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Examiners Report NEBOSH IGC
Week 1: Dec 2005 to May 2008
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Element 1: Health & Safety Foundations
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Sep 2003 & Oct 2004
a) Explain giving an example , what is meant by thefollowing terms:
I) Hazard (2)
II) Risk (2)III) Accident (2)
IV) Occupational accident (2)
V) Incident (2)
VI) Dangerous occurrence (2)
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Examiners Report
See next question!
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Dec 2005, May & Aug 2006 Q5, Nov 2005 Q7, Nov 2006
Q5, Mar 2007 Q5, Nov 2007 Q5 & Dec 2007 Q5
(7)*
The number of absences due to upper limbdisorders (ULDs) in an organisation appears to be
increasing
Outline the possible sources of information that
could be consulted when investigating the problem(8)
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Answers to this question were generally to a reasonable standard with somecandidates showing a very good grasp of the subject area
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Marks were available for outlining sources of information such as
Risk assessments
The results of task analyses & the identification of repetitive actions
The organisations employees & safety representatives
Ill-health reports & the analysis of absence records
The observation of supervisors & the complaints that may have been madeto them by members of their teams
Manufacturers information
Ergonomists or occupational health practitioners
& perhaps even information supplied by the social activities co-ordinator onout-of-work activities such as tennis, squash, etc
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Nov 2006 Question 11
(1)
Listthe practical means by which a manager couldinvolve workers in the improvement of health &
safety in the workplace (8)
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Examiners Report
See next question!
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March 2006 Q7, Nov 2006 Q7 & June 2007
Q7
(3)
Outline the practical control measures by which a
manager could involve employees in theimprovement of health & safety in the workplace
(8)
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Examiners Report
Answers to this question should have included outlines of such means as
Involving employees in risk assessments
Accident investigations
& the development of safe systems & procedures
Encouraging hazard-spotting & the reporting of defects
Setting up suggestion schemes
Organising training courses & information programmes
Supporting active involvement in safety committee meetings
Being accompanied by employees or their representatives on safety tours &inspections
& giving employees responsibilities for mentoring young & inexperienced
workers
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The question produced a mixed response
Some candidates did not read the question with sufficient care &concentrated on the practical means that the manager in isolation
might take in improving health & safety in the workforce
Others were able to come up with no more than one or two
suggestions while a few, despite the use of the word practical in the
question, took an approach that looked more at motivation theory than
at the practical ways of directly involving employees
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Dec 2005 Q7, May 2006 Q7, Mar 2007 Q7, June
Q4, Nov 2007 Q7, Dec 2007 Q7 & May 2008 Q4
(7)*
Outline the main components of a health & safetymanagement system (8)
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Candidates were required to outline the part played by each of the 6
elements of the management system
It starts with establishing apolicythat States managements intention
& sets clear aims
Objectives & targets
This is followed by organisingfor safety by allocating responsibilities &
establishing effective communication & commitment at all levels establishedThe next stage involvesplanning & implementing, where practical plans are
developed to meet the objectives & effective control measures introduced
based on risk assessment
ExaminersReport
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Proactive & reactive monitoring systems should be introduced to measureperformance in H&S & a system ofreviewestablished to evaluate the
performance against the objectives & targets, to consider options for
improvement & to reset targets
The review would be reinforced by an independent & structured audit of all
parts of the system, which would assess compliance with H&S management
procedures & identify where existing standards are inadequate or deficient
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March 2007 Q2 & May 2008 Q 10
(2)
Outline reasons for maintaining good standards ofhealth & safety within an organisation
(8)
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Examiners Report
There were some good answers to this question, balanced by a
significant number of very weak ones & again, some non-attempts
Better answers were structured around the
Moral
Economic
& legal
arguments for maintaining good standards of H&S within an organisation
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The moral argument centres on
The need to provide a reasonable standard of care
& to reduce the injuries, pain & suffering caused to employees by accidents
& ill-health
While legal arguments are concerned with the desire to avoid enforcement
action & civil claims
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Economic benefits include
A more motivated workforce resulting in increased production rates
The avoidance of direct costs associated with accidents (e.g. downtime,administrative, investigation & first-aid costs, repair of plant & equipment,
employing & training of staff, etc)
Possibly cheaper insurance premiums
The avoidance of costs associated with legal action
& maintaining the image & reputation of the organisation with its variousstakeholders
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March 2006 Q7, Nov 2006 Q7 & June 2007 Q7
(3)
1) Explain the difference between the aims
(objectives) of the civil law and the criminal law
systems.(2)
2) Outline the THREEstandard conditions that are
usually required to be met to prove a case of
negligence against an employer .
(6)
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Examiners Report
See next question!
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Element 2: Setting Policy for Health &
Safety
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Aug & Nov 2006 Q8, March 2007 Q3
(3)
(a) Explain why it is important for an organisation to
set targets in terms of its health & safety
performance (2)
(b) Outline SIXtypes of target that an organisation
might typically set in relation to health & Safety
(6)
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Examiners Report
In answering part (a), few candidates appeared to understand the
importance of setting targets in terms of H&S performance
Some did suggest that it gave evidence of management commitmentBut few were then able to highlight the importance of targets in
motivating staff by providing them with something tangible to aim for
or the important part they can play in facilitating the measurement &
review of performance
Candidates had more success in answering part (b) & identified targetssuch as reduced/zero accidents, zero HSE enforcement & reduced sickness
absence
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Better answers outlined additional targets such as
Improved audit scores
A reduction in the number of civil claims
An increase in the reporting of near miss incidents or minor accidents
An increase in the number of employees trained in H&S
& the achievement of a H&S Standard (e.g. OHSAS 18001)
Generally, however, this question was not well answered with a
number of candidates having unexpected difficulty with both parts
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March 2007 Question 4
(1)
Outline the key areas that should be addressed inthe arrangements section of a health & safety
policy statement (8)
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These included
Systems of work
H&S training, provision of PPE
Specific types of hazard (e.g. machinery, hazardous substances, manualhandling, fire etc)
Control of contractors
Safety of visitors
Accident reporting & investigation procedures
First-aid facilities
Emergency procedures
Employee consultation
& monitoring & review procedures
Examiners Report
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Nov 2005 Q1 & Nov 2006 Q1
(2)
(a) Explain the purposes of the following sections of a
health & safety policy
(i) Statement of intent (2)
(ii) Organisation (2)
(iii) Arrangements (2)
(b) Outline the issues that are typically included in the
arrangements section of a health & safety policy(8)
(c) Describe the circumstances that would require a
health & safety policy to be reviewed (6)
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Examiners Report
There was a mixed response to this question, with some candidates
obviously recognising the H&S policy as the foundation upon whicheffective safety management is built, while others appeared to have
little idea of the purpose or structure of a policy document
Overall, the Examiners were disappointed that a better understanding
of such a fundamental issues was not known
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For the 2 marks available for explaining the purposes of each of the 3 sections
of a policy document, in part (a), the examiners were not expecting a great
deal.
A surprisingly large number of candidates, however, did not appreciate
the differences in purpose between the statement of intent & some
sections describing the organisation & arrangements for implementing
policy
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Good answers identified that
A statement of intent demonstrates an organisations commitment to, &sets organisational objectives for, H&S
The organisation section identifies the H&S responsibilities & channels of
communication within the organisation
& the arrangements section deals the practical means for achieving the
objectives laid down in the policy statementAnswers that elaborated a little on these, sometimes by use of examples,
were able to achieve full marks
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Part (b) attracted many answers that were simply lists of items with
little or no indication of how they would be addressed in a policy
document, or of the reasons for their inclusion
Candidates who understood the purpose of this section were able to identify
a range of general H&S issues for which arrangements would be in place
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For part (c), the circumstances that may necessitate revisions to a H&S
policy include
Changes in organisational arrangements/responsibilities
Processes
Materials
Premises
Legislation
work patterns
Or risk assessments Or when considered necessary following an accident investigation
Enforcement action
Policy review or professional advice
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Nov 2006 Question 3
(1)
(a) Outline the purpose & general content of the
THREEmain sections of a health & safety
policy document (6)
(b) Explain why the health & safety policy should
be signed by the most senior person in an
organisation, such as the Managing Director
or Chief Executive Officer (2)
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Examiners Report
See previous question!
D 2005 Q3 M 2006 Q3 N 2006 Q9 M 2007
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Dec 2005 Q3, May 2006 Q3, Nov 2006 Q9, Mar 2007
Q3, June 2007 Q9, Nov 2007 Q3, Dec 2007 Q3 & May
2008 Q9
(8)*
(a) Explain the purpose of the statement of intent
section of a health & safety policy (2)(b) Outline the circumstances that would require a
health & safety policy to be reviewed (6)
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Examiners Report
Forpart (b), the majority of candidates recognised that the signature of the
most senior person in the organisation would demonstrate managementcommitment
But did not go on then to add that this would give authority to the
policy or that the person concerned ultimately had responsibility for
H&S in the organisation
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Examiners Report
For part (b), the circumstances that may necessitate revisions to a H&S
policy include
Changes in organisational arrangements/responsibilities
Processes
Materials
Premises
Legislation
work patterns
Or risk assessments
Or when considered necessary following an accident investigation
Enforcement action
Policy review or professional advice
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Aug 2006 Question 2
(1)
Outline the circumstances that may give rise to aneed for a health & safety policy to be reviewed
(8)
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Examiners Report
See Previous question!
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Element 3: Organising for Health &
Safety
Dec 2005 Q 11 May Aug Nov 2006 Q11 Mar 2007
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Dec 2005 Q 11, May, Aug, Nov 2006 Q11, Mar 2007
Q11, Nov 2007 Q11, Dec 2007 Q11 & May 2008 Q7
(8)*
Listthe factors that could be considered whenassessing the health & safety competence of a
contractor (8)
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Examiners Report
The last question on the paper was generally well answered with many
candidates able to list a good range of factors that included, amongst others
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The contractors previous experience with the type of work
The reputation of the contractor amongst previous or current clients
The content & quality of the contractors H&S policy & risk assessments
The level of training & qualifications of staff (including those with H&Sresponsibilities)
Accident/enforcement history
Membership of accreditation or certification bodies
Equipment maintenance & statutory examination records
& the detailed proposals (e.g. method statements) for the work to be carriedout
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Outline the key health and safety responsibilities of
employers & employees which are common in many
countries. (8)
Question
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Employees
Co-operation with employer, to meet employerslegal obligations
Consultation with employer
Reporting dangerous situations to employer
Rights to receive information, instruction and
training
Duty of care to themselves and other persons by
working safely
Using equipment and following safe systems of work
as informed / trained.
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Employees Duties
T
o take reasonable care of the health and safety ofhimself and others who may be affected by his acts or
omissions at work.
To cooperate with the employer in matters relating to
health and safety.
To use machinery, equipment, dangerous substance,
transport equipment, means of production , PPE or safety
device in the way in which they have been instructed or
trained.
To reportunsafe conditions etc that the training and
information they have received should reasonably have
made them aware of.
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Outline the main steps required for managing the
contractors.
(8)
Question
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Managing contractors (5 Steps for the Client)
1 Select a contractor
2 Plan the job
3 Control contractors on site
4 Check contractors work
5 Review performance
El t 4 P ti P iti H lth
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Element 4: Promoting a Positive Health
& Safety Culture
N 2006 Q ti 6
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Nov 2006 Question 6
(1)
(a) Explain the meaning of the term perception
(2)
(b) Outline ways in which employees perceptions ofhazards in the workplace might be improved
(6)
E i R t
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Examiners Report
Forpart (a), a reasonable explanation of perception was required, such as
the way that people interpret & make sense of presented information, for
instance, in relation to their surroundingsSome candidates appeared to struggle to put into words something
that is perhaps almost intuitive
Circular definitions, for example, perception is the way that people
perceive things, were considered inadequate in this respect
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Those who found difficulty in defining perception in the first part of
the question were consequently hard put to produce an adequate
answer to part (b)Few candidates were able to outline more than one or two ways that
employees perceptions of hazards might be improved
Most referred in general terms to motivation or to the need to increase
awareness in the individual by safety campaigns or posters & to
increase knowledge by means of training
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While these are highly relevant, candidates who considered theproblem in slightly more depth suggested firstly that there was a need
to identify, perhaps by the use of surveys, the reasons for employeesmisperceptions in order to show how improvements might be achieved& how currently held views may be challenged
Other suggestions included making hazards more obvious (forexample, by the use of signs) & addressing environmental factors,such as lighting & noise, that might cause distraction or otherwise
hinder the perceptual process
N 2005 Q2 N 2006 Q2 & M h 2007 Q7
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Nov 2005 Q2, Nov 2006 Q2 & March 2007 Q7
(3)
Outline ways in which the health & safety cultureof an organisation might be improved
(8)
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Examiners Report
Not surprisingly, answers were divided into those where candidates
evidently understood the term safety culture & those where theirunderstanding was limited
Although many candidates were able to cite factors such as the
commitment & leadership of senior management & the competence &
training of the workforce, fewer included a range of other relevant
factors
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These could have included
A clear policy with health & safety being given obvious equal priority to otherbusiness objectives (production, quality, etc)
The setting of realistic & achievable targets
The provision of a good working environment
Proactive monitoring of health & safety standards
Effective communication channels
A no-blame culture
& consultation with, & the involvement of, the workforce
Nov 2006 Question 10
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Nov 2006 Question 10
(1)
Outline the personal factors relating to theindividual which might increase the risk of harm to
a worker while at work (8)
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Examiners Report
Factors that may place an individual at greater risk of harm at work include
A generally poor attitude to work, authority &/or risk often coupled with low
motivation Issues relating to physical capabilities or development (such as lack of
stature, strength &/or stamina) & to mental capabilities (such as poor
reasoning skills)
Poor perception of risk, perhaps influenced by alcohol or drugs
Age-related behavioural factors associated with immaturity & innate or medical conditions affecting physical or mental capacity
Further factors relate to the levels of training & experience of the individual
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Answers to this question were generally to a reasonable standardalthough some candidates were a little confused & included factors
other than those that could be related to the person, as signified by the
word personal
Aug 2006 Question 5
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Aug 2006 Question 5
(1)
Outline ways in which employers may motivatetheir employees to comply with health & safety
procedures (8)
Examiners Report
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Examiners Report
Motivation is the driving force behind the way in which a person acts in order
to achieve a goal
In this case, Examiners were looking for suggestions of how employees
might be motivated to work safelyAnswers should have outlined such ways as
Improving, by training & the provision of of information, employees
knowledge of the consequences of not working safely
Showing the commitment of the organisation to safety by providing
resources & a safe working environment Involving employees in H&S decisions by consultation & team meetings
Recognising & rewarding achievement
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More able candidates recognised that positive motivation, i.e. employees
working safely because that was how they wanted to work, tends to be more
effective than negative motivation, employees working safely for fear ofdisciplinary action
With the right balance between them, however, both have their place
The question was generally well answered with many candidates
demonstrating a good understanding of this facet of human factors
Although, in some cases, responses were somewhat limited,concentrating solely on the reward & discipline effects
Dec 2005 Q4, May 2006 Q4, Nov 2005 Q6, Nov 2006
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Dec 2005 Q4, May 2006 Q4, Nov 2005 Q6, Nov 2006
Q5, Mar 2007 Q4, June 2007 Q6, Nov 2007 Q4, Dec
2007 Q4 & May 2008 Q6
(9)*
(a) Explain the reasons that place young persons at
greater risk of accidents at work (4)(b) Outline the measures that could be taken to
minimise the risk to young persons (4)
Examiners Report
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Examiners Report
In their answers to part (a), Examiners were looking for candidates to
identify the factors such as
Lack of perception of risk or of ability to avoid risk (because of limitedknowledge, experience &/or lack of training)
The individuals stage of physical development
& the tendency of young persons to take risks & to respond to peer group
pressure
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Forpart (b), candidates were expected to outline measures such as
The completion of risk assessments with young persons specifically in mind
Induction programmes, careful supervision or mentoring by an experiencedco-worker
Clear lines of communication, & limits on the number of hours worked
Most candidates were able to gain some marks from this question, withsome perhaps working from first principles & their own work-related & age-related experience
The more successful showed a wider knowledge of the subjectIndicating that the particular problem of young persons at work had beencomprehensively covered during their course of study
Perhaps with specific reference to HSE guidance on the subject
Dec 2005 Q1 May 2006 Q1 Mar 2007 Q1 Nov
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Dec 2005 Q1, May 2006 Q1, Mar 2007 Q1, Nov
2007 Q1 & Dec 2007 Q1
(5)*
(a) Outline ways of reducing the likelihood of human
error in the workplace (8)
(b) Give FOURreasons why the seriousness of a
hazard may be underestimated by someone
exposed to it (4)
(c) Outline ways in which managers can motivateemployees to work safely (8)
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Examiners Report
There are a number of ways of reducing the likelihood of human error in theworkplace that should have been outlined in the answer to part (a) of thequestion
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These include
The use of skilled, trained & competent staff (including pre-employmentscreening issues)
Motivation of the workforce
Task variety to prevent monotony & the provision of frequent breaks to avoidwork overload
Addressing workplace environmental issues such as noise, light & heat
Mechanisation & automation
Ensuring that controls on machinery are clearly marked
Implementation of a drug & alcohol policy & providing competent supervision of employees
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Most candidates mentioned the need for competency & training but
few were able to provide the range of methods necessary to obtain all
the marks available
A few candidates, possibly because they misread the question,
produced answers based on the causes of human error rather than the
ways of reducing its likelihood
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There were some good answers to part (b), with many candidates gainingfull marks by referring to reasons such as
Over familiarity & complacency Lack of instruction, information & training
Lack of experience, particularly where young persons are involved
The fact that some hazards (e.g. airborne contaminants or radiation) may beinvisible &/or intangible
Sensory impairment
& involvement in routine, repetitive tasks that can lead to lack of attention
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In answering part (c), Examiners were looking for an outline of methods to
encourage the motivation of employees to work safely
The overt recognition of good health & safety performance (e.g. by giving
praise &/or offering financial incentives) is important in this respectConversely, disciplining employees who choose to ignore safe working
procedures has its place but tends to be less effective
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Other measures might include
Involving employees, for instance, in carrying out risk assessments &drawing up safe systems of work
Improving the companys health & safety culture & demonstrating a high
level of management commitment
Ensuring a good working environment
& providing training & ensuring good communication
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Some candidates seemed to perceive little difference in the
requirements of parts (a) & (c) & were content to repeat the answer thatthey had already given to the first part of the question
Part (c) was, in fact, intended to look in more depth at one aspect of the
answer to part (a)
March 2007 Question 6
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March 2007 Question 6
(1)
Outline the main health & safety issues to be
included in an induction training programme for
new employees (8)
Examiners Report
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This question was designed to examine the issues involved in the training of
new staff
Those who did well concentrated on the matters to be included in an
induction training programme as was required & did not fall into the trap of
discussing wider training issues
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Most candidates were able to outline the main topics as
The organisations H&S policy
Emergency procedures
Hazards specific to the workplace & the need to comply with H&Srequirements
Health & safety responsibilities & lines of communication
Accident & first-aid arrangements
& welfare provision
More able candidates referred to health surveillance & consultationprocedures
Aug 2006 Q9 & Nov 2006 Q9
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Aug 2006 Q9 & Nov 2006 Q9
(2)
Give reasons why a verbal instruction may not be
clearly understood by an employee (8)
Examiners Report
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This was a question that allowed candidates to imagine scenarios that would
lead to interference with verbal communication
They were thus able to take a common sense approach & most were able
to provide good answers
Indeed, many were excellent
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The reasons why someone might misunderstand an instruction may be dueto
The way that verbal information is given (e.g. complex, jargonistic,ambiguous, not in the usual language of the receiver, in a heavy dialect
Distorted by the means of communication such as telephone or tannoy
Inconsistent with body language
Due to the environment (e.g noisy) or due to some limitation on the part ofthe receiver (e.g. mental or physical difficulty)
Inattention Lack of knowledge or experience
Restricted by PPE
Dec 2005 Q5, May 2006 Q5, Nov 2006 Q5, June
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, y , ,
2007 Q5 & May 2008 Q5
(5)
Outline the topics that may need to be included on
the agenda of a safety committee meeting
(8)
Examiners Report
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a e s epo t
This question produced a mixed response from candidates
Those who thought carefully about the role of a safety committee were
able to identify & outline those topics that should appear on the
agenda
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These may include, for instance
A review of recent incidents
A review of proactive monitoring strategies such as safety inspections &
audits Reports following visits by enforcement authorities
& the effects of the company of new or impending H&S legislation
Additionally, the safety committee agenda should include items
On possible amendments to the companys H&S policy & risk assessments
The extent & effectiveness of any H&S training given to employees
& the introduction of new equipment & processes
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Better candidates identified that the safety committee is in place for H&S
concerns of employees to be raised by their representatives, as well as for
management to raise its concerns about poor safety practices
A number of candidates spent far too much time detailing the
administrative items to be included on an agenda, such as welcomes,
previous minutes & dates of future meetings
Although these do form part of any agenda, they do not really satisfy
the description of topics & therefore did not form an important partof the answer
Nov 2006 Question 8
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(1)
Explain why it is important to use a variety of
methods to communicate health & safety
information in the workplace (8)
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p
This question required consideration of the sort of information that needs to
be communicated & the different methods of presenting such information
This should have led candidates to suggest that people respond differently
to different stimuli, & that variety prevents over-familiarisation with onemethod & helps to reinforce a message
Other reasons that could have been cited
The need to overcome language barriers & the inability of some employees
to read
The need to motivate, stimulate interest & gain involvement & feedback
& the acceptance that different types of information require different methods
of communication
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Most candidates were able to come up with one or two relevant
reasons but not many were able to answer the question in the depth
required
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Examiners Report
In answering this question, candidates were expected to outline suchmeasures as
The introduction of new processes, equipment & methods of work
As a result of a job change involving different health & safety requirementsor the allocation of additional responsibilities
Following the introduction of new legislation Where risk assessments or staff appraisals indicate that additional training is
necessary
Where refresher training is required such as that required for for-lift truckoperators & first-aid personnel
Following an accident, enforcement action or insurance impositions
& to counteract the possibility of employees becoming complacent & lax infollowing established procedures for health & safety
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The question referred to an employee at a later stage of employment within
an organisationSome candidates thought that this referred to employees nearing the
end of their working lives & concentrated their answers solely on
issues concerned with advancing years
Aug 2006 Question 1
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g
(1)
An independent audit of an organisation has concluded that
employees have received insufficient health & safety training
(i) Describe the factors that should be considered when
developing an extensive programme of health & safetytraining within the organisation (12)
(ii) Outline the various measures that might be used to assess
the effectiveness of such training (4)
(iii) Give FOURreasons why it is important for an employer to
keep a record of the training provided to each employee
(4)
Examiners Report
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Examiners Report
Forpart (i), the completion of a training needs analysis is an important first
step in the development of any programme of training (i.e. comparing what
employees need to know to know with what they already know)
In deciding what employees need to know, consideration should be given to
Their responsibilities
The activities carried out
The risks associated with those activities
& the actions required of employees to minimise such risks
It should have been recognised in this context that a senior manager, forinstance, will have different training needs with respect to H&S from those of
a supervisor or a shop floor employee
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An assessment would then need to be made of employees existing
knowledge, taking into account
Their previous experience
The levels & types of training already received
& any indications of where deficiencies may lie (e.g. from incident data or by
observation)
From the training needs analysis would emerge information on
The number of employees involved
The types of training needed & the resources (in terms of financial costs,
time & facilities) required to carry out the programme
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The factors to be considered at this stage would include
The competence & expertise of in-house staff to provide the required training
The possible need to involve external sources
& the means of communicating the programme to employees at all levels in
order to seek their commitment to
& their views on, the programme
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Examiners commented that many delegates did not answer the first
part of the question as set
But spent time detailing the content of a hypothetical training course,or listing the different types of training that might be offered (such as
manual handling, or basic awareness)
Rather than describing the factors that would need to be addressed in
order that such details could be decided
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Answers to part (ii) were of a better standard with candidates outlining such
measures as
Post-training evaluation by trainers
The trainees themselves & their supervisors
Accident rates & sickness absences
Levels of compliance with laid-down procedures (such as the wearing of
PPE)
The results of attitude surveys & the number & quality of suggestions made & concerns raised, by
employees with respect to H&S
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In answering part (iii), candidates could have cited a number of reasons forkeeping individual training records
These might include
To provide proof of an employees expected level of competence To identify when additional or refresher training might be needed
To enable a review of the effectiveness of the training to be carried out
To access the progress of the training programme against targets
& to provide evidence to be used in any future accident investigation or legal
actions
Aug 2006 Question 3
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(1)
Outline the factors that will determine the level of
supervision that a new employee should receiveduring their initial period of employment within an
organisation (8)
Examiners Report
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Examiners Report
A number of factors can determine the initial level of supervision that should
be given to someone starting work in an organisation
These include
The age of the employee, as well as his/her experience of work in general &
of the task to be performed in particular The nature & complexity of the task & its inherent risks
The persons skills & qualifications for the work
His/her attitude & aptitude
The systems of work & any specific safety requirements applying to the task
& the employees communication skills & any special needs that he/she may
have
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Few candidates touched on the above range of factors in their answers
& most concentrated solely on age, experience & training
Some seemed to have misinterpreted the question &, instead of
considering levels of supervision, wrote about factors that might
determine the nature of the induction training
Nov 2006 Question 9
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(1)
(a) Identify FOURtypes of emergency procedures
that an organisation might need to have in place
(4)
(b) Explain why visitors to a workplace should be
informed of the emergency procedures (4)
Examiners Report
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Examiners Report
No examiners report available!
March 2007 Question 1
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(1)
Following a significant increase in accidents, a health& safety campaign is to be launched within anorganisation to encourage safer working byemployees
(i) Outline how the organisation might ensure thatthe nature of the campaign is effectivelycommunicated to, & understood by, theemployees (8)
(ii) Other than poor communication, describe theorganisational factors that could limit theeffectiveness of the campaign (12)
Examiners Report
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In answering part (i) of the question, candidates were expected to outline
the key requirements to ensure that everybody within an organisation knows
the part that they are to play within a H&S campaign
An important prerequisite is to have clear objectives & targets for the
campaign, & to be clear on the means of achieving them
It is also important that key responsibilities for aspects of the campaign are
allocated, & accepted with due commitment, in order to avoid mixed
messages
While an outline of the different means of communication should have
been included in the answer, many candidates concentrated solely onthis point thus restricted the number of marks that they could have
gained
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In this respect, though, a variety of means
(Posters
E-mails
Toolbox talks Training sessions, etc)
could be used to communicate & reinforce the message, with account taken
of the language used in order to facilitate understanding
(Avoidance of jargon
Use of plain English, etc)
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Toolbox talks, suggestion boxes, surveys & informal means of consultationcan be used to involve employees & to provide a feedback loop to check thatemployees understand what the campaign is about & to assess the level of
supportIt is also important to provide feedback to employees on how the campaignis progressing so that focus on the campaigns objectives is maintained
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Many candidates did not read part (ii) of the question with sufficient
care & referred to communication problems rather than the of range ofother organisational factors that might affect the success of a H&S
campaign
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Such issues can include
Lack of senior management commitment
Production or other pressures taking priority over H&S
Insufficient resources allocated to the campaign
& a poor safety culture in generalIt should also have been recognised that poor working conditions are likelyto induce cynicism towards the campaign amongst employees
In addition, poor industrial relations or a lack of confidence in managementsability could mean that the campaign is not given support of influentialmembers of staff
Work patterns (e.g. shiftwork) could also mean that some sections of theworkforce are not fully considered or supported, possibly due to the non-availability of key staff
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Overall this question was not well answered & many candidates either
treated it as a general question on communication or produced an
explanation of how accidents could be prevented (i.e. what a H&Scampaign should comprise)
In addition, many answers were too brief to satisfy the requirement for
an outline or description
Points made should have been supported by sufficient reasoning to
show their relevance to the question
March 2007 Question 5
(1)
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(1)
Employers have a requirement placed upon themunder health & safety to involve their employees
(a) Explain the difference between consulting& informing (2) (b)Outline the health & safety matters on which
employers must consult their employees
(6)
Examiners Report
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The HSE guide to the recently introduced Regulations on consultation with
employees draws a clear distinction between informing & consulting
Nearly all candidates, for part (i), probably from a general understanding of
the words, were able to differentiate between the two
Under the MHSWR 1999, amongst others, employers have a duty to provide
comprehensible & relevant H&S information to employees
whereas under the H&S (C with E) R 1996 employers must listen to, & take
account of, the views of employees on H&S matters before a decision is
taken
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The response to part (ii) was a little disappointing despite the
Regulations being quite specific on matters for consultation
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These include
The introduction of any measures at the workplace that may substantiallyaffect the employees H&S
The arrangements for appointing &/or nomination competent persons
The H&S implications of introducing new technology
The planning & organisation of H&S training
& the information that the employer is required to provide under otherRegulations, such as that relating to
Risk assessments
Preventative measures
& emergency proceduresHence employers are not only obliged to provide information but must
consult their employees on the appropriateness of the information before it isgiven
Element 5: Health & Safety Risk
A t
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Assessment
August 2006 Question 4
(1)
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(1)
(a) Explain, using an example, the meaning of
the term risk (3)
(b) Outline the content of a training course for staffwho are required to assist in carrying out risk
assessments (5)
Examiners Report
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p
Answers to part (a) of the question were generally to a reasonable standard
with most candidates able to give an explanation of risk related to the
probability or likelihood of an occurrence, supporting their explanation with
an appropriate exampleFewer, however, gained the third mark for including in their response
reference to the potential severity of the consequences of an untoward
event
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Forpart (b), an outline of the content of a training course for staff who are to
assist in carrying out risk assessments should have included reference to
such matters as
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The legal requirements with respect to risk assessment
The process of identifying hazards & evaluating risks
The identification & selection of appropriate control measures
The awareness of the individuals own limitations & the occasions whenspecialist assistance might be required
Assessing sources of information such as ACOPs & in-house information
including accident records
Report writing skills
The interpretation of regulations & standards & the means available for disseminating the outcomes of the assessment
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Most candidates were able to identify some elements of the content of an
appropriate training course
But there were a few who seemed to think that this was a generic
training question & concentrated on matters such as the conditions
necessary to ensure a good training environment & the skills required
by an effective trainer
March 2007 Question 9
(1)
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(1)
(a) Explain, using an example, the meaning of
the term risk (3)
(b) Outline the factors that should beconsidered when selecting individuals to
assist in carrying out risk assessments in the
workplace (5)
Examiners Report
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Answers to part (a) of the question were generally to a reasonable standard
with most candidates able to give an explanation of risk related to the
probability or likelihood of an occurrence, supporting their explanation withan appropriate example
Fewer, however, gained the third mark for including in their response
reference to the potential severity of the consequences of an untoward
event
Examiners Report
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In answering part (b), relevant factors that should have been outlined
include
The individuals past experience & training in hazard identification & incarrying out risk assessments
Their experience of the process or activity carried out in the workplace &
their knowledge of the plant & equipment involved
Their ability to understand & interpret regulations & standards
Their communication skills
& their attitude & commitment to the task
Dec 2005 Q2, May 2006 Q2, Mar 2007 Q2 & Dec
2007 Q2
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2007 Q2
(5)*
Outline the factors to consider when assessing the
risks to a long distance delivery driver (8)
Examiners Report
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Those candidates who adopted a logical approach to this question almost
inevitably provided better answers
Good answers tended to be structured broadly under the four headings of
The job
The individual
The vehicle
& the loadwith two or three factors outlined for each
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Job factors would include
The duration of the journey
The demands of the route (complexity, road conditions, etc)
Means of communication
& security issues (e.g. potential for violence)
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Individual factors would relate to the physical & psychological capabilities of
the driver to cope with the demands of the job, taking into account the level
of training provided
For the vehicle, important factors would be maintenance & breakdown
provision, & the design & layout of the cab
Lastly it would be necessary to consider the
Nature of the load, (e.g. hazardous, heavy, etc)
The means of handling materials
& the emergency procedures in place
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Some candidates, even though they identified many of the relevant
factors, could not be awarded the full range of marks available because
they produced a truncated list that did not properly outline the
relationship between each factor & the corresponding risks
Dec 2005 Q8, May 2006 Q8, Mar 2007 Q8, Nov
2007 Q8 & Dec 2007 Q8
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2007 Q8 & Dec 2007 Q8
(5)*
(a) Explain, using an example, the meaning of
the term Risk (3)(b) Outline the key stages of a general risk
assessment (5)
Examiners Report
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Answers to part (a) of the question were generally to a reasonable standard
with most candidates able to give an explanation of risk related to the
probability or likelihood of an occurrence, supporting their explanation with
an appropriate example
Fewer, however, gained the third mark for including in their response
reference to the potential severity of the consequences of an untoward
event
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In answering part (b), candidates who thought logically about the way inwhich an assessment should be carried out, & essentially adopted the 5-steps approach, inevitably provided better answers
They thus outlined the need to
Firstly to define the activity or operation being carried assessed
& then to identify the hazards involved & the number & types of people likelyto be exposed
This was followed by an evaluation of the risk
Looking at the likelihood & potential severity of harm
Assessing the adequacy of the existing control measures where required
Finally, the results of the assessment would need to be recorded
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Most candidates were able to identify the steps required to carry out a risk
assessment but did not provide sufficient information to satisfy therequirement for an outline
Those who concentrated on the control hierarchy instead of the steps that
should be used in carrying out the risk assessment unfortunately gained little
reward for their efforts
Element 6: Principles of Control in
Health & Safety
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Health & Safety
Dec 2005 Q2, May 2006 Q2, Nov 2006 Q2,June
2007 Q2 May 2008 Q2
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2007 Q2 May 2008 Q2
(5)
Outline the factors that should be consideredwhen developing a safe system of work (8)
Examiners Report
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The development of safe systems is an essential part of the work of thosewith responsibilities for H&S at whatever level
In general, the Examiners were satisfied with candidates responses
Although some showed weaknesses in this area
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The factors to be considered when deciding how an activity should be
carried out safely focus on the purpose of the activity & the particular tasks
which need to be broken down & scrutinised
For each of these
Hazards need to be identified & risks assessed
Taking into account the people involved (number, skills, etc)
The equipment & materials used
The work methods
The environment in which the work is undertaken
Particular legal requirements, standards & other information that may be
relevant
& any existing control measures
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From these, further controls may need to be considered (including, where
appropriate, changes to the ways in which tasks are carried out or further
training given), monitoring systems implemented & emergency procedures
developed
Candidates who had in mind a particular activity, & then tried to work out
what was relevant to its safe operation, doubtlessly performed better in this
part of the question than those who tried to remember a list of items learned
by rote
Nov 2006 Question 9
(1)
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(1)
(a) Explain the meaning of term permit-to-
work (PTW
) (b) Outline the specific details that should be
included in a PTW for entry into a confined
space (6)
Examiners Report
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Again, there was wide range in the quality of responses to this
question
Most candidates were able to obtain some marks although, in the
second part of the question, some seemed confused over the detailsthat should be included in PTW
In answering part (a), most candidates were able to suggest that a PTW is
part of a formal mechanism for controlling high risk activities
Few answers included much more detail by way of an explanation
For instance, the fact that a permit gives signed authority for the activity totake place
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Forpart (b), typical permit for confined space working should include a
description of the plant involved with reference to the task to be completed &
any foreseeable hazards & risks
The precautions to be taken
(e.g. isolating services
Atmospheric purging
& the removal of contaminants
Pre-entry & ongoing atmospheric testing
Means of communication
Use of respiratory & other PPE, etc)
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The emergency arrangements & equipment to be provided
(e.g. safety lines
Support staff
Resuscitation
& other first-aid equipment, welfare facilities, etc)
Better candidates went on to refer to the need to include a reference to the
Duration of permit
& to the signatures for authorisation & receipt, & for hand-back &
cancellationWhile many of the general issues are common to all permits, the particular
aspects of confined space working should have formed a key part of the
answer
March 2006 Q11, Nov 2006 Q11, June 2007 Q11
& May 2008 Q11
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(4)
Identifythe factors to be considered to ensure the
health & safety of persons who are required towork on their own away from the workplace
(8)
Examiners Report
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Most candidates provided reasonable answers to this question
They needed however, to read the question carefully & appreciate thatit referred to persons who were required to work alone & awayfrom the
main workplace
The question was not solely about lone working although some of the
factors are still very relevant
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A logical, structured & practical way of answering the question was by
looking first at the work location
These would include such issues as
The type of work to be done & its attendant hazards & risks
The equipment to be used
The work environment
& the control measures in place
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The particular factors in relation to those working alone at a distant location
could then have been identifiedThe competence & suitability of the persons involved, the methods of
communication with the home base, & emergency & first-aid procedures
would all be relevant in this respect
The question sought a practical approach to this type of work situation
Nov 2006 Question 1
(1)
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( )
(a) Define the term permit-to-work (PTW) system
(2)
(b) Outline the key elements of a PTW (12)
(c) Outline THREEtypes of work situation that might
require a PTWsystem, giving reasons in EACH
case (6)
Examiners Report
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Again, there was wide range in the quality of responses to this
question
Most candidates were able to obtain some marks although, in the
second part of the question, some seemed confused over the detailsthat should be included in PTW
In answering part (a), most candidates were able to suggest that a PTW is
part of a formal mechanism for controlling high risk activities
Few answers included much more detail by way of an explanation
For instance, the fact that a permit gives signed authority for the activity totake place
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The key elements of a permit-to-work system that should have been
identified forpart (b) of the question include
A description of the task to be performed An indication of the duration of the validity of the permit
The isolations that need to be made & the additional precautions required
Details & signature of the person authorising the work
& an acknowledgement of acceptance by the employee carrying out the task
The employee would then need to indicate on the permit that the work hasbeen completed & the area made safe in order for the permit to be cancelled
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Some candidates identified the reason for the permit-to-work system
rather than its elementsWhile others referred only to the precautions that might be necessary
to the exclusion of other elements
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Forpart (c) most candidates were able to identify four types of work
situation where a permit-to-work system may be required by referring to
activities such as
Entry into confined spaces
Hot work Specialist maintenance work
Work on electrical systems
Excavation work
& working at height
However, difficulties sometimes lay in giving adequate reasons of why
the permit would be required in each case
March 2007 Question 8
(1)
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( )
With respect to the management of risk within the
workplace
(a) Explain the meaning of the term hierarchy
of control (2)(b) Outline, with examples, the standard hierarchy
that should be applied with respect to controlling
health & safety risks in the workplace
(6)
Examiners Report
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No Examiners report available!
arc , ov , uneMay 2088 Q3
(4)
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(4)
Explain why personal protective equipment (PPE)
should be considered as a last resort in the controlof occupational health hazards (8)
Examiners Report
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In answering Certificate questions, candidates often refer to PPE being the
last resort in controlling hazards
This question was designed to discover whether they understood why thisshould be
There are numerous reasons why PPE should be considered only after
other possibilities have been exhausted
At a basic level, it is a legal requirement that other means of control are
considered first
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While this was worth a mention, answers should have focused on why this isthe case by explaining that PPE may not provide adequate protectionbecause of such factors as
Poor selection
Poor fit
Incompatibility with other types of PPE
Contamination
& misuse or non-use by employees
In addition, PPE is likely to be uncomfortable & relies for its effectiveness ona conscious action by the user
In certain circumstances, its use can actually create additional risks (forinstance, warning sounds masked by hearing protection)
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Dec 2005 Q6, May 2006 Q6, Nov 2006 Q4, Mar
2007 Q6, Nov 2007 Q6 & Dec 2007 Q6
(6)*
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(6)*
(a) Identifythe TWOmain functions of first-aid
(2)
(b) Outline the factors to consider when making
an assessment of first-aid provision in the
workplace (6)
Examiners Report
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Forpart (a), the two main functions of first-aid are
Firstly, the preservation of life &/or the minimisation of the consequences of
serious injury
&, secondly, the treatment of minor injuries that do not need medical
attention
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In general, candidates provided reasonable answers to this question with the
more able referring to & outlining the wide range of factors involved
These include the
Number & distribution of employees
The hazards & associated risks in the workplace
The distance of the workplace from the nearest emergency hospital
The need to provide cover for shift work, staff holidays & sickness
& the possibility of cooperating with other employers in shared premisesSome candidates provided a very brief list of points in answer to this
question & thus restricted the number of marks that could be awarded
Element 7: Investigation, Recording &
Reporting of Health & Safety Incidents
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Nov 2006 Q5 & March 2007 Q10
(2)
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Outline the immediate & longer term actions that
should be taken following a serious injury at work(8)
Examiners Report
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Candidates who gained high marks were those who clearly structured theiranswers into the actions that are required immediately after an accident, in
terms of
Attending to the victim
Informing the next of kin & securing the scene of the accident
& subsequent actions that are required to satisfy statutory requirements
& to determine root causes
Longer term actions will therefore include
Reporting the accident under RIDDOR
Identifying witnesses
Undertaking an investigation &
On the basis of the findings, reviewing work processes
Aug Q6 & Nov 2006 Q6
(2)
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(a) Identify FOURreasons why accidents
should be reported & recorded within a
workplace (4)
(b) Outline factors that might discourage
employees from reporting workplace accidents
(4)
Examiners Report
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ForPart (a), most candidates identified that accidents should be reported &
recorded in order to
Comply with legislative requirements To enable an accident investigation to take place (with the aim of preventing
accidents of a similar type)
& to identify accident trends from later statistical analysis
Marks were also available for identifying that accident reporting & recording
can also lead to a useful review of risk assessments & can assist in theconsideration of any civil claims that may arise
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In answering part (b), Examiners were looking to candidates to outline suchfactors as
Ignorance of the reporting procedures
The possibility of retribution (particularly within a blame culture)
Peer pressure
A previous lack of management response & an aversion to form filling
Other factors include
A reluctance to lose time from the job in hand
The trivial nature of any injury sustained
& a desire to preserve the companys, the departments or the individualspersonal safety record, particularly where bonus payments are affected by it
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The majority of candidates produced good answers to both parts of the
question
Partly because of the wide range of possible causes but also because this
area of the syllabus does appear to have been well covered by course
providers
ar , ov , uneMay 2008 Q1
(4)
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( )
An employee has been seriously injured after beingstruck by a reversing vehicle in a loading bay
(i) Give FOURreasons why the accident should be
investigated by the persons employer (4)
(ii) Outline the information that should be included in
the investigation report (8)
(iii) Outline FOURpossible immediate causes &
FOURpossible underlying (root) causes of theaccident (8)
Examiners Report
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Forpart (i), nearly all candidates recognised that the primary purposes of
investigating an accident is to identify the immediate & root causes in order
to prevent similar accidents occurring in the future
In this respect, the main reasons for investigation relate to the possible
weaknesses in risk assessment processes & other aspects of safety
management systems
Other reasons relate to
Facilitating compliance with legal obligations
Collecting evidence to defend a civil claim
Determining economic loss
& demonstrating management commitment to occupational health & safety
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Part (ii) required an outline of a sufficient range of information to gain theeight marks available
This should have included reference to information such as
The personal details of the injured party, time & location of the accident
Environmental conditions, the work activity at the time of the accident
The control measures in place The precise circumstances of the accident
The type & extent of injury sustained
Details of witnesses & copies of their statements where taken
Drawings & photographs
Immediate & root causes identified Possible breaches of the law
& the recommendations of the investigation team in relation to remedialaction required
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As is often the case, some candidates provided a list rather than an
outline
Other answers lacked the breadth required by concentrating on a
limited number of items of information
Sometimes providing rather more detail than was necessary
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In answering part (iii), marks were available for outlining possible immediatecauses such as
Human error or failure to comply with procedures
Restricted view for the driver
& environmental conditions such as high noise levelsUnderlying causes could have included
Lack of driver &/or other employee training
Lack of supervision
Absence of site rules or procedures for the control of reversing vehicles
Failure to separate vehicular & pedestrian traffic & a lack of maintenance of vehicles &/or the workplace
Overall, the first part of the question was generally well answered
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Part (iii) was least well answered, with some candidates displaying an
obvious lack of knowledge of the difference between immediate &underlying causes
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Part (iii) was least well answered, with some candidates displaying an
obvious lack of knowledge of the difference between immediate &underlying causes
March 2006 Q10, Nov 2006 Q4 & June 2007 Q10
(3)
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Givingreasons in EACHcase, identify FOUR
categories of persons who may be considered auseful member of an internal investigation team
(8)
Examiners Report
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Candidates could have identified persons such as
A senior manager to demonstrate management commitment & to ensure
appropriate remedial action was taken
The line manager or supervisor who would be familiar with the working
practices in the area where the accident occurred
The safety adviser to offer advice on the legal implications of the accident &
the control measures currently in place
The safety representative to present the interests of the employees
& a technical expert such as an engineer who would be able to provideinformation on technical issues raised during the investigation
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While most candidates were able to identify four persons who could
form part of the investigating team, they were not always able to
provide reasons for their inclusion
Element 8: Monitoring Review & Audit of
Health & Safety Performance
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March 2007 Question 11
(1)
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Listthe written information that is likely to be
examined during a health & safety audit (8)
Examiners Report
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No Examiners Report available!
Nov 2006 Question 6
(1)
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Outline the strengths & weaknesses of using a
checklist to complete a health & safety inspection
of the workplace (8)
Examiners Report
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Using a checklist to complete a H&S inspection of a workplace enables
Prior preparation & planning to be made so that the inspection is more
structured & systematic
It reduces the chance that important areas or issues might be overlooked
& provides an immediate record of findings
It also ensures a consistent approach by those carrying out the inspection &
provides an easy method for comparison & audit
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On the other hand, the weakness of using a checklist are
That over reliance on this method may lead to a blinkered approach by
inspectors with the possibility that significant risks might be missed
That the checklist may not be reviewed & updated to account for changes towork processes or equipment
That there is a danger that inspections become routine with no follow-up
questions being asked
That the system is too objectives & restrictive with no scope for peripheral
issues to be considered & that untrained persons may be tempted to conduct inspections or that the
procedure is subject to human error &/or abuse
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Conna