College of Health,Environment & Safety Studies

Mock Exam Review NGC Paper 1 Presented by: Ravi Seepersad

General Comments
Misinterpretation of Questions Terminology- Good Limited knowledge of the law Grammar & Spelling Penmanship Fair Content Needs Work

Terminology

Define Provide a generally accepted definition Describe - Give a word picture Explain- Give a clear account of or reason for. Give Provide without explanation Identify Select and Name List Provide list without explanation Outline Give the most important features of State A less demanding form of define. No generally recognized definition Sketch A simple line drawing using labels to identify specific features.

Question 1
(a)

With the aid of a sketch, identify the key elements of a health and safety management system (such as HSG 65). (6)

Question 1
(b) Outline the main contents of EACH of the elements of the health and safety management system as identified in part (a) (12) 1.

2.

3.

4. 5.

6.

POLICY Aims, objectives and targets of the organisation. Indicates management commitment and contributes to business efficiency and continuous improvement. ORGANISATION Well defined structure that allows for clear roles, responsibilities, accountability and empowerment. High levels of staff involvement and communication is essential. PLANNING & IMPLEMENTING Based on assessing and prioritizing risk and the implementation of control systems that reduce the risks to levels that are as low as reasonably practicable. MEASURING Active and reactive monitoring strategies. Here the organization is measured against its own long term goals & objectives. REVIEW Systematic review of the system to evaluate the performance against set standards. Comparisons are made with internal & external performance indicators and targets adjusted as needed. AUDIT Independent assessment of the compliance with the HSMS. Identifies weaknesses and makes recommendations.

Question 1
(c) Identify two practical measures that managers could take to motivate employees to follow the standards contained within the health and safety management system. (2) Two practical measures includes the following: 1. Recognition Employee of the month etc. 2. Reward Financial incentives. 3. Consultation and involvement. 4. Provision of training and adequate levels of supervision. 5. Setting of realistic targets for employees.

Question 2
Outline the initial actions that should be taken following a major injury caused by an accident at work. (8)

Initial action would include: Securing the accident scene and make the area safe. First Aid treatment. Inform a member of senior management and the safety advisor. Inform the employee representative. Inform the next of kin. Inform the ICC by the quickest practicable means eg. the telephone, fax. Complete the internal accident form of accident book BI510. Initiate the investigation.

Question 3
(a)

Give TWO reasons why an employer should implement safe systems of work

(2)

Two reasons for the implementation of a safe system of work includes: 1. It is a legal requirement under HSW Act 1974 section 2. 2. To comply with the common law duty of care. 3. As a control measure to reduce accidents. 4. As a requirement based on a risk assessment. 5. To have a standardized procedure for employees
(b) 1. 2. 3. 4.

5.
6. 7. 8. 9.

Outline six sources of information that should be consulted when developing a safe system of work. (6) Statutory Instruments ACOPs and HSE Guidance Information from manufacturers. EU Standards or other. Industry or trade literature. Risk Assessment results. Accident statistics. Health /medical surveillance records. Consultation information from employees and professionals

Question 4
Outline the factors that may increase the risk to pregnant employees in the workplace. (8)

Exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, lead, that could lead to teratogenic & mutagenic changes. Biological exposures Hepatitis Physical hazards Radiation , temperature, ergonomic etc. Workplace stress Workload, working hours etc. Violence Issues relating to the use of PPE. Failure by the employees to inform the employee of pregnancy.

Question 5
Identify the factors that influence safety related behavior at work. (8) Factors that influence safety related behavior in the workplace can be categorized as follows:
1.

2.

3.

The Organization Does the organization have: 1. An effective health and safety management system 2. A positive health and safety culture 3. Arrangements for setting and monitoring of standards 4. Adequate supervision 5. Effective reporting and analysis procedures The Job The following points should be considered: Analysis of critical aspects Balance between automatic and human systems. Application of ergonomic principles. The design and presentation of procedures. Adequate control of the working environment. The provision of correct tools and equipment. The scheduling of work patterns and shift organization. Personal factors 1. Attitude The tendency to behave in a particular manner in a given situation. 2. Motivation The driving force behind the way a person acts or the way people are stimulated to act. 3. Perception The way in which people interpret the environment or the way in which a person believes or understands a situation.

Question 6
Identify the reasons an employee might require additional health and safety training at a later stage of employment within an organisation. (8) Continuous training is essential in maintaining a healthy and safe workplace. Additional training may be essential due to:

Introduction of new processes or method of work. Introduction of new equipment. As a result of a job change. Changes in legislation. Where risk assessments indicate the need for additional training. Refresher training for specific employees forklift operators. Reduce errors due to complacency. As a result of staff appraisals.

Question 7
(a) State the employees duties under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. (2) The duties of the employee under the MHSW Regulations 1999 are as follows: 1. To use all equipment, machinery, safety devices in accordance with the training and instructions that have been given by the employer. 2. Inform the employer about work situations that could present serious or imminent danger. 3. Inform the employer of any shortcomings in the employers health and safety management system.

(b). Identify six employee responsibilities which could be included in the organisation section of a health and safety policy. (6) 1. To ensure their own safety and that of other employees. 2. Cooperate with the employers. 3. Refrain from misusing items provided in the interest of health and safety. 4. Use PPE where required and in accordance with set policy. 5. Reporting of accidents and near miss incidents. 6. Ensuring proper housekeeping. 7. To inform the employer about any hazards or defects in the control of risks.

Question 8
In relation to a risk assessment undertaken to comply with the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999: (a) Identify FIVE criteria that will determine whether it is suitable and sufficient. (5)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

It should indicate the competence of the assessor. Identify all significant hazards and ignore the trivial ones. Identify all the persons at risk including non-employees. Evaluate existing controls for effectiveness and identify additional controls. Allow for the setting of priorities. Record the significant findings. Remain valid for a reasonable period of time.

(b)

Outline three circumstances that may require a risk assessment to be reviewed. (3)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Changes in the work method. New information on hazards. Changes in plant and equipment. Changes in legislation. Following cases of accident or ill-health. After sufficient time has passed. As a result of information received from health surveillance.

Question 9
Outline FOUR active (proactive) monitoring methods that can be used in assessing the health and safety performance of an organisation. (8) Four proactive monitoring techniques include: Inspections monitors a particular department or area within a particular period. Consideration of premises, plant & maintenance, procedures, people. Safety Sampling Analysis of a particular area or activity over time. Specific issues are highlighted using a checklist and the sampling conducted the same time in the specified period. Safety tours An unscheduled examination of the workplace, carried out by a manager or the HSE committee to ensure compliance with set standards eg. Housekeeping. Safety Surveys Surveys of the workplace, systems or people to determine facts about their health and safety status. Health Surveillance Used for the early identification of occupational ill-health among employees so that corrective action can be taken. HSMS Audits Critical independent analysis of all aspects of the systems to identify faults and implement corrective action.

Question 10
In relation to health and safety, outline the role of the following: (a) Employment tribunals. (4) Tribunals adjudicate against improvement & prohibition notices. Tribunals adjudicate on appeals on behalf of trade union Safety representative and ROES. Tribunals adjudicate on appeals of unfair dismissal on grounds of health and safety. The tribunals may allow or dismiss the appeals and may award compensation where it is deemed to be appropriate. (b) Criminal Courts. (4) Regulate health and safety standards set by the state. Determine guilt by proof beyond all reasonable doubt. Punishment for individuals or companies may be in the form of fines or custodial sentences. Courts may also allocate costs and impose compensation orders.

Question 11
Identify the information that should be contained in the arrangements section of a health and safety policy. (8) The following information should be included in the arrangements section:

Employee health and safety code of practice. Accident and illness reporting and investigation. Emergency procedures including first aid. Procedures for undertaking risk assessments. Control of exposure to specific hazards. Machinery safety. Maintenance procedures. Permit to work procedures. Use of Personal Protective equipment. Inspections and audits Monitoring procedures. Provision of welfare facilities Training procedures.