NEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 1ELEMENT 3: HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - ORGANISING1. Outline the practical control measures by which a HSE Manager could involve employees in theimprovement of health & safety in the workplace. (8)Involving employees in Risk AssessmentsInvolving employees in Accident InvestigationsInvolving employees in the development of Safe Systems & ProceduresEncouraging hazard-spotting & the report of defectsSetting up suggestion schemesOrganizing training courses & information programsSupporting active involvement in safety committee meetings Being accompanied by employees or their representatives on safety tours & inspectionsGiving employees the responsibilities for mentoring young & inexperienced workers2. Outline the factors that might contribute towards a positive safety culture within an organization. (8)(Or)Outline ways in which the health & safety culture of an organization might be improved. (8)A clear policy with Health & Safety being given obvious equal priority with other businessobjectives (e.g. quality, production, etc.)The setting of realistic & achievable targetsThe provision of a good working environmentPro-active monitoring of health & safety standardsEffective communication channelsA "no-blame" cultureConsultation with and the involvement of the workplace.3. A health & safety audit of an organization has identified a general lack of compliance with procedures.a. Described the possible reasons for procedures not being followed. (10)b. Outline the practical measures that could be taken to motivate employees to comply with health &safety procedures. (10)Part (a)Inadequate supervision & enforcement of the procedures by the management.Inadequate resources whether tools, equipment or employeesA poor attitude towards health & safety generally (as an indication of a poor safety culture)Issues relating to working conditions that may hinder compliance with procedures (such as poorworkstation design & inattention to ergonomic issues)The procedures themselves being unrealistic or unclearFatigue, illness & stressLiteracy & language issuesMental and/or physical capabilities not taken into accountA failure to recognize risksPeer pressure & other pressures or incentives to cut cornersA failure by management to consult the workforce & to provide the necessary information &trainingThe repetitive, tedious or complex nature of the tasks being performedNEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 2Ultimately a willful disregard of the safety proceduresPart (b)A display of commitment on the part of the managementThe provision of a good working environmentJoint consultation & the involvement of employees in drawing up & reviewing proceduresThe setting of personal performance targets with due recognition when these are achievedImproving employee's knowledge of the consequences of not working safely and these can beachieve by training and by providing more informationThe introduction of job rotationFinally, the taking of disciplinary action in cases of deliberate failure to follow laid downprocedures4. List the factors that might be considered when assessing the health & safety competence of acontractor. (8)Experience with type of workReputationSuitable references or recommendationPrevious work recordAdequacy of safety policyEnforcement historyAccident and ill health dataMembership of trade organisationsSuitable training for employeesArrangements for sub-contractorsSuitable risk assessments etc.5. Questiona. Identify four types of emergency procedures that an organization might need to have in place. (4)b. Explain why visitor to a workplace should be informed of the emergency. (4)Part (a)Evacuation in the case of fireFor accidentsFor dangerous incidents such as chemical spillage, for security of intruder alertIn the event of an explosive device being suspected or discovered at sitePart (b)Visitors need to be informed of the procedures so that they can act appropriately in the event ofan emergency, thereby minimizing the risk to themselves as well as to other personsTo comply with legal requirementsThe general duty owed to persons other than employees, as is the employer's common law dutyof care6. Questiona. Outline the events that may create a need for additional health and safety training within anorganization. (10)NEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 3b. Outline the factors to be considered when preparing and presenting a training session on health andsafety. (10)Part (a)As a result of a job change involving different health & safety requirements and/or theallocation of additional responsibilitiesRestructuring / ReorganizationNew or Change in the process or equipmentNew LegislationWhere risk assessments or staff appraisals indicate that additional training is necessaryFollowing an Inspection or AuditFollowing an accident, enforcement action or insurance impositionsNew buildings / acquisitionsWhere refresher training is required such as that required for forklift truck operators & first-aidpersonnelTo counteract the possibility of employees becoming complacent & lax in the followingestablished procedures for health & safetyPart (b)Identify the training needsIdentify the training objectivesThe Target Audience; existing knowledge / skills, relevance of training / motivation, capacity forlearning, essential prior knowledgeIdentify training methods; lecture, video, group work, role play, toolbox talks, on-the-jobtraining, etc.How the effectiveness of the training will be evaluated; e.g. test / examination / quiz, workmonitoring, practical demonstration (test piece); long-term monitoring of accident statistics,etc.Number of traineesTime availableTraining aids requiredSuitability of training facilities; location, room size, layout, lighting, car parkingRefreshment breaks during the course, start and finish timesCourse 'rules'; mobile phones, interruptions, emergency proceduresCourse administration; register, evaluation forms, travel arrangements, course materials, etc.7. Outline Four advantages & Four disadvantages of using "propaganda" posters to communicatehealth & safety information in the workplace. (8)Advantages of posters include:Their relatively low cost (allowing them to be displayed in the lost apposite positions)Their brevity (allowing messages to be easily understood)Their use in reinforcing verbal instructions or informationIn providing a constant reminder of important health & safety issuesTheir potential to allow employees to become involved in their selection & hence in themessage being conveyedNEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 4Disadvantages include:The need to change posters on a regular basis if they are to be noticedThe fact that they may become soiled, defaced & out-of-dateThe possibility that they might be seen to trivialize serious mattersAdditionally, they might actually alienate people if inappropriate stereotypes (e.g. of the"stupid" worker) are usedThey provide no direct way of assessing whether the message has been understoodThey may be perceived by unscrupulous employers as an easy, if not particularly effective, wayof discharging their responsibility to provide health & safety informationEven of shifting the responsibility onto the workforce for any accidents that may occur8. Explain why it is important to use a variety of methods to communicate health & safety informationin the workplace. (8)People respond differently to different stimuli, & that variety prevents over-familiarization withone method & helps to reinforce a messageThe need to overcome language barriers & the inability of some employees to readThe need to motivate, stimulate interest & gain involvement and feedbackThe acceptance that different types of information require different methods of communication9. Outline the topics that may need to be included in the agenda of a safety committee meeting. (8)A review of recent incidentsA review of proactive monitoring strategies such as safety inspections & auditsReports following visits by enforcement authoritiesThe effects on the company of new or impending H&S LegislationPossible amendments to the company's health & safety policy and risk assessmentsThe extend & effectiveness of any H&S training given to employeesThe introduction of new equipment & processes10. Questiona. Explain the difference between consulting & informing. (2) (Or)In relation to employee involvement in health & safety, Explain the difference between consulting &informing. (2)b. Outline the health & safety matters on which employers must consult their employees. (6)c. Explain how arrangements for consultation with workers may be made more effective. (4)Part (a)Consulting is a two way process and consultation is done during the introduction of new measure, newtechnology, planning of alterations while Informing is a one way process of giving information byemployer like keeping employees informed about legislation, hazards and control measures, employer'spolicy.Part (b)The introduction of any measures at the workplace that may substantially affect the employees'health & safetyThe arrangements for appointing and/or nominating competent personsThe H&S implications of introducing new technologyNEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 5The planning & organization of H&S TrainingThe information that the employer is required to provide such as that relating to RiskAssessments, Preventative measures & emergency proceduresHence, employers are not only obliged to provide information but must consult their employeeson the appropriateness of the information before it is givenPart (c)By the establishment of safety committeesBy consultation with elected representativesPlanned direct consultation at departmental meetings, team meetings, toolbox talks and staffappraisalsConsultation as part of an accident / incident investigation or as part of risk assessmentsday to day informal consultation by supervisors with their team at the workplacediscussion as part of safety circles or improvement groupsby questionnaires and suggestion schemesby provision of consultation training to both management and workers11. Questiona. Explain the circumstances under which an employer must form a health & safety committee. (2) (Or)Identify the circumstances under which an employer must establish a health & safety committee. (2)b. Give reasons why a health & safety committee may be ineffective. (6) (Or)Give six reasons why a health & safety committee may be ineffective (6) (Or)Outline the reasons why a health & safety committee may be prove to be ineffective. (6)Part (a)An employer must establish a health & safety committee when requested to do so in writing by2 or more trade union-appointed safety representatives.Part (b)A lack of management commitmentNo agenda or remit and/or no minutes or notes of the meetings being producedAn uneven balance between management & employee representativesPoor chairmanshipNo Access to the decision-making processesInfrequent meetingsInappropriate topicsNo access to health & safety expertise12. Give reasons why a verbal instruction may not be clearly understood by an employee. (8)The way that verbal information is given (e.g. complex, jargonistic, ambiguous, not in the usuallanguage of the receiver, in a heavy dialect)Distorted by the means of communication such as telephoneInconsistent with the body languageDue to the environment (e.g. noise)Due to some limitations on the part of the receiver (e.g. mental or physical difficulty)InattentionLack of knowledge or experienceNEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 6Restricted by PPE13. Following a significant increase in accidents, a H&S campaign is to be launched within anorganization to encourage safe working by employees.a.Outline how the organization mightensure thatthe nature ofthe campaign is effectivelycommunicated to, & understood by, employees. (8)b. Other than poor communication, describe the organization factors that could limit the effectivenessof the campaign. (12)Part (a)Everybody within an organization shall know the part that they are to play within a health &safety campaignAn important prerequisite is to have clear objectives & targets for the campaign, & to be clearon the means of achieving themIt is important that key responsibilities for aspects of the campaign are allocated & acceptedwith due commitment in order to avoid mixed messagesThe different means of communication can be used for safety campaign, a variety of means areposters, e-mails, toolbox talks, training sessions, etc. could be used to communicate & reinforcethe message, with account taken of the language used in order to facilitate understanding(avoidance of jargon, use of plain English, etc.)Toolbox talks, suggestion boxes, surveys & informal means of consultation can be used toinvolve employees & to provide a feedback loop to check that employees understand what thecampaign is about & to assess the level of supportIt is also important to provide feedback to employees on how the campaign is progressing sothat focus on the campaign's objectives is maintainedPart (b)Lack of senior management commitmentProduction or other pressures taking priority over health & safetyInsufficient resources allocated to the campaignA poor safety culture in generalIt should also have been recognized that poor working conditions are likely to induce cynicismtowards the campaign amongst employeesIn addition, poor industrial relations or a lack of confidence in management's ability could meanthat the campaign is not given support of influential members of staffWork patterns (e.g. shift work) could also mean that some sections of the workforce are notfully considered or supported, possibly due to the non-availability of key staff14. Questiona. Identify Four types of health & safety information that might usefully be displayed on notice boardwithin a workplace. (4)b. Explain how the effectiveness of notice boards as a means of communicating health & safetycommunication to the workforce can be maximized. (4)Part (a)The health & safety policy of the organizationThe "information for employees" posterInformation regarding health & safety representatives (e.g. their names & contact details)NEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 7Targets for the reduction of accidents & ill-health & information showing the current level ofperformance against the targetsForthcoming health & safety events including information on training courses availableIdentification of first-aid arrangements & procedures for evacuation in the event of fireHealth & safety posters specific to current campaigns being run by the employers of HSEA copy of the employer's liability insurance certificatePart (b)Ensuring they were located in a common & prominent area of the workplace (e.g. the staff roomor canteen)Dedicating the boards to health & safety mattersEnsuring the information displayed was relevant & current & kept up to dateDisplaying the information in a neat, orderly fashion & making the notice board eye-catching bythe use of color & graphics15. Outline the sources of published information that may be consulted when dealing with a health &safety at work. (4)Approved Codes of PracticeHSE Guidance documents & leafletsStandards (international, European & British)Safety PeriodicalsVarious technical & legal publicationsMaterials produced by employer & employee organizationsMaterials published electronically, for instance on compact disc or on the internet16. Questiona. Outline the benefits to an organization of having a health & safety committee. (4)b. Identify a range of methods that an employer can use to provide health & safety information directlyto individual employees. (8)Part (a)It demonstrates management commitment & compliance with the legal requirements to consultwith employeesIt facilitates consultation & communication with the workforce via employee representativesIt provides a means of recording discussions that have taken place on health & safety matters &it may help to foster a positive H&S culture by encouraging employee involvement & ownershipPart (b)Notice boardsTeam briefingsTraining sessions including induction & toolbox talksNewsletters & the inclusion of messages with wage / pay slipsPostersCompetitions & signsOne to one briefing such as appraisal sessions17. Outline way to help ensure the effectiveness of a health & safety committee. (8)NEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 8One of the prime requirements in setting up an effective safety committee is to ensure that ithas the fill backing of senior management, that its membership constitutes an even balancebetween management & employee representatives (under the chairmanship of a fair, strong butdiplomatic individual), & all of whom would be in a position to authorized agreed action.It would be essential that time & resources are set aside for committee meetings which shouldbe set at a convenient time & notified in advance to all members with a copy of the agendaItems for discussion should be topical & relevant to the organization & the safety adviser shouldalways be present to provide professional health & safety advice.Formal minutes should be prepared after each meeting including actions that have been agreed& a copy of these should be displayed where it is accessible to all employees so that they mightbe aware of the decisions that have been taken18. Outline the main health & safety issues to be included in an induction training program for newemployees. (8)The organization's H&S PolicyEmergency ProceduresHazards specific to the workplace & the need to comply with health & safety requirementsHealth & Safety responsibilities & lines of communicationAccident & first-aid requirementsWelfare provision19. A contractor has been engaged to undertake building work in a busy warehouse.Outline the issues that should be covered in an induction program for the contractor's employees. (8)The particular risks in the working area (e.g. Movement of FLTs, Falling materials, conveyors &the possible presence of asbestos)General site safety rules regarding smoking, clothing & PPE, use of electrical equipment & so onRequirements for PTWs & other controlsExclusion zones & traffic routesArrangements for the storage of materialsAccident reporting & other emergency procedures (e.g. actions required in the case of fire)The location & use of welfare facilities including first-aid20. An independent audit of an organization has concluded that employees have received insufficienthealth & safety training.a. Describe the factors that should be considered when developing an extensive program of health &safety training within an organization. (12)b. Outline the various measures that might be used to assess the effectiveness of such training. (4)c. Give Four reasons why it is important for an employer to keep a record of the training provided toeach employee. (4)Part (a)The completion of a training needs analysis is an important first step in the development of anyprogram of training that is comparing what employees need to know with what they alreadyknow.In deciding what employees need to know, consideration should be given toNEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 9 Their responsibilities The activities carried out The risks associated with those activities The actions required of employees to minimize such risksIt should have been recognized in this context that a senior manage, for instance, will havedifferent training needs with respect to health & safety from those of a supervisor or a shopfloor employeeAn assessment would then need to be made of employees' existing knowledge, taking intoaccount Their previous experience The levels & types of training already received Any indications of where deficiencies may lie (e.g. from incident date or by observation)From the training needs analysis would emerge information on The number of employees involved The types of training needed & the resources (in terms of financial costs, time &facilities) required to carry out the programThe factors to be considered at this stage would include: The competence & expertise of in-house staff to provide the required training The possible need to involve external sources The means of communicating the program to employees at all levels in order to seektheir commitment to Their views on the programPart (b)Post-training evaluation by the trainersThe trainees themselves & their supervisorsAccident rates & sickness absencesLevels of compliance with laid-down procedures (such as the wearing of PPE)The results of attitude surveysThe number & quality of suggestions made & concerns raised by employees with respect tohealth & safetyPart (c)To provide proof of an employee's expected level of competenceTo identify when additional or refresher training might be neededTo enable a review of the effectiveness of the training to be carried outTo access the progress of the training program against targetsTo provided evidence to be used in any future accident investigation or legal actions21. Drivers of internal transport are required to be competent before they are permitted to drivevehicles within the workplacea. Explain the meaning of the term "competent person". (4)b. Identify measures an employer can take to ensure that their drivers of internal transport are, &remain competent. (4)c. Outline the organization factors that may cause a person to work unsafely even though they arecompetent. (6)NEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 10Part (a)A "competent person" is:someone who possesses knowledge based on appropriate qualifications & trainingsomeone who have skills & experience to apply the knowledge in a given situationsomeone who possesses personal qualities such as appropriate attitude and the ability tocommunicatesomeone who has a clear recognition of his own limitationsPart (b)Check the relevant certification or license of the driversCheck their previous experience particularly their references & accident historyIntroduce refresher training & practical workplace assessmentsCarry out regular supervision & monitoring of the drivers at workPart (c)Management or peer group pressureA poor safety culture in the organizationA lack of resources or equipmentA lack of clarity in roles & responsibilitiesInadequate supervisionPoor working conditions22. Outline the personal factors that might place an individual at a greater risk of harm while at work.(8)A generally poor attitude to work, authority and/or risk often coupled with low motivationIssues relating to physical capabilities or development (such as lack of stature, strength and/orstamina) and mental capabilities (such as poor reasoning skills)Poor perception of risk, perhaps influenced by alcohol or drugsAge-related behavioral factors associated with immaturityInnate or medical conditions affecting physical or mental capacityFurther factors relate to the levels of training and experience of the individual23. Questiona. Explain the meaning of the term "perception". (2)b. Outline the factors that may influence a persons perception of risk in the workplace. (6)(Or)Outline the factors relating to the individual that may influence a person's perception of an occupationalrisk. (6)c. Outline ways in which employee's perception of hazards in the workplace might be improved. (6)d. Explain how an understanding of perception can help to improve health and safety performance. (6)Part (a)"Perception" means the way that people interpret & make sense of presented information, for instance,in relation to their surroundings.Part (b)The nature of the hazard (e.g. obvious or hidden, immediate or delayed effects, etc.)NEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 11A person's previous experience & familiarity with the situationThe level & nature of trainingPeer group influencesConfidence in others' abilities & judgmentsA number of other personal characteristics such as age, attitude & sensory impairmentPart (c)Increasing awareness of hazards, e.g. safety campaign or postersInvolving people in the risk assessment processIncreasing knowledge, e.g. trainingIdentifying, including by the use of surveys, the reasons for employees misperceptions in orderto show how improvements might be achieved and how currently held view might bechallengedAddressing environment factors,e.g.lighting and noise thatmightcause distraction orotherwise hinder the perceptual processPart (d)Increase awareness by safety campaigns or postersIncrease knowledge by means of trainingIdentify reasons for employees misperceptions to show how improvements might be achievedand how currently held views might be challengedMaking hazards more obvious, e.g. by the use of signsAddressing environmental factors, e.g. lighting and noise24. Questiona. Identify Four factors relating to the individual that might increase the risk of accidents at work. (4)b. Give reasons why maintenance operations may pose particular risk to those undertaking them. (4)Part (a)AgeLack of skill or experienceLack of familiarity (or possibly over familiarity) with the workplaceHigh stress levelsHealth problemsMedical conditions or physical disability / incapacity (including that brought about by alcoholand drugs)Part (b)The existence of new or different hazardsThe lack of familiarity or experience with the tasks or equipment involvedThe likelihood that the events leading to the need for maintenance & their contingent hazardswould be unpredictableThe possibility that the maintenance operations would have to be carried out in confined spacesor other poor work environmentsThe inevitable pressure on maintenance staff to complete the work in as short time as possiblein order to return to normal operationNEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 1225. Questiona. Outline ways of reducing the likelihood of human error in the workplace. (8)b. Give Four reasons why the seriousness of hazard may be underestimated by someone exposed to it.(4)Part (a)The use of skilled, trained & competent staff (including pre-employment screening issues)Motivation of the workforceTask variety to prevent monotony & the provision of frequent breaks to avoid work overloadAddressing workplace environmental issues such as noise, light & heatMechanization & automationEnsuring that controls on machinery are clearly markedImplementation of a drug & alcohol policyProviding competent supervision of employeesPart (b)Over familiarity & complacencyLack of instruction, information & trainingLack of experience, particularly where young persons are involvedThe fact that some hazards (e.g. airborne contaminants or radiation) may be invisible and/orintangibleSensory impairmentInvolvement in routine or repetitive tasks that can lead to lack of attention26. Questiona. Outline the factors that may determine the level of supervision an employee should receive duringtheir initial period within a company. (8)(Or)Outline the factors that will determine the level of supervision that a new employee should receiveduring their initial period of employment within an organization. (8)Part (a)The age of the employee as well as his / her experience of work in general & of the task to beperformed in particularThe nature & complexity of the task & its inherent risksThe person's skills & qualifications for the workHis / her attitude & aptitudeThe systems of work & any specific safety requirements applying to the taskThe employee's communication skills & any special needs that he / she may have27. Questiona. Explain the meaning of the term "motivation". (2)b. Other than lack of motivation, outline six reasons why employees may fail to comply with safetyprocedures at work. (6)Part (a)"Motivation" is essentially the driving force behind that someone strives to achieve a goal or objective(e.g. to work safety)NEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 13Part (b)Lack of management commitmentOver-familiarization with the tasks to be performedRepetitive work, leading to boredom & lack of concentrationPeer group pressureWillful disregard of laid-down procedures coupled with inadequate or ineffective supervisionFatigue & stressLack of communication, training & consultation28. Most occupational accidents can be attributed in part to human error. Outline ways of reducing thelikelihood of human error in the workplace. (8)The use of skilled, competent & properly trained employees & ensuring that they are well-motivatedAvoiding monotonous work processes & arranging frequent breaks to counter fatigueDesigning clear roles & lines of communication with the workforce & ensuring adequate levelsof supervisionEstablishing good lines ofcommunication with the workforce & ensuring the clarity ofinstructions & information passed on themImplementing policies on alcohol & drugs (prescribed & otherwise)Addressing the workplace environmental issues such as noise, light & heatDesigning the workplace & work equipmentto reduce the opportunity forerror(e.g.automation, unambiguous controls / information, monitoring & confirmation of actions &feedback loopsThe possibility of human error, & its effects on health & safety, should also form part of any riskassessment, which should take into account previous incidents & the results of accidentinvestigation.29. Outline the factors that might cause the safety culture within an organization to decline. (8)Lack of effective communicationThe perception of a growing blame cultureLack of leadership & commitment at senior levelLack of monitoring or a failure to implement remedial actionLack of consultation & employee involvementA generally poor working environmentA high staff turnover leading to lack of continuity & loss of momentum in making safetyimprovementsExternal influences such as downturn in economy, leading to job insecurity with the possibilityof health & safety being seen as a less priority30. Questiona. Identify two main purpose of first-aid treatment. (2)b. Outline the factors to be considered when making an assessment of first-aid requirements in aworkplace. (4)NEBOSH IGC : UNIT IGC1Prepared by: Nelmerson Del Rosario (HSE Trainer) - Rev 0 Page 14Part (a)The preservation of life and/or the minimization of the consequences of injury until medicalhelp is obtainedThe treatment of minor injuries that do not need medical attentionPart (b)The number of first-aid personnel and first-aid facilitiesThe size of the organizationThe distribution and composition of the workplace including the special needs of workers suchas trainees, young workers and the disabledThe types of hazard and level of risk presentThe past history of accidents and their type, location and consequencesThe proximity of the workplace to personal first-aid kits or mobile phonesThe need to train the first-aid personnel in special proceduresThe ability to provide continued cover over different shifts and for sickness leave and otherabsencesA comparison of the facilities provided with those required by law