IOSH Introducing Managing Safely 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between a proactive and reactive approach to safety?
- Proactive means responding to accidents; reactive means preventing them
- Proactive means preventing incidents before they occur; reactive means responding after they happen (Correct answer)
- There is no difference between the two approaches
- Proactive is more expensive and therefore less effective
Correct answer: Proactive means preventing incidents before they occur; reactive means responding after they happen
A proactive approach focuses on identifying and controlling hazards before incidents occur (prevention), while a reactive approach involves responding to incidents after they have happened (investigation, corrective action).
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a 'near miss'?
- A worker breaks their arm after falling from a ladder
- A heavy object falls from a shelf but narrowly misses a worker (Correct answer)
- A worker reports feeling stressed about their workload
- A fire breaks out in the canteen
Correct answer: A heavy object falls from a shelf but narrowly misses a worker
A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness or damage but had the potential to do so. The falling object that narrowly missed a worker is a classic example.
Question 3: Why is worker consultation important in health and safety management?
- It is only required in unionised workplaces
- Workers often have the best knowledge of practical risks and solutions in their area (Correct answer)
- It removes the employer's legal responsibility
- It is a voluntary best practice with no legal basis
Correct answer: Workers often have the best knowledge of practical risks and solutions in their area
Consulting workers is both a legal requirement and good practice. Workers have direct experience of the risks in their roles and can provide valuable insight into practical and effective control measures.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a health and safety policy?
- To satisfy insurance company requirements only
- To set out the organisation's commitment, arrangements and responsibilities for health and safety (Correct answer)
- To list all accidents that have occurred
- To provide a record of risk assessments
Correct answer: To set out the organisation's commitment, arrangements and responsibilities for health and safety
A health and safety policy sets out the organisation's general approach and commitment to health and safety, the responsibilities of key personnel, and the arrangements in place to manage health and safety.
Question 5: Under the HSWA 1974, employers with how many or more employees must have a written safety policy?
- 1 or more
- 5 or more (Correct answer)
- 10 or more
- 25 or more
Correct answer: 5 or more
Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires every employer with five or more employees to prepare and keep a written statement of their health and safety policy.
Question 6: Which body is the main regulator for workplace health and safety in the UK?
- The Environment Agency
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (Correct answer)
- The Care Quality Commission
- The Department for Work and Pensions
Correct answer: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It enforces legislation, provides guidance, and investigates serious incidents.
IOSH Introducing Managing Safely 3
What is the difference between a proactive and reactive approach to safety?