IOSH Investigating Incidents 3

Question 1

What is a 'dangerous occurrence' under RIDDOR?

Accepted Answer

A specified near-miss event listed in Schedule 2 of RIDDOR, such as a scaffold collapse, explosion, or electrical short circuit causing fire

Answer

Dangerous occurrences are specific near-miss events listed in Schedule 2 of RIDDOR that must be reported even if no one is injured. Examples include: collapse of scaffolding over 5m, failure of a crane, explosions, electrical incidents causing fire or explosion, and release of biological agents.

Question 2

What occupational diseases must be reported under RIDDOR?

Accepted Answer

Specified diseases including occupational dermatitis, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, HAVS, tendonitis, and certain cancers linked to workplace exposure

Answer

RIDDOR-reportable occupational diseases include: carpal tunnel syndrome, cramp of the hand/forearm, occupational dermatitis, HAVS, occupational asthma, tendonitis, and any occupational cancer, disease or disorder attributed to workplace exposure as confirmed by a doctor.

Question 3

Who is responsible for reporting incidents under RIDDOR?

Accepted Answer

The 'responsible person' — usually the employer, self-employed person, or person in control of the premises

Answer

RIDDOR places the reporting duty on the 'responsible person'. For employees, this is usually the employer. For incidents involving the self-employed or people not at work, it is the person in control of the premises where the incident occurred.

Question 4

What is an 'over-7-day incapacitation' injury under RIDDOR?

Accepted Answer

An injury that results in the worker being unable to perform their normal duties for more than 7 consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident)

Answer

An over-7-day incapacitation injury is one where the worker is unable to carry out their normal work duties for more than 7 consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident itself). It must be reported within 15 days of the incident.

Question 5

Why should the scene of an incident be preserved?

Accepted Answer

To protect physical evidence, allow accurate reconstruction, and enable thorough investigation before anything is moved or changed

Answer

Preserving the incident scene protects crucial physical evidence that could be lost if the area is disturbed. It allows investigators to observe conditions as they were, take measurements and photographs, and accurately reconstruct what happened. Scene preservation should be balanced with making the area safe.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Investigating Incidents 3