment should consider in relation to potential hazards to pedestrians?
There are many such factors. The following were given in the element:
The normal patterns of movement in and around the workplace.
Patterns of movement outside of those which are normal, whether authorised or not, and which may be reasonably predicted.
The particular needs of certain groups.
The needs of people not normally on the premises.
The influence of different weather conditions.
The influence of maintenance procedures.
Accident and incident reports.
How good are the existing measures and systems of work in providing adequate protection for pedestrians.
What is a designated walkway?
Designated walkways are areas which are specially protected from hazards by segregating people from vehicles, and within which pedestrians should be reasonably safe from harm.
Where and how should hazard warning markings be placed?
Hazard warning markings (yellow diagonal stripes on a black background) should be fixed as tape or painted onto any object likely to present an unforeseen hazard. In addition, they may be used to indicate areas to avoid, such as around doors used by vehicles, and to mark the edges of safe walkways.
What safety measures may be taken relating to doors?
Four strategies are suggested: One-way systems through double doors. Automatic doors or soft doors. Hazard signals and warning lights on the doors themselves, and in surrounding areas. Putting in viewing panel windows.
What are the three main types of hazard caused by vehicle operations?
Loss of control, overturning and collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or fixed objects.
What may cause loss of control of a vehicle?
Driver error, mechanical failure and environmental conditions.
What factors may contribute to the risk of overturning?
Several factors may be involved, including:
Speed of travel.
Steepness of the slope.
Height of the vehicle (including its load).
Stability of the load.
High tyre pressure.
Any external longitudinal pressure, such as wind or colliding objects.
Presence and size of any bumps or holes in the surface.
Identify the environmental conditions which might contribute to accidents?
Adverse environmental conditions include: Poor weather. Poor lighting. Poor sight lines. Poor ground surface. Congestion.
How can visibility be improved?
By ensuring adequate lighting is provided for the traffic route (and its surroundings), and by making sure that sight lines are good.
Identify the main safety measures used to manage vehicle operations and movement?
Management of vehicle operations and movements includes the following measures: Movement systems. Speed limits. Vehicle parking. Signs and markings. Signalling. Loading and unloading procedures. Special rules for particular sites. General rules to make sure vehicles do not become hazards.
On what key areas should vehicle safety maintenance concentrate?
Vehicle safety maintenance should concentrate on: Braking systems. Steering mechanisms. Tyres. Exhaust systems.
In what conditions should warning lights and alarm systems be used?
Warning lights and alarms should be used to alert pedestrians and other drivers of the approach of a vehicle. They are particularly important at blind corners, junctions and doorways, and on reversing.
What special equipment should be fitted to vehicles to protect drivers?
The main methods of protecting drivers are the use of seat belts, secured doors and protective cages and cabins with shatter-proof glass.
