IOSH Managing Safely Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the role of the emergency services during a workplace emergency?

They take over all decision-making from the employer
They are only called for fires
They conduct the accident investigation on the employer's behalf
They provide specialist response (firefighting, medical care, police), but the employer retains responsibility for workplace knowledge, employee welfare, and site information (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They provide specialist response (firefighting, medical care, police), but the employer retains responsibility for workplace knowledge, employee welfare, and site information

Emergency services provide specialist capabilities (firefighting, medical care, security), but the employer must: provide site-specific information (hazardous materials, layout, people), account for all personnel, support the emergency services with local knowledge, manage employee welfare, and liaise on investigation and recovery.

Question 2: What is the purpose of a risk assessment action plan?

To list the names of everyone who has read the risk assessment
To record the names of people who have been injured
To document the cost of all safety equipment purchased
To set out what additional controls are needed, who is responsible, and by when (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To set out what additional controls are needed, who is responsible, and by when

An action plan arising from a risk assessment sets out what further control measures need to be implemented, who is responsible for implementing them, the timescale for completion, and how effectiveness will be checked.

Question 3: What should a safety inspection checklist include?

Only emergency equipment checks
Only a list of all employees present
Items relevant to the specific workplace covering housekeeping, equipment condition, PPE compliance, fire safety, and adherence to safe systems of work (Correct answer)
Only the date and inspector's name

Correct answer: Items relevant to the specific workplace covering housekeeping, equipment condition, PPE compliance, fire safety, and adherence to safe systems of work

A good inspection checklist should be tailored to the specific workplace and cover: housekeeping, equipment condition and guarding, storage, access/egress, fire safety, PPE availability and use, welfare facilities, signage, working practices, and compliance with specific procedures.

Question 4: What should be considered when selecting PPE for a task?

Only the cost of the PPE
The nature of the hazard, fit, comfort, compatibility with other PPE, and the work environment (Correct answer)
Only the colour and appearance
Whether the employee already owns some PPE

Correct answer: The nature of the hazard, fit, comfort, compatibility with other PPE, and the work environment

When selecting PPE, consider: the nature and severity of the hazard, the fit (including individual sizing), comfort (so it will be worn), compatibility with other PPE being worn simultaneously, the work environment, and any health conditions of the wearer.

Question 5: How does shift work affect health and safety?

Shift work can cause sleep disruption, fatigue, digestive problems, increased accident rates, cardiovascular issues, and social/family difficulties (Correct answer)
Shift work only affects workers over 50
Shift work is only problematic for night shifts
Shift work has no health effects

Correct answer: Shift work can cause sleep disruption, fatigue, digestive problems, increased accident rates, cardiovascular issues, and social/family difficulties

Shift work, particularly night and rotating shifts, can cause: circadian rhythm disruption, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, increased cardiovascular risk, higher accident rates (particularly on night shifts and near shift changes), mental health effects, and social/family difficulties.

Question 6: What is the employer's duty regarding health and safety information for employees?

The employer can delegate this entirely to the HSE
Employers must provide comprehensible and relevant information on risks, preventive measures, emergency procedures, and competent persons (Correct answer)
Information only needs to be given verbally
Information is only required for new employees

Correct answer: Employers must provide comprehensible and relevant information on risks, preventive measures, emergency procedures, and competent persons

Under the Management Regulations 1999 and the HSWA 1974, employers must provide employees with comprehensible and relevant information on risks to their health and safety, preventive and protective measures, emergency procedures, and who the competent persons are.

Question 7: What duties do employees have under Section 7 of the HSWA 1974?

No duties — all responsibility lies with the employer
To carry out risk assessments for their own work area
To report directly to the HSE about safety concerns
To take reasonable care of themselves and others, and to cooperate with their employer on safety matters (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To take reasonable care of themselves and others, and to cooperate with their employer on safety matters

Section 7 requires employees to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions, and to cooperate with their employer so far as is necessary to enable the employer to comply with legal duties.

Question 8: What is the purpose of an enforcement policy?

To punish employers who have had accidents
To set out how the enforcement body will use its powers proportionately, consistently and transparently (Correct answer)
To raise revenue for the government through fines
To decide which laws to enforce and which to ignore

Correct answer: To set out how the enforcement body will use its powers proportionately, consistently and transparently

An enforcement policy sets out how the enforcing authority (HSE or local authority) will use its powers. It follows the principles set out in the Enforcement Policy Statement and the Regulators' Code: proportionality, targeting, consistency, transparency, and accountability.

Question 9: 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 for employees working in chemical manufacturing
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)

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 10: What is 'residual risk'?

The risk associated with emergency procedures
The risk that exists before any control measures are applied
The risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been applied (Correct answer)
The risk of the control measure itself failing

Correct answer: The risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been applied

Residual risk is the level of risk that remains after all reasonably practicable control measures have been put in place. Some level of residual risk may be acceptable if it has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Question 11: Which of the following is a recognised early symptom that should trigger removal from exposure and immediate occupational health referral in cases of suspected occupational asthma?

Fatigue at the end of a long shift
A mild persistent cough that only occurs during the working day and clears at weekends (Correct answer)
Skin redness after wearing latex gloves for the first time
Lower back pain after standing for extended periods

Correct answer: A mild persistent cough that only occurs during the working day and clears at weekends

Work-related respiratory symptoms that improve away from the workplace — such as a cough that clears at weekends — are classic warning signs of occupational asthma requiring urgent investigation and possible removal from exposure.

Question 12: Why should near misses be reported and investigated?

Because they always result in injury
Because the HSE requires a report for every near miss
Because they affect insurance premiums directly
Because they indicate potential for future serious incidents and provide learning opportunities (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Because they indicate potential for future serious incidents and provide learning opportunities

Near misses are warning signs. Investigating them helps identify weaknesses in controls before a serious incident occurs. Heinrich's triangle suggests that for every serious injury, there are many near misses — addressing them prevents escalation.

Question 13: What is 'behavioural safety'?

Punishing workers for unsafe behaviour
A type of disciplinary procedure
An approach that focuses on understanding, observing and positively influencing safety-related behaviours through feedback and reinforcement (Correct answer)
A method of monitoring workers using CCTV

Correct answer: An approach that focuses on understanding, observing and positively influencing safety-related behaviours through feedback and reinforcement

Behavioural safety programmes focus on: observing actual work behaviours (safe and unsafe), understanding why people behave the way they do, providing constructive feedback, reinforcing safe behaviours, identifying barriers to safe behaviour, and tracking behaviour trends to drive improvement.

Question 14: What is the '5 Whys' technique?

Asking five different people about an incident
Reviewing five similar past incidents
Repeatedly asking 'why' (typically five times) to drill down from the immediate cause to the root cause (Correct answer)
Identifying five hazards related to an incident

Correct answer: Repeatedly asking 'why' (typically five times) to drill down from the immediate cause to the root cause

The '5 Whys' technique involves repeatedly asking 'why' to peel back the layers of cause and effect. Starting with the immediate cause, each answer forms the basis of the next question. Typically, asking 'why' about five times reaches the root cause, though the exact number may vary.

Question 15: What is the 'fire triangle'?

The three elements needed for fire: fuel, oxygen (air) and a source of ignition — remove any one and fire cannot start or continue (Correct answer)
A type of fire extinguisher shape
The three stages of a fire evacuation
A triangular fire escape route

Correct answer: The three elements needed for fire: fuel, oxygen (air) and a source of ignition — remove any one and fire cannot start or continue

The fire triangle shows that three elements must be present simultaneously for a fire to start and continue: fuel (combustible material), oxygen (usually from air), and a source of ignition (heat, spark, flame). Removing any one element prevents fire or extinguishes it.

Question 16: What is the purpose of setting health and safety objectives?

To satisfy regulatory requirements only
To create work for the safety department
To match competitor organisations' objectives
To provide measurable targets that drive improvement, focus resources, and demonstrate commitment to safety (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide measurable targets that drive improvement, focus resources, and demonstrate commitment to safety

Health and safety objectives provide clear, measurable targets that drive improvement across the organisation. They should align with the safety policy, be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), and address identified priorities from risk assessments, audits and performance data.

Question 17: What should happen after an emergency has been resolved?

Return to normal work immediately
File the paperwork and take no further action
Wait for the HSE to conduct their investigation
Conduct a debrief, investigate the incident, review and update emergency procedures based on lessons learned, and support affected individuals (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Conduct a debrief, investigate the incident, review and update emergency procedures based on lessons learned, and support affected individuals

Post-emergency actions include: conducting a debrief with all involved parties, investigating the root cause of the incident, reviewing and updating emergency procedures based on lessons learned, providing support to affected individuals (welfare, counselling), making RIDDOR reports if required, and repairing/replacing damaged equipment.

Question 18: 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
Stress caused by thermostat disputes in the office
A condition that only affects outdoor workers

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 19: What is the value of including a site plan or layout in the risk assessment project?

It is unnecessary decoration
It is only needed for construction sites
It helps readers understand the workplace layout, location of hazards, emergency routes, and the spatial relationships between work areas (Correct answer)
It adds unnecessary length to the report

Correct answer: It helps readers understand the workplace layout, location of hazards, emergency routes, and the spatial relationships between work areas

A site plan or layout diagram adds significant value: it shows where hazards are located, how work areas relate to each other, traffic routes, emergency exits, and the spatial context for the assessment. It helps readers who are unfamiliar with the workplace understand the assessment.

Question 20: What is 'bunding' and why is it important for environmental protection?

A technique for measuring air pollution
A method for recycling construction waste
A type of waste compaction
A secondary containment structure (such as a wall or barrier) around storage tanks to contain spills and prevent environmental contamination (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A secondary containment structure (such as a wall or barrier) around storage tanks to contain spills and prevent environmental contamination

Bunding is secondary containment — a structure built around storage tanks or areas where spillage could occur. Bunds should hold at least 110% of the largest container's volume (or 25% of total volume if multiple containers). They prevent spillages from reaching drains, watercourses or soil.

Question 21: In a 5×5 risk matrix, what would a score of 25 indicate?

The lowest possible risk
An acceptable level of residual risk
A medium risk requiring monitoring
The highest possible risk — immediate action required (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The highest possible risk — immediate action required

In a 5×5 risk matrix (likelihood 1-5 × severity 1-5), a score of 25 represents the maximum risk: almost certain likelihood combined with catastrophic severity. This would require immediate action to eliminate or significantly reduce the risk.

Question 22: Why is it important to investigate 'near misses'?

Near misses only happen in high-risk industries
It is a waste of time investigating events where no one was hurt
Near misses are required to be reported to the HSE
Near misses reveal hazards and control failures that could cause serious harm in different circumstances (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Near misses reveal hazards and control failures that could cause serious harm in different circumstances

Near misses are valuable learning opportunities. They reveal hazards and failures in controls without the cost of actual injury. Investigating them identifies weaknesses that can be corrected before a similar event causes serious harm. The same root causes underlie both near misses and accidents.

Question 23: What is 'fly-tipping' and what are the consequences?

Leaving waste in a skip without permission
Depositing waste at a licensed tip outside normal hours
The illegal dumping of waste on land that does not have a licence to accept it, carrying penalties of unlimited fines and imprisonment (Correct answer)
Tipping recyclable materials at a recycling centre

Correct answer: The illegal dumping of waste on land that does not have a licence to accept it, carrying penalties of unlimited fines and imprisonment

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land without the appropriate licence or permission. It is a criminal offence under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, carrying penalties of an unlimited fine and/or up to 5 years' imprisonment in the Crown Court.

Question 24: What is 'noise-induced hearing loss' (NIHL)?

Temporary hearing loss from a single loud noise
Hearing loss that naturally occurs with age
Permanent, irreversible damage to hearing caused by prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels at work (Correct answer)
A condition that can be cured with medication

Correct answer: Permanent, irreversible damage to hearing caused by prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels at work

NIHL is permanent, irreversible damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear caused by prolonged exposure to excessive noise. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set exposure action values at 80 dB(A) (lower) and 85 dB(A) (upper), with an exposure limit of 87 dB(A).

Question 25: What are 'musculoskeletal disorders' (MSDs)?

Disorders affecting only the skeleton
Genetic conditions unrelated to work
Disorders that only occur in manual workers
Injuries and disorders affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs, often from work activities (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Injuries and disorders affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs, often from work activities

MSDs include a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, such as back pain, upper limb disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and herniated discs. They can be caused by manual handling, repetitive tasks, poor posture, and vibration.

Question 26: What is the 'Plan-Do-Check-Act' (PDCA) cycle in health and safety management?

A continuous improvement model for managing health and safety systematically (Correct answer)
A legal requirement under RIDDOR
A method for investigating accidents
A technique for conducting risk assessments

Correct answer: A continuous improvement model for managing health and safety systematically

The PDCA cycle (also known as the Deming cycle) is a systematic approach to continuous improvement: Plan (identify what needs to be done), Do (implement), Check (measure effectiveness), Act (review and improve). HSG65 uses this model.

Question 27: What is an 'incident rate' and how is it calculated?

The percentage of incidents that are investigated
The number of incidents per a standard number of hours worked or employees, allowing comparison between organisations or time periods (Correct answer)
The speed at which incidents are reported
The number of incidents divided by the number of employees

Correct answer: The number of incidents per a standard number of hours worked or employees, allowing comparison between organisations or time periods

An incident rate standardises incident numbers to allow meaningful comparison. Common formulae include: (number of incidents × 100,000) ÷ number of employees, or per 1,000,000 hours worked. This allows comparison between organisations of different sizes and between different time periods.

Question 28: What are the main hazards of using portable electrical equipment?

Only electric shock from damaged plugs
Only the risk of the equipment breaking
Portable equipment is always safe because it is low voltage
Electric shock from damaged cables/plugs, fire from overloaded circuits, burns from faulty equipment, and trip hazards from trailing leads (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Electric shock from damaged cables/plugs, fire from overloaded circuits, burns from faulty equipment, and trip hazards from trailing leads

Portable electrical equipment hazards include: electric shock from damaged cables, plugs, or equipment, fire from overloaded circuits or faulty connections, burns from overheating equipment, and trip/fall hazards from trailing leads. Regular visual inspection and PAT testing are key controls.

Question 29: Which of the following is Step 1 of the HSE's 5-step risk assessment?

Evaluate the risks
Identify the hazards (Correct answer)
Record your findings
Review your assessment

Correct answer: Identify the hazards

Step 1 is to identify the hazards in the workplace. This can be done through workplace inspections, reviewing accident records, consulting workers, reading manufacturers' instructions, and checking industry guidance.

Question 30: Why is PPE considered the last resort in the hierarchy of control?

Because workers prefer not to wear it
Because it is not required by law
Because it only protects the individual, can fail, and depends on correct use (Correct answer)
Because it is the most expensive option

Correct answer: Because it only protects the individual, can fail, and depends on correct use

PPE is the least effective control because it only protects the individual wearing it, it can be uncomfortable, it may not be worn correctly, it can fail or degrade, and it doesn't reduce the hazard itself. Higher-level controls protect everyone.

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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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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