CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme Accident Reporting and Prevention Questions and Answers

Question 1

Why is it essential for all workers on a construction site to report 'near misses'?

Accepted Answer

To allow for the identification of hazards and prevent future, more serious accidents.

Answer

Reporting near misses is a proactive safety measure. It helps the site management team to identify underlying hazards and weaknesses in the safety system before they can cause an actual injury, allowing preventative measures to be put in place.

Question 2

An operative slips on a wet floor and fractures their wrist. A doctor signs them off from their normal duties for 10 consecutive days. Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), what action must the 'responsible person' take?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an 'over-seven-day incapacitation'.

Answer

According to RIDDOR, an accident must be reported to the HSE if it results in an employee being unable to perform their normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days. The 10-day absence meets this criterion.

Question 3

Which of the following is the BEST example of a proactive measure to prevent accidents on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Conducting regular toolbox talks on specific site hazards.

Answer

A proactive measure is an action taken to prevent an incident before it occurs. Toolbox talks are designed to raise awareness of hazards and reinforce safe working practices, thereby preventing accidents. The other options are reactive measures taken after an incident has already happened.

Question 4

Under RIDDOR, which of the following is classified as a 'dangerous occurrence' that must be reported to the HSE, even if no one is injured?

Accepted Answer

The unintended collapse of a scaffold structure over 5 metres high.

Answer

RIDDOR lists specific 'dangerous occurrences' that have a high potential to cause serious harm and must be reported even if they do not result in an injury. The collapse of a scaffold over 5 metres high is a specified dangerous occurrence under the regulations.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of maintaining an accident book on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

To provide a legal record of all work-related injuries, which can be used to identify accident trends and for any potential insurance or legal claims.

Answer

The accident book is a formal record of work-related injuries. Its primary purpose is to comply with social security law and to document incidents accurately. This information is vital for managing health and safety, identifying patterns to prevent future accidents, and serves as evidence should there be a subsequent claim.

CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme Practice Test

CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme Practice Test

CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme Accident Reporting and Prevention Questions and Answers