IOSH Assessing Risks 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'dynamic risk assessment'?
- A risk assessment that is filed electronically
- A continuous, on-the-spot assessment of changing risks during work (Correct answer)
- A risk assessment carried out by a team
- A risk assessment that uses computer software
Correct answer: A continuous, on-the-spot assessment of changing risks during work
A dynamic risk assessment is a continuous process of identifying, assessing and managing risks in real time, particularly when conditions change or are unpredictable. It is commonly used by emergency services, lone workers and those in changing environments.
Question 2: Which regulation specifically requires employers to carry out risk assessments?
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Correct answer)
- The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2022
- The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
Correct answer: The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 specifically requires employers to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to health and safety of their employees and others affected by their undertaking.
Question 3: Employers with five or more employees must do what with their risk assessments?
- Submit them to the HSE annually
- Record the significant findings in writing (Correct answer)
- Display them on the staff noticeboard
- Have them approved by an external auditor
Correct answer: Record the significant findings in writing
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of their risk assessments. This includes the hazards identified, who is at risk, and the control measures in place.
Question 4: What is a 'generic' risk assessment?
- A risk assessment specific to one individual task
- A risk assessment that covers common activities or hazards applicable across similar situations (Correct answer)
- A risk assessment carried out by a generic worker
- A risk assessment that does not identify any specific hazards
Correct answer: A risk assessment that covers common activities or hazards applicable across similar situations
A generic risk assessment covers common activities or hazards that are similar across different locations or situations. It provides a useful starting point but must be adapted to reflect the specific conditions of each workplace or task.
Question 5: What should be done if a risk assessment reveals that current controls are inadequate?
- Ignore it if no accidents have occurred
- Implement additional control measures as soon as reasonably practicable (Correct answer)
- Wait until the next scheduled review to take action
- Only act if the HSE issues an improvement notice
Correct answer: Implement additional control measures as soon as reasonably practicable
If a risk assessment identifies that existing controls are not sufficient, additional measures must be implemented as soon as reasonably practicable. Waiting for an incident or enforcement action would be a breach of duty.
Question 6: What is 'residual risk'?
- The risk that exists before any control measures are applied
- The risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been applied (Correct answer)
- The risk of the control measure itself failing
- The risk associated with emergency procedures
Correct answer: The risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been applied
Residual risk is the level of risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been put in place. Some level of residual risk may be acceptable if it has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
IOSH Assessing Risks 3
What is a 'dynamic risk assessment'?