CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme Health and Welfare Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which of the following is considered a mandatory welfare facility on a construction site?
- A designated smoking area with benches.
- A supply of hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap, and a means of drying hands. (Correct answer)
- Free access to a vending machine with snacks and drinks.
- On-site parking for all workers' personal vehicles.
Correct answer: A supply of hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap, and a means of drying hands.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires that all construction sites provide adequate welfare facilities, which legally must include washing facilities with hot and cold or warm running water, soap, and a way to dry hands. This is essential for hygiene and to prevent the spread of diseases, especially when workers may come into contact with hazardous substances. While other amenities are beneficial, they are not a legal minimum requirement.
Question 2: A worker is tasked with moving a pallet of cement bags. Which of the following is the first action they should take according to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations?
- Start lifting the bags immediately, one by one.
- Ask a colleague to help them lift the entire pallet.
- Check if mechanical lifting aids, like a forklift or pallet truck, are available to move the load. (Correct answer)
- Ensure they are wearing steel-toe cap boots before starting.
Correct answer: Check if mechanical lifting aids, like a forklift or pallet truck, are available to move the load.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 prioritise a hierarchy of controls. The first step is to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable. This means looking for ways to mechanise or automate the task, such as using a forklift or pallet truck, before resorting to manual lifting.
Question 3: An operative on site suffers a serious crush injury to their arm from a piece of machinery. Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), what is the immediate responsibility of the 'responsible person' (e.g., the site manager)?
- Complete the online report form within 24 hours.
- Wait to see if the worker is off work for more than seven days before reporting.
- Record the incident in the site's accident book only.
- Report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) without delay by the quickest practicable means. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) without delay by the quickest practicable means.
RIDDOR requires that certain 'specified injuries', which include crush injuries causing internal organ damage or amputations, must be reported to the enforcing authority immediately. The quickest practicable means is usually by telephone, followed by a full online report within 10 days.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the main purpose of a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment on a construction site?
- To list all the chemicals stored on site for the fire brigade.
- To identify the risks from hazardous substances and decide on the precautions needed to prevent or control exposure. (Correct answer)
- To ensure all workers have the correct colour safety helmet.
- To calculate the maximum weight a worker is allowed to lift.
Correct answer: To identify the risks from hazardous substances and decide on the precautions needed to prevent or control exposure.
The core purpose of COSHH is to protect workers' health by managing exposure to hazardous substances. This involves a systematic assessment to identify the hazardous substances (like cement dust, solvents, or fumes), evaluate the risks they pose, and implement effective control measures to prevent harm.
Question 5: A new construction site is being set up. There will be 25 workers on site. According to HSE guidance, what is the minimum first aid provision required?
- At least one appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements.
- A fully equipped ambulance stationed on site at all times.
- At least one first-aider trained in either Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW). (Correct answer)
- A first aid box located in the site manager's car.
Correct answer: At least one first-aider trained in either Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW).
HSE guidance states that for sites with 5-50 workers, there must be at least one person trained and qualified in either Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW), depending on the level of risk identified. An appointed person is only sufficient for sites with fewer than 5 workers.
Question 6: A worker reports to their supervisor that the toilets on site are consistently unclean and have no soap or hand-drying facilities. What should the supervisor do?
- Tell the worker to bring their own soap and hand sanitiser.
- Ignore the complaint as it is not a safety-critical issue.
- Take immediate action to ensure the facilities are cleaned and properly stocked as it is a legal requirement. (Correct answer)
- Suggest the worker use the facilities at a nearby cafe.
Correct answer: Take immediate action to ensure the facilities are cleaned and properly stocked as it is a legal requirement.
Employers have a legal duty under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 to provide and maintain adequate and clean welfare facilities throughout the project. This includes keeping toilets clean and stocked with essentials like soap. The supervisor must address this failure to comply with legal requirements.
CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme Health and Welfare Questions and Answers
According to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which of the following is considered a mandatory welfare facility on a construction site?