CSCS Trial Guide 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the acronym 'RIDDOR' stand for in relation to UK construction safety?
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (Correct answer)
- Recording and Investigation of Deaths, Damage and Occupational Risks Report
- Regulation of Industrial Dangers, Defects and Onsite Reporting
- Risk Identification, Documentation, and Duty of Reasonable Response
Correct answer: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
RIDDOR stands for Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, which requires employers to report certain workplace incidents to the HSE.
Question 2: Under RIDDOR, within how many days must an employer report an 'over-7-day incapacitation' injury to the HSE?
- Immediately by phone
- Within 3 days
- Within 15 days (Correct answer)
- Within 30 days
Correct answer: Within 15 days
An over-7-day incapacitation injury (where the worker cannot do their normal work for more than 7 consecutive days) must be reported to the HSE within 15 days.
Question 3: What is a 'method statement' used for on a construction site?
- Recording the hours worked by each operative each day
- Describing in detail how a specific task will be carried out safely, step by step (Correct answer)
- Listing the materials and their costs for a project
- Documenting disciplinary procedures for safety violations
Correct answer: Describing in detail how a specific task will be carried out safely, step by step
A method statement (often paired with a risk assessment in a RAMS document) describes the sequence of work and control measures for carrying out a task safely.
Question 4: Which legislation requires employers to consult with their employees on health and safety matters?
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Both A and B (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both A and B
Both the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (general duty) and the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (union-appointed reps) impose consultation duties on employers.
Question 5: What colour is a first aid sign on a UK construction site?
- Red with white symbols
- Blue with white symbols
- Green with white symbols (Correct answer)
- Yellow with black symbols
Correct answer: Green with white symbols
First aid and emergency escape signs are green with white symbols under BS ISO 7010 and BS 5499.
Question 6: If a scaffold inspection is required under the Working at Height Regulations, how often must it be carried out at minimum?
- Daily before use
- Every 7 days and after any event that could affect stability (Correct answer)
- Every 14 days
- Monthly or after adverse weather only
Correct answer: Every 7 days and after any event that could affect stability
Scaffolds must be inspected every 7 days and after any event (such as high winds or accidental impact) that may have affected its stability.
Question 7: A worker notices a crack in the base of a mobile tower scaffold during use. What should they do?
- Mark the crack and continue working until the shift ends
- Reduce the height of the scaffold and carry on
- Stop work, evacuate the scaffold, and report the defect immediately (Correct answer)
- Reinforce the crack with tape and inform the supervisor at the next break
Correct answer: Stop work, evacuate the scaffold, and report the defect immediately
Any structural defect in a scaffold presents an immediate collapse risk; work must stop, the scaffold must be evacuated, and the defect reported so it can be inspected and repaired.
CSCS Trial Guide 5
What does the acronym 'RIDDOR' stand for in relation to UK construction safety?