IOSH Controlling Risks 4

Question 1

What is a 'toolbox talk'?

Accepted Answer

A short, informal safety briefing on a specific topic, often given on site before work begins

Answer

A toolbox talk is a short (typically 5-15 minutes), informal safety briefing delivered to workers at the worksite, often at the start of a shift. It covers a specific safety topic relevant to the work being done and reinforces safe practices.

Question 2

What is 'behavioural safety' as a control strategy?

Accepted Answer

An approach that focuses on observing, reinforcing and improving safety-related behaviours in the workplace

Answer

Behavioural safety programmes focus on understanding why people behave unsafely and using positive reinforcement, observation, feedback and coaching to encourage safe behaviours. They complement traditional hazard-based controls.

Question 3

Why is training an important part of controlling risks?

Accepted Answer

It ensures workers have the knowledge, skills and awareness to work safely and use controls correctly

Answer

Training ensures that workers understand the risks they face, know how to use control measures correctly, can follow safe systems of work, and can recognise when things are going wrong. Without training, even good controls may be ineffective.

Question 4

What is the purpose of 'supervision' as an administrative control?

Accepted Answer

To ensure workers follow safe procedures, provide guidance, and identify unsafe practices that need correcting

Answer

Supervision ensures that workers follow safe systems of work, use controls correctly, and adhere to procedures. Good supervisors also identify training needs, spot unsafe practices before they cause harm, and provide on-the-spot guidance.

Question 5

What is 'job rotation' and how does it control risk?

Accepted Answer

Regularly changing workers between tasks to reduce prolonged exposure to specific hazards such as repetitive work or noise

Answer

Job rotation involves regularly moving workers between different tasks to limit their exposure to specific hazards. It is particularly useful for controlling risks from repetitive movements (reducing musculoskeletal disorders), prolonged static postures, and continuous exposure to noise or vibration.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Controlling Risks 4