CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme Accident Reporting and Prevention Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why is it essential for all workers on a construction site to report 'near misses'?
- To assign blame to the workers involved.
- It is only necessary if someone was slightly hurt.
- To allow for the identification of hazards and prevent future, more serious accidents. (Correct answer)
- To ensure the accident book is filled out correctly.
Correct answer: To allow for the identification of hazards and prevent future, more serious accidents.
Reporting near misses is a proactive safety measure. It helps the site management team to identify underlying hazards and weaknesses in the safety system before they can cause an actual injury, allowing preventative measures to be put in place.
Question 2: An operative slips on a wet floor and fractures their wrist. A doctor signs them off from their normal duties for 10 consecutive days. Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), what action must the 'responsible person' take?
- No action is needed as it was a simple slip.
- Record it in the accident book but do not report it to the HSE.
- Only report it if the operative is admitted to hospital overnight.
- Report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an 'over-seven-day incapacitation'. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an 'over-seven-day incapacitation'.
According to RIDDOR, an accident must be reported to the HSE if it results in an employee being unable to perform their normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days. The 10-day absence meets this criterion.
Question 3: Which of the following is the BEST example of a proactive measure to prevent accidents on a construction site?
- Investigating an accident after it has happened.
- Conducting regular toolbox talks on specific site hazards. (Correct answer)
- Providing first aid to an injured worker.
- Completing an accident report form for the HSE.
Correct answer: Conducting regular toolbox talks on specific site hazards.
A proactive measure is an action taken to prevent an incident before it occurs. Toolbox talks are designed to raise awareness of hazards and reinforce safe working practices, thereby preventing accidents. The other options are reactive measures taken after an incident has already happened.
Question 4: Under RIDDOR, which of the following is classified as a 'dangerous occurrence' that must be reported to the HSE, even if no one is injured?
- A power tool failing due to lack of maintenance.
- A delivery lorry getting a flat tyre on site.
- The unintended collapse of a scaffold structure over 5 metres high. (Correct answer)
- Discovering a minor error in the architectural plans.
Correct answer: The unintended collapse of a scaffold structure over 5 metres high.
RIDDOR lists specific 'dangerous occurrences' that have a high potential to cause serious harm and must be reported even if they do not result in an injury. The collapse of a scaffold over 5 metres high is a specified dangerous occurrence under the regulations.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of maintaining an accident book on a construction site?
- To provide a legal record of all work-related injuries, which can be used to identify accident trends and for any potential insurance or legal claims. (Correct answer)
- To track which employees have had the most time off sick.
- To decide which workers require additional training based on their involvement in incidents.
- To list the names and contact details of the designated first aiders.
Correct answer: To provide a legal record of all work-related injuries, which can be used to identify accident trends and for any potential insurance or legal claims.
The accident book is a formal record of work-related injuries. Its primary purpose is to comply with social security law and to document incidents accurately. This information is vital for managing health and safety, identifying patterns to prevent future accidents, and serves as evidence should there be a subsequent claim.
Question 6: You see that a guard rail on a walkway has been temporarily removed, creating a fall hazard. According to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, what is your immediate responsibility?
- Report the hazard immediately to your site supervisor or manager. (Correct answer)
- Attempt to fix the guard rail yourself, even if you are not trained to do so.
- Wait until the end of your shift to mention it.
- Ignore it, as it is the responsibility of the person who removed it.
Correct answer: Report the hazard immediately to your site supervisor or manager.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a duty on all employees to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. This includes reporting dangerous situations to their supervisor so that action can be taken.
CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme Accident Reporting and Prevention Questions and Answers
Why is it essential for all workers on a construction site to report 'near misses'?