Assessing Risks Flashcards
6 cards from real IOSH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Assessing Risks flashcards as text
What is the purpose of reviewing and updating risk assessments?
Answer: To ensure they remain valid, reflect current conditions, and incorporate lessons learned
Reviewing risk assessments ensures they reflect current workplace conditions, incorporate lessons from incidents, account for changes in legislation or guidance, and remain suitable and sufficient. Workplaces change, and assessments must change with them.
Which of the following would trigger an immediate review of a risk assessment?
Answer: A significant accident or near miss related to the assessed activity
A significant accident or near miss indicates that the current risk assessment and controls may be inadequate. Other triggers include changes in processes, equipment, substances, legislation, personnel, or if new information about hazards becomes available.
What is 'competence' in relation to carrying out risk assessments?
Answer: Having the necessary training, knowledge, experience and ability to identify hazards and evaluate risks
Competence means having the right combination of training, knowledge, experience and ability to carry out the task effectively. For risk assessments, the assessor must understand the work activity, recognise hazards, and evaluate risks appropriately.
What information should be recorded in the significant findings of a risk assessment?
Answer: The hazards identified, who is at risk, existing controls, risk ratings, and any further actions needed
The significant findings should include: the hazards identified, who could be harmed and how, existing control measures, the level of risk (rating), any additional controls required, who is responsible, and the review date.
Why might certain workers be considered 'particularly at risk' in a risk assessment?
Answer: Because of factors such as inexperience, disability, pregnancy, language barriers or shift patterns
Certain workers may be particularly at risk due to factors such as inexperience (young/new workers), physical condition (pregnant workers, disabled workers), language barriers, health conditions, working patterns (lone workers, shift workers), or age.
What does 'proportionate' mean when applied to risk assessment?
Answer: The level of detail and effort should match the level of risk — higher risks need more thorough assessment
A proportionate risk assessment means that the depth of analysis and the rigour of the assessment should match the level of risk. Simple, low-risk activities need straightforward assessments; complex, high-risk activities require more detailed analysis.