IOSH Assessing Risks 6

Question 1

What is the purpose of reviewing and updating risk assessments?

Accepted Answer

To ensure they remain valid, reflect current conditions, and incorporate lessons learned

Answer

Reviewing risk assessments ensures they reflect current workplace conditions, incorporate lessons from incidents, account for changes in legislation or guidance, and remain suitable and sufficient. Workplaces change, and assessments must change with them.

Question 2

Which of the following would trigger an immediate review of a risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

A significant accident or near miss related to the assessed activity

Answer

A significant accident or near miss indicates that the current risk assessment and controls may be inadequate. Other triggers include changes in processes, equipment, substances, legislation, personnel, or if new information about hazards becomes available.

Question 3

What is 'competence' in relation to carrying out risk assessments?

Accepted Answer

Having the necessary training, knowledge, experience and ability to identify hazards and evaluate risks

Answer

Competence means having the right combination of training, knowledge, experience and ability to carry out the task effectively. For risk assessments, the assessor must understand the work activity, recognise hazards, and evaluate risks appropriately.

Question 4

What information should be recorded in the significant findings of a risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

The hazards identified, who is at risk, existing controls, risk ratings, and any further actions needed

Answer

The significant findings should include: the hazards identified, who could be harmed and how, existing control measures, the level of risk (rating), any additional controls required, who is responsible, and the review date.

Question 5

Why might certain workers be considered 'particularly at risk' in a risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Because of factors such as inexperience, disability, pregnancy, language barriers or shift patterns

Answer

Certain workers may be particularly at risk due to factors such as inexperience (young/new workers), physical condition (pregnant workers, disabled workers), language barriers, health conditions, working patterns (lone workers, shift workers), or age.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Assessing Risks 6