General Site Safety Flashcards

What is the purpose of a risk assessment on a construction site?

Answer: To identify hazards, evaluate the risks, and determine appropriate control measures to protect workers and others

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Regulation 3, employers must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which workers and others are exposed. The assessment identifies hazards, evaluates who might be harmed and how, and determines what control measures are needed.

How often should toolbox talks be delivered on a construction site?

Answer: Regularly, and whenever new hazards arise, work activities change, or after incidents — typically weekly or before specific tasks

Toolbox talks should be delivered regularly (many sites conduct them weekly or daily) and whenever circumstances require, such as when new hazards are identified, work activities change, new workers arrive, after near-misses or incidents, or when introducing new equipment or processes.

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?

Answer: A risk assessment identifies hazards and evaluates risks; a method statement describes how the work will be carried out safely step by step

A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates the likelihood and severity of harm, and determines control measures. A method statement then describes the safe sequence of work, step by step, incorporating those control measures. Together they form RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements).

What must a principal contractor display on a construction site under CDM 2015?

Answer: The notification of the project (F10) in a visible location accessible to all workers

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 14, the principal contractor must display the project notification (F10, submitted to the HSE by the client) in a readable condition in a position where it can be read by any worker engaged in the construction work. This ensures transparency about the key project duty holders.

What measures should be taken to manage deliveries safely on a construction site?

Answer: Establish designated delivery areas, separate vehicle and pedestrian routes, use banksmen, and schedule deliveries to minimise congestion

Safe delivery management includes designating specific delivery and unloading areas, providing separate routes for vehicles and pedestrians, using trained banksmen to guide vehicles, scheduling deliveries to avoid congestion, ensuring adequate turning space, and briefing delivery drivers on site rules during induction.

What should a worker do if they identify a hazard on a construction site that is not covered by the existing risk assessment?

Answer: Report it to their supervisor or site manager immediately so the risk assessment can be reviewed and updated

Workers have a duty under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to report hazards to their employer. If a new hazard is identified, work should stop if there is immediate danger, and the hazard should be reported to the supervisor so the risk assessment can be reviewed and updated before work continues.