IOSH Investigating Incidents

Question 1

Why should workplace incidents be investigated?

Accepted Answer

To identify root causes, prevent recurrence, comply with legal duties, and improve safety management

Answer

Only to comply with insurance requirements

Answer

Only to find someone to blame

Answer

Only when the HSE requests an investigation

Question 2

What is the difference between an 'immediate cause' and a 'root cause' of an incident?

Accepted Answer

An immediate cause is the direct trigger; a root cause is the underlying systemic failure that allowed the incident to happen

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

An immediate cause is always human error; a root cause is always equipment failure

Answer

Root causes are less important than immediate causes

Question 3

What does RIDDOR stand for?

Accepted Answer

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

Answer

Risk Identification, Diagnosis and Determination of Occupational Risk

Answer

Regulatory Inspection and Documentation of Dangerous Operations Report

Answer

Review of Industrial Disasters and Determining Operational Responsibility

Question 4

Which of the following is reportable under RIDDOR?

Accepted Answer

A fracture (other than to fingers, thumbs or toes), amputation, or an injury causing incapacitation for more than 7 consecutive days

Answer

A minor cut requiring a plaster only

Answer

All first aid cases

Answer

Any absence from work regardless of cause

Question 5

Within what timeframe must a RIDDOR-reportable death or specified injury be reported?

Accepted Answer

Without delay — by the quickest practicable means, followed by a written report within 10 days

Answer

Within 30 days

Answer

Within 6 months

Answer

At the next annual safety review

Question 6

Why is it important to investigate 'near misses'?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

It is a waste of time investigating events where no one was hurt

Answer

Near misses are required to be reported to the HSE

Answer

Near misses only happen in high-risk industries