IOSH Managing Safely Project Work 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What makes a control measure recommendation 'practical and proportionate'?
- It must be the most expensive option available
- It is feasible to implement within the workplace, appropriate to the level of risk, and cost-effective (Correct answer)
- It must eliminate every possible risk
- It only needs to satisfy the HSE inspector
Correct answer: It is feasible to implement within the workplace, appropriate to the level of risk, and cost-effective
Practical and proportionate recommendations are: feasible within the organisation's resources and constraints, appropriate to the level of risk (higher risks justify greater expenditure), cost-effective, implementable by the people involved, and sustainable in the long term.
Question 2: How should the risk assessment project findings be presented?
- As a verbal summary to the line manager only
- In a clear, structured report or presentation including hazards identified, risk ratings, existing controls, recommendations, and an action plan (Correct answer)
- Only as a completed risk assessment form
- As a list of hazards with no analysis
Correct answer: In a clear, structured report or presentation including hazards identified, risk ratings, existing controls, recommendations, and an action plan
Findings should be presented in a clear, structured format that includes: the scope and methodology, hazards identified, current controls, risk ratings, recommended additional controls (using the hierarchy of control), an action plan with responsibilities and timescales, and a review date.
Question 3: What is an 'action plan' in the context of the risk assessment project?
- A plan for emergency evacuation
- A prioritised list of recommended improvements with specific responsibilities, timescales, and resources needed (Correct answer)
- A list of training courses to attend
- A plan for the next safety inspection
Correct answer: A prioritised list of recommended improvements with specific responsibilities, timescales, and resources needed
An action plan translates risk assessment findings into concrete steps. It should include: what action is needed, who is responsible, the target completion date, resources required, and how effectiveness will be verified. Actions should be prioritised based on risk level.
Question 4: How should control measures be prioritised in the action plan?
- Alphabetically
- Based on risk level — highest risks addressed first, using the hierarchy of control (elimination before PPE) (Correct answer)
- Based solely on cost — cheapest first
- In the order they were identified during the assessment
Correct answer: Based on risk level — highest risks addressed first, using the hierarchy of control (elimination before PPE)
Control measures should be prioritised by: the level of risk (highest risks first), the hierarchy of control (preferring elimination/substitution over PPE), feasibility of implementation, and the number of people affected. Quick wins (low cost, high impact) can be implemented immediately while planning longer-term measures.
Question 5: What evidence should be included to support the risk assessment findings?
- No evidence is needed — professional judgement is sufficient
- Photographs, workplace observations, accident data, worker feedback, manufacturer's guidance, and relevant legislation references (Correct answer)
- Only witness statements from workers
- Only copies of the safety policy
Correct answer: Photographs, workplace observations, accident data, worker feedback, manufacturer's guidance, and relevant legislation references
Strong risk assessments are supported by evidence including: photographs of hazards and conditions, notes from workplace observations, relevant accident/near-miss data, feedback from worker consultations, manufacturer's safety data, industry guidance, and references to relevant legislation.
Question 6: Why is it important to set a review date for the risk assessment?
- It is a formality with no practical purpose
- To ensure the assessment remains valid, controls continue to work, and any changes are reflected in an updated assessment (Correct answer)
- To satisfy the course assessment requirements only
- To remind the assessor when their qualification expires
Correct answer: To ensure the assessment remains valid, controls continue to work, and any changes are reflected in an updated assessment
Setting a review date ensures the risk assessment remains a living document. Reviews should check that: controls are still effective, no new hazards have emerged, changes in processes or personnel are reflected, and action plan items have been completed. It demonstrates ongoing commitment to safety management.
IOSH Managing Safely Project Work 2
What makes a control measure recommendation 'practical and proportionate'?