Controlling Risks Flashcards
6 cards from real IOSH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Controlling Risks flashcards as text
What is a 'toolbox talk'?
Answer: A short, informal safety briefing on a specific topic, often given on site before work begins
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.
What is 'behavioural safety' as a control strategy?
Answer: An approach that focuses on observing, reinforcing and improving safety-related behaviours in the workplace
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.
Why is training an important part of controlling risks?
Answer: It ensures workers have the knowledge, skills and awareness to work safely and use controls correctly
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.
What is the purpose of 'supervision' as an administrative control?
Answer: To ensure workers follow safe procedures, provide guidance, and identify unsafe practices that need correcting
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.
What is 'job rotation' and how does it control risk?
Answer: Regularly changing workers between tasks to reduce prolonged exposure to specific hazards such as repetitive work or noise
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.
What is the employer's duty regarding the maintenance of workplace equipment used as a control measure?
Answer: Employers must ensure equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers must ensure equipment is properly maintained. This includes regular inspection, servicing and repair.