IOSH Assessing Risks

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Something with the potential to cause harm

Answer

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 2

What is the definition of 'risk' in health and safety?

Accepted Answer

The likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of that harm

Answer

Risk is the combination of the likelihood (probability) that a hazard will cause harm and the severity (consequence) of that harm. Risk = Likelihood × Severity is a common way to express this.

Question 3

How many steps are in the HSE's recommended risk assessment process?

Accepted Answer

5 steps

Answer

The HSE recommends a 5-step approach: (1) Identify hazards, (2) Decide who might be harmed and how, (3) Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions, (4) Record findings and implement them, (5) Review and update regularly.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Identify the hazards

Answer

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 5

What is a 'risk matrix' used for?

Accepted Answer

Ranking risks by combining likelihood and severity ratings

Answer

A risk matrix is a tool that combines ratings for likelihood (how probable) and severity (how serious) to give an overall risk rating. This helps prioritise which risks need the most urgent attention and resource.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Assessing Risks