bizSAFE Risk Management and RMIT Process 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'risk matrix' used for in WSH risk assessment?
- To evaluate and categorise risks by combining the likelihood of occurrence with the severity of potential harm (Correct answer)
- To list all identified hazards in alphabetical order for easy reference
- To track the cost of implementing different safety controls
- To schedule safety inspections across different departments
Correct answer: To evaluate and categorise risks by combining the likelihood of occurrence with the severity of potential harm
A risk matrix is a tool that combines the likelihood of a hazardous event occurring with the severity of its potential consequences to produce a risk level (e.g., low, medium, high), which guides the priority and urgency of control actions.
Question 2: What is the difference between a 'hazard' and a 'risk' in WSH terminology?
- A hazard is something with potential to cause harm; a risk is the likelihood and severity of harm occurring from that hazard (Correct answer)
- A hazard is a confirmed incident; a risk is a potential future event
- A hazard applies only to physical objects; a risk includes chemical and biological threats
- There is no meaningful distinction — the terms are interchangeable in WSH
Correct answer: A hazard is something with potential to cause harm; a risk is the likelihood and severity of harm occurring from that hazard
In WSH, a hazard is the source of potential harm (e.g., a wet floor, a chemical substance), while risk is the combination of the likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of that harm. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to risk management.
Question 3: Under the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, which of the following workplaces is required to conduct a formal risk assessment?
- A construction site with 5 workers (Correct answer)
- A private home where renovation work is being done by the homeowner
- A retail shop staffed only by the sole proprietor with no other workers
- A mobile hawker stall with no fixed premises
Correct answer: A construction site with 5 workers
The WSH (Risk Management) Regulations apply to workplaces covered by the WSH Act where work is carried out by workers. A construction site, even with a small number of workers, is a covered workplace and requires a formal risk assessment.
Question 4: What should a risk assessment document include to be considered complete under Singapore's WSH framework?
- Description of the activity, identified hazards, risk level, control measures, residual risk, and persons responsible (Correct answer)
- Only the hazards identified during the assessment
- A cost-benefit analysis of all proposed control measures
- Signatures from all workers who participated in the assessment
Correct answer: Description of the activity, identified hazards, risk level, control measures, residual risk, and persons responsible
A complete risk assessment document should include the work activity description, all identified hazards, the evaluated risk level, the control measures to be implemented, the residual risk after controls, and who is responsible for implementing the controls.
Question 5: What is the purpose of administrative controls in the hierarchy of risk control measures?
- To change how work is done through procedures, training, and work schedules to reduce exposure to hazards (Correct answer)
- To physically remove or replace hazardous materials
- To provide workers with equipment to protect them from hazards
- To document all identified hazards in a central register
Correct answer: To change how work is done through procedures, training, and work schedules to reduce exposure to hazards
Administrative controls manage risk by changing work processes, implementing safe work procedures, providing training, and regulating working hours or shift rotations to reduce worker exposure to hazards. They do not eliminate the hazard but reduce exposure.
Question 6: Why is it important to involve frontline workers in the risk assessment process?
- Workers have practical, first-hand knowledge of actual hazards that may not be apparent from management observation alone (Correct answer)
- WSH law requires at least 50% of workers to sign the risk assessment
- Involving workers removes legal liability from management for any missed hazard
- Workers are required to pay for safety improvements they recommend
Correct answer: Workers have practical, first-hand knowledge of actual hazards that may not be apparent from management observation alone
Frontline workers have direct experience with the work processes and are often the first to encounter hazards. Their involvement improves the accuracy and completeness of hazard identification and increases their commitment to the safety measures.
bizSAFE Risk Management and RMIT Process 2
What is a 'risk matrix' used for in WSH risk assessment?