IOSH Common Hazards in the Workplace 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK?
- Chemical exposure and radiation
- Slips, trips and falls, manual handling injuries, and being struck by objects (Correct answer)
- Only machinery-related injuries
- Only injuries from working at height
Correct answer: Slips, trips and falls, manual handling injuries, and being struck by objects
According to HSE statistics, the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK are: slips, trips and falls (the single biggest cause), manual handling injuries, being struck by moving objects, and falls from height. These account for the majority of reported workplace injuries.
Question 2: What are the main causes of slips in the workplace?
- Only ice and snow
- Wet or contaminated floors, inappropriate footwear, sudden changes in flooring, poor cleaning methods, and spillages (Correct answer)
- Only oil spills in factories
- Only in kitchen environments
Correct answer: Wet or contaminated floors, inappropriate footwear, sudden changes in flooring, poor cleaning methods, and spillages
Slips are caused by: wet floors (cleaning, leaks, weather), contaminated surfaces (oil, grease, dust, food), inappropriate or worn footwear, poor cleaning methods (leaving floors wet), sudden changes in floor surface or level, and poor drainage in wet areas.
Question 3: What are the main causes of trips in the workplace?
- Only uneven surfaces outdoors
- Trailing cables, uneven floors, poor lighting, clutter, damaged carpet or flooring, and change in floor level without marking (Correct answer)
- Only objects left on stairs
- Only in construction environments
Correct answer: Trailing cables, uneven floors, poor lighting, clutter, damaged carpet or flooring, and change in floor level without marking
Trips are caused by: trailing cables and hoses, uneven or damaged floor surfaces, clutter and poor housekeeping, items left on walkways, inadequate lighting, changes in floor level (unmarked steps), curled carpet edges, and open drawers. Good housekeeping prevents most trips.
Question 4: What is the maximum weight a person should lift according to the HSE manual handling guidance?
- There is no maximum weight — it depends on a risk assessment (Correct answer)
- 25 kg for men and 16 kg for women in ideal conditions, but these are guidelines not legal limits
- 50 kg for all workers
- 10 kg for all workers
Correct answer: There is no maximum weight — it depends on a risk assessment
There is no legal maximum weight limit. The HSE provides guideline figures (25 kg for men, 16 kg for women close to the body at waist height in ideal conditions), but these are guidelines for initial filtering, not absolute limits. The actual safe weight depends on a full assessment of task, individual, load and environment (TILE).
Question 5: What does the DSE Regulations require employers to do?
- Provide all workers with laptops
- Assess DSE workstations, reduce risks, provide eye tests for DSE users, and ensure workstations meet minimum requirements (Correct answer)
- Only provide adjustable chairs
- Replace all monitors every year
Correct answer: Assess DSE workstations, reduce risks, provide eye tests for DSE users, and ensure workstations meet minimum requirements
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 require employers to: assess DSE workstations, reduce identified risks, ensure workstations meet minimum requirements (adjustable chair, suitable display, adequate lighting), provide eye tests on request, and provide training and information.
Question 6: What is the main piece of legislation covering electrical safety in the workplace?
- The Electricity Act 1989
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Correct answer)
- The Wiring Regulations BS 7671
- The Building Regulations Part P
Correct answer: The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the main regulations covering electrical safety in the workplace. They require that all electrical systems are constructed and maintained to prevent danger, and that work on electrical systems is carried out safely.
IOSH Common Hazards in the Workplace 1
What are the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK?