IOSH Managing Safely Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the employer's duty regarding the display of information?

Employers must display their insurance certificate only
No display requirements exist
Employers must display the HSE-approved health and safety law poster or provide each worker with the equivalent leaflet (Correct answer)
Employers must only display fire exit signs

Correct answer: Employers must display the HSE-approved health and safety law poster or provide each worker with the equivalent leaflet

Under the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989, employers must either display the HSE-approved health and safety law poster in a prominent position or provide each worker with a copy of the equivalent leaflet.

Question 2: What is a 'preventive action' compared to a 'corrective action'?

Corrective actions are temporary; preventive actions are permanent
Preventive actions are optional; corrective actions are mandatory
They are the same thing
A corrective action fixes an identified problem; a preventive action stops a potential problem from occurring in the first place (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A corrective action fixes an identified problem; a preventive action stops a potential problem from occurring in the first place

A corrective action addresses a problem that has already occurred (reactive), fixing the specific issue identified. A preventive action addresses potential problems before they occur (proactive), based on risk assessment, trend analysis, or lessons from incidents elsewhere.

Question 3: How does fatigue affect workplace safety?

Fatigue impairs judgement, slows reaction times, reduces concentration, increases error rates, and diminishes physical capability (Correct answer)
Fatigue only affects workers doing physical jobs
Fatigue only affects night shift workers
Fatigue has no significant impact on safety

Correct answer: Fatigue impairs judgement, slows reaction times, reduces concentration, increases error rates, and diminishes physical capability

Fatigue significantly impairs: cognitive function (decision-making, problem-solving), reaction times, attention and concentration, memory, mood and motivation, and physical coordination. Fatigued workers have a significantly higher accident rate. Causes include long hours, shift work, poor sleep, and high workload.

Question 4: What are the workplace exposure limits (WELs) for noise under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005?

Lower exposure action value 80 dB(A), upper action value 85 dB(A), exposure limit 87 dB(A) (Correct answer)
A single limit of 90 dB(A)
Lower limit 70 dB(A), upper limit 100 dB(A)
There are no specific limits for noise

Correct answer: Lower exposure action value 80 dB(A), upper action value 85 dB(A), exposure limit 87 dB(A)

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set three values: lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A) (provide information, make hearing protection available), upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) (mandatory hearing protection, noise control measures), and exposure limit of 87 dB(A) (must not be exceeded, taking account of hearing protection).

Question 5: What does 'so far as is reasonably practicable' (SFAIRP) mean in health and safety?

Only the cheapest safety measures need to be implemented
Safety measures must be implemented regardless of cost
Safety measures are optional if they are expensive
The cost and effort of reducing a risk must be weighed against the degree of risk (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The cost and effort of reducing a risk must be weighed against the degree of risk

SFAIRP means that the duty holder must weigh the risk against the sacrifice (time, cost, effort) needed to avert it. If the risk is significant compared to the cost of control, the measures must be implemented.

Question 6: What is 'benchmarking' in health and safety?

Setting a minimum standard that cannot be changed
Marking out safe walkways in the workplace
Testing equipment against manufacturer specifications
Comparing an organisation's safety performance against similar organisations, industry standards, or its own past performance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Comparing an organisation's safety performance against similar organisations, industry standards, or its own past performance

Benchmarking involves comparing safety performance data (such as accident rates, audit scores, compliance levels) against other organisations in the same sector, industry averages, best practice standards, or the organisation's own historical performance, to identify areas for improvement.

Question 7: Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, when are employers required to provide health surveillance for employees?

Annually for all employees regardless of their role
Only when an employee requests a medical examination
Whenever there is an identifiable work-related disease or adverse health condition linked to the work activity (Correct answer)
Only for employees working in chemical manufacturing

Correct answer: Whenever there is an identifiable work-related disease or adverse health condition linked to the work activity

Regulation 6 requires health surveillance where there is an identifiable disease or adverse health condition linked to the work, enabling early detection and preventive action.

Question 8: What is 'reactive monitoring' of health and safety?

Monitoring that only responds to HSE inspections
Monitoring that is slow and inefficient
Monitoring based on events that have already occurred, such as accident investigation, ill-health analysis, and complaint review (Correct answer)
Monitoring that reacts to changes in legislation

Correct answer: Monitoring based on events that have already occurred, such as accident investigation, ill-health analysis, and complaint review

Reactive monitoring involves reviewing and learning from events that have already occurred — accidents, incidents, near misses, cases of ill health, complaints, and enforcement actions. It identifies what went wrong and why, so that corrective measures can be implemented.

Question 9: What is 'substitution' as a control measure?

Training workers to use equipment safely
Providing respiratory protective equipment
Replacing a hazardous substance, process or equipment with a less hazardous alternative (Correct answer)
Isolating the hazard from workers using physical barriers

Correct answer: Replacing a hazardous substance, process or equipment with a less hazardous alternative

Substitution involves replacing something hazardous with something less hazardous. For example, using a water-based paint instead of a solvent-based one, or using a less noisy machine. It is the second most effective control after elimination.

Question 10: What is the hierarchy of control measures?

A ranked sequence of control strategies from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE (Correct answer)
A list of PPE options ranked by cost
A management structure for safety officers
The order in which risk assessments should be completed

Correct answer: A ranked sequence of control strategies from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE

The hierarchy of control ranks measures from most effective (elimination — remove the hazard entirely) to least effective (PPE — protect the individual). You should always aim as high up the hierarchy as reasonably practicable.

Question 11: What is a 'risk rating' and how is it typically calculated?

It is the cost of implementing control measures
It is the number of employees exposed to a hazard
It is the total number of hazards in a workplace
It is calculated by multiplying the likelihood score by the severity score (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is calculated by multiplying the likelihood score by the severity score

A risk rating provides a numerical value for comparing and prioritising risks. It is typically calculated by multiplying a likelihood score (e.g., 1-5) by a severity score (e.g., 1-5), giving a risk rating that can be categorised as low, medium or high.

Question 12: What is a 'refuge point' in a building?

A designated area of relative safety within a building where people (particularly those who cannot use stairs) can wait for assisted evacuation (Correct answer)
The building's basement
A break room for tired workers
The main reception area

Correct answer: A designated area of relative safety within a building where people (particularly those who cannot use stairs) can wait for assisted evacuation

A refuge point is a designated area within a building (usually on a staircase landing or in a protected lobby) where people who cannot evacuate independently — particularly those with mobility impairments — can wait for assisted evacuation by trained personnel or the fire service. Communication should be available at the refuge point.

Question 13: What is the role of the accident book in incident management?

It replaces the need for RIDDOR reporting
It is only used for insurance claims
It provides a statutory record of workplace accidents and incidents, required under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979 (Correct answer)
It is a voluntary record with no legal requirement

Correct answer: It provides a statutory record of workplace accidents and incidents, required under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979

The accident book (BI 510) is a legal requirement. It records details of workplace accidents and incidents, providing important data for identifying trends, supporting investigations, and evidencing events for compensation claims and RIDDOR reporting.

Question 14: What is the main piece of legislation covering electrical safety in the workplace?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Correct answer)
The Building Regulations Part P
The Wiring Regulations BS 7671
The Electricity Act 1989

Correct answer: The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the main regulations covering electrical safety in the workplace. They require that all electrical systems are constructed and maintained to prevent danger, and that work on electrical systems is carried out safely.

Question 15: What are the GHS hazard pictograms used for?

Identifying the manufacturer of a product
Indicating the price category of chemicals
Providing standardised visual warnings about the type of hazard a chemical substance presents (Correct answer)
Decorating chemical storage areas

Correct answer: Providing standardised visual warnings about the type of hazard a chemical substance presents

GHS (Globally Harmonised System) hazard pictograms are standardised symbols used on labels and safety data sheets to warn about the specific types of hazard a chemical presents — such as flammable, toxic, corrosive, oxidising, harmful/irritant, environmental hazard, gas under pressure, or carcinogenic/mutagenic.

Question 16: What is 'thermal stress' as a workplace hazard?

Physical strain on the body from working in excessively hot or cold environments, potentially causing heat stroke or hypothermia (Correct answer)
The stress of managing heating costs
A condition that only affects outdoor workers
Stress caused by thermostat disputes in the office

Correct answer: Physical strain on the body from working in excessively hot or cold environments, potentially causing heat stroke or hypothermia

Thermal stress occurs when the body cannot maintain its normal temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death. Cold stress can cause hypothermia, frostbite, and reduced dexterity. Both indoor and outdoor workers can be affected depending on the conditions and work demands.

Question 17: What actions should be taken on discovering a fire?

Open windows to let smoke out
Investigate the cause before raising the alarm
Raise the alarm, call the fire brigade, evacuate using the nearest safe route, close doors behind you, go to the assembly point, and do not re-enter (Correct answer)
Attempt to fight the fire regardless of size

Correct answer: Raise the alarm, call the fire brigade, evacuate using the nearest safe route, close doors behind you, go to the assembly point, and do not re-enter

On discovering a fire: raise the alarm immediately (break glass point), call 999 or the fire brigade, evacuate using the nearest safe escape route, close doors behind you to restrict fire spread, proceed to the assembly point, report to the fire warden, and do not re-enter the building under any circumstances.

Question 18: What is the 'Swiss Cheese Model' of accident causation?

James Reason's model showing how accidents occur when holes (failures) in multiple layers of defence align, allowing a hazard to result in harm (Correct answer)
A model about food safety hazards
A model for prioritising which incidents to investigate
A model showing the hierarchy of control measures

Correct answer: James Reason's model showing how accidents occur when holes (failures) in multiple layers of defence align, allowing a hazard to result in harm

James Reason's Swiss Cheese Model illustrates how accidents occur. Each layer of defence (procedures, training, equipment, supervision) has weaknesses (holes). An accident happens when the holes in multiple layers align, allowing a hazard to pass through all defences and cause harm.

Question 19: What is the employer's duty regarding first aid provision?

Employers must provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel appropriate to the circumstances (Correct answer)
First aid is only required in construction
First aid is optional for small businesses
Only a first aid box is required

Correct answer: Employers must provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel appropriate to the circumstances

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel. What is 'adequate' depends on the nature of the work, the number of employees, and the proximity of emergency services.

Question 20: What is a 'method statement'?

A record of all methods of transport used on site
A statement from the HSE about their investigation methods
A document describing how a work activity will be carried out safely, step by step (Correct answer)
A declaration from a manufacturer about product safety

Correct answer: A document describing how a work activity will be carried out safely, step by step

A method statement (also called a safe method of work statement) is a document that describes how a work activity will be carried out safely, step by step. It identifies the hazards, risks and controls for each stage and is often used alongside risk assessments.

Question 21: What is the legal status of an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP)?

It has a special legal status — following it is normally enough to comply with the law (Correct answer)
It has the same force as law
It only applies to high-risk industries
It is purely advisory with no legal standing

Correct answer: It has a special legal status — following it is normally enough to comply with the law

An ACoP has a special legal status. You are not legally required to follow it, but if you do, you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. If you are prosecuted and have not followed the ACoP, you must show you complied in an equivalent or better way.

Question 22: What is a 'COSHH assessment'?

A fire risk assessment
A specific risk assessment for hazardous substances under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (Correct answer)
An assessment of office ergonomics
An assessment of construction site hazards

Correct answer: A specific risk assessment for hazardous substances under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations

A COSHH assessment is a specific risk assessment required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. It identifies hazardous substances used or produced at work, assesses the risks, and determines appropriate controls to prevent or adequately control exposure.

Question 23: What is an 'environmental permit'?

A licence to sell environmental products
A certificate awarded for good environmental performance
Planning permission for a new building
A permit required under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations for activities that could pollute the environment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A permit required under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations for activities that could pollute the environment

Environmental permits are required under the Environmental Permitting Regulations for activities that could release substances to air, water or land. They set conditions on emissions, monitoring, reporting and operational practices. Operating without a required permit is a criminal offence.

Question 24: What is a 'consignment note' for hazardous waste?

A delivery note for new equipment
A legally required document that tracks hazardous waste from production through to its final disposal, ensuring traceability (Correct answer)
A financial invoice for waste disposal services
A consent form for environmental monitoring

Correct answer: A legally required document that tracks hazardous waste from production through to its final disposal, ensuring traceability

Hazardous waste consignment notes are legal documents required under the Hazardous Waste Regulations. They track hazardous waste from the producer through each carrier to its final disposal facility, ensuring complete traceability and preventing illegal dumping.

Question 25: What are the key regulations made under the HSWA 1974 that managers should know?

Only the Manual Handling Regulations
Only RIDDOR
Only COSHH Regulations
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Workplace Regulations 1992, PUWER 1998, and others (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Workplace Regulations 1992, PUWER 1998, and others

Key regulations include: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (risk assessment), Workplace Regulations 1992 (welfare), PUWER 1998 (equipment), Manual Handling 1992, DSE 1992, COSHH 2002, PPE Regulations, and RIDDOR 2013.

Question 26: What is the definition of a 'hazard' in health and safety?

Something with the potential to cause harm (Correct answer)
The likelihood of harm occurring
The severity of an injury
A breach of health and safety law

Correct answer: Something with the potential to cause harm

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm. This could be a substance, piece of equipment, work method, or situation. It is distinct from 'risk', which considers the likelihood and severity of that harm.

Question 27: How does 'training and competence' relate to human factors?

Training is the sole solution to human error
Only initial training matters — refresher training is unnecessary
Training eliminates all human error
Adequate training and maintained competence reduce error likelihood, but must be complemented by good system design, procedures and supervision (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Adequate training and maintained competence reduce error likelihood, but must be complemented by good system design, procedures and supervision

Training is essential but not sufficient alone. It: builds knowledge and skills, develops hazard awareness, establishes safe habits, and builds confidence. However, training alone cannot prevent all errors — it must be supported by well-designed systems, practical procedures, adequate supervision, and a supportive organisational culture.

Question 28: What evidence should be included to support the risk assessment findings?

Only copies of the safety policy
No evidence is needed — professional judgement is sufficient
Photographs, workplace observations, accident data, worker feedback, manufacturer's guidance, and relevant legislation references (Correct answer)
Only witness statements from workers

Correct answer: Photographs, workplace observations, accident data, worker feedback, manufacturer's guidance, and relevant legislation references

Strong risk assessments are supported by evidence including: photographs of hazards and conditions, notes from workplace observations, relevant accident/near-miss data, feedback from worker consultations, manufacturer's safety data, industry guidance, and references to relevant legislation.

Question 29: What is 'ergonomic assessment' of a DSE workstation?

Only checking the brightness of the monitor
A systematic assessment of the workstation setup including chair, desk, monitor, keyboard, lighting, and environment to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems (Correct answer)
Only relevant for workers who use computers all day
Measuring the size of the desk

Correct answer: A systematic assessment of the workstation setup including chair, desk, monitor, keyboard, lighting, and environment to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems

A DSE workstation assessment evaluates: chair height and adjustment, desk height and space, monitor position, height and distance, keyboard and mouse position, lighting (avoiding glare and reflections), temperature, and the worker's posture. The goal is to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Question 30: What does 'proportionate' mean when applied to risk assessment?

The level of detail and effort should match the level of risk — higher risks need more thorough assessment (Correct answer)
Small companies do not need to carry out risk assessments
Risk assessments should be proportional to the company's turnover
All risk assessments should be the same length

Correct answer: The level of detail and effort should match the level of risk — higher risks need more thorough assessment

A proportionate risk assessment means that the depth of analysis and the rigour of the assessment should match the level of risk. Simple, low-risk activities need straightforward assessments; complex, high-risk activities require more detailed analysis.

IOSH Managing Safely Assessment

The IOSH Managing Safely assessment evaluates managers and supervisors on their ability to recognize workplace hazards, assess and control risks, understand health and safety responsibilities, investigate incidents, and protect the environment.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

60%

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