IOSH Managing Safely Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is 'work-related stress'?

Stress that is unrelated to the workplace
The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or demands placed on them at work (Correct answer)
Normal pressure that helps people perform well
A condition that only affects senior managers

Correct answer: The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or demands placed on them at work

The HSE defines work-related stress as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other demands placed on them at work. It is not an illness itself, but prolonged stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and physical health problems. The HSE's Management Standards identify six key stressors.

Question 2: What is the purpose of a risk assessment action plan?

To document the cost of all safety equipment purchased
To list the names of everyone who has read the risk assessment
To record the names of people who have been injured
To set out what additional controls are needed, who is responsible, and by when (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To set out what additional controls are needed, who is responsible, and by when

An action plan arising from a risk assessment sets out what further control measures need to be implemented, who is responsible for implementing them, the timescale for completion, and how effectiveness will be checked.

Question 3: What is the full title of the main UK health and safety legislation?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Correct answer)
The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1974
The Employment Safety Act 1974

Correct answer: The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The full title is 'The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974'. The 'etc.' is part of the official title and refers to the fact that it covers related matters beyond just health and safety, including welfare and the control of dangerous substances.

Question 4: What are the main hazards of working with chemicals?

Chemicals are only hazardous if they are liquid
Only the risk of spillage
Only skin irritation
Acute poisoning, chemical burns, chronic ill health (cancer, organ damage), fire/explosion, allergic reactions (dermatitis, asthma), and environmental contamination (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Acute poisoning, chemical burns, chronic ill health (cancer, organ damage), fire/explosion, allergic reactions (dermatitis, asthma), and environmental contamination

Chemical hazards include: acute effects (poisoning, burns, irritation), chronic effects (occupational cancer, organ damage, respiratory disease), fire and explosion (flammable substances), allergic reactions (occupational dermatitis, asthma), and environmental contamination from spills or improper disposal.

Question 5: What is a 'timeline analysis' in incident investigation?

A method for tracking RIDDOR reporting deadlines
A chronological reconstruction of events leading up to, during and after the incident to identify where things went wrong (Correct answer)
A tool for scheduling corrective actions
Recording when the investigation meetings took place

Correct answer: A chronological reconstruction of events leading up to, during and after the incident to identify where things went wrong

Timeline analysis plots the sequence of events in chronological order before, during and after the incident. It helps investigators understand the chain of events, identify deviations from normal procedures, and pinpoint where controls failed or were absent.

Question 6: What is the purpose of a health and safety policy?

To list all accidents that have occurred
To provide a record of risk assessments
To set out the organisation's commitment, arrangements and responsibilities for health and safety (Correct answer)
To satisfy insurance company requirements only

Correct answer: To set out the organisation's commitment, arrangements and responsibilities for health and safety

A health and safety policy sets out the organisation's general approach and commitment to health and safety, the responsibilities of key personnel, and the arrangements in place to manage health and safety.

Question 7: What is the minimum first aid provision an employer must provide?

A fully equipped first aid room in all workplaces
Only a telephone for calling emergency services
A suitably stocked first aid box and an appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements (Correct answer)
Only a list of local hospitals

Correct answer: A suitably stocked first aid box and an appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements

As a minimum, all workplaces must have: a suitably stocked first aid box, and an 'appointed person' to take charge of first aid arrangements and call emergency services when needed. Higher-risk workplaces or larger workforces will need qualified first aiders and more comprehensive provisions.

Question 8: What is a 'psychosocial hazard'?

A hazard arising from the way work is designed, organised or managed, causing psychological or physical harm such as stress (Correct answer)
A hazard from social media use at work
A hazard that cannot be assessed or controlled
A hazard that only affects people with mental health conditions

Correct answer: A hazard arising from the way work is designed, organised or managed, causing psychological or physical harm such as stress

Psychosocial hazards include factors such as excessive workload, lack of control, poor management support, bullying, harassment, violence, shift work, and work-life imbalance. They can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and related physical health problems.

Question 9: How should the project conclude?

With a summary of key findings, prioritised recommendations, the action plan, and a statement about review and monitoring arrangements (Correct answer)
With a request for more budget
With a list of all legislation referenced
With an apology for any hazards found

Correct answer: With a summary of key findings, prioritised recommendations, the action plan, and a statement about review and monitoring arrangements

An effective conclusion summarises: the key hazards found, the most important recommendations (prioritised by risk), the action plan with responsibilities and timescales, arrangements for monitoring effectiveness, and the date for the next review. It should give the reader a clear picture of what needs to happen next.

Question 10: What is a 'fire risk assessment' and who must carry one out?

A legal requirement under the Fire Safety Order for the 'responsible person' to identify fire hazards, people at risk, evaluate risks, and implement fire safety measures (Correct answer)
An optional assessment for large buildings only
An assessment of the fire extinguisher locations only
An assessment carried out only by the fire brigade

Correct answer: A legal requirement under the Fire Safety Order for the 'responsible person' to identify fire hazards, people at risk, evaluate risks, and implement fire safety measures

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the 'responsible person' (usually the employer or building manager) must carry out a fire risk assessment covering: identification of fire hazards, people at risk, evaluation of risks, fire prevention and protection measures, and emergency plans.

Question 11: Within what timeframe must a RIDDOR-reportable death or specified injury be reported?

Without delay — by the quickest practicable means, followed by a written report within 10 days (Correct answer)
At the next annual safety review
Within 6 months
Within 30 days

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

Deaths and specified injuries must be reported without delay by the quickest practicable means (usually by telephone to the HSE). This must be followed by a written report (online Form F2508) within 10 days. Over-7-day incapacitation injuries must be reported within 15 days.

Question 12: What are the main types of human error?

Only errors caused by lack of training
Only deliberate violations
Slips (attention failures), lapses (memory failures), mistakes (decision errors), and violations (deliberate deviations) (Correct answer)
There is only one type of human error

Correct answer: Slips (attention failures), lapses (memory failures), mistakes (decision errors), and violations (deliberate deviations)

Human errors are categorised as: Slips (performing an action incorrectly — attention failure), Lapses (forgetting to do something — memory failure), Mistakes (doing the wrong thing believing it to be right — decision/planning error), and Violations (intentionally deviating from rules — can be routine, situational or exceptional).

Question 13: What is the hierarchy of control measures?

A list of PPE options ranked by cost
A ranked sequence of control strategies from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE (Correct answer)
A management structure for safety officers
The order in which risk assessments should be completed

Correct answer: A ranked sequence of control strategies from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE

The hierarchy of control ranks measures from most effective (elimination — remove the hazard entirely) to least effective (PPE — protect the individual). You should always aim as high up the hierarchy as reasonably practicable.

Question 14: What is 'automation complacency'?

Being complacent about updating automated systems
Using automated fire alarm systems
Automating all safety checks
Over-reliance on automated systems leading to reduced monitoring, slower detection of failures, and degraded manual skills (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Over-reliance on automated systems leading to reduced monitoring, slower detection of failures, and degraded manual skills

Automation complacency occurs when workers over-rely on automated systems, reducing their active monitoring and vigilance. This can lead to: failure to notice when automated systems malfunction, slower detection and response to problems, degraded manual skills (deskilling), and overconfidence in the system's reliability.

Question 15: What is 'accident costing' and why is it useful?

A systematic method for calculating all direct and indirect costs of workplace accidents to demonstrate the business case for safety investment (Correct answer)
Deciding how much compensation to pay an injured worker
Calculating only the medical costs of an accident
Calculating the cost of an HSE investigation

Correct answer: A systematic method for calculating all direct and indirect costs of workplace accidents to demonstrate the business case for safety investment

Accident costing calculates all costs associated with workplace accidents — direct (compensation, medical, repair, fines) and indirect (lost production, management time, recruitment, overtime, reputational damage, increased insurance). It makes the financial case for safety investment tangible.

Question 16: What is the significance of 'risk rating' for common workplace hazards?

Risk ratings are purely theoretical with no practical use
All common hazards have the same risk rating
Risk ratings help prioritise which hazards need the most urgent attention and resources, ensuring the most significant risks are addressed first (Correct answer)
Risk ratings are only used for insurance purposes

Correct answer: Risk ratings help prioritise which hazards need the most urgent attention and resources, ensuring the most significant risks are addressed first

Risk ratings (likelihood × severity) help prioritise action. Not all hazards require the same level of attention — a high-risk hazard (high likelihood × high severity) needs urgent action, while a low-risk hazard may be acceptable with existing controls. Ratings ensure resources are directed where they're needed most.

Question 17: Why is worker consultation important in health and safety management?

Workers often have the best knowledge of practical risks and solutions in their area (Correct answer)
It removes the employer's legal responsibility
It is a voluntary best practice with no legal basis
It is only required in unionised workplaces

Correct answer: Workers often have the best knowledge of practical risks and solutions in their area

Consulting workers is both a legal requirement and good practice. Workers have direct experience of the risks in their roles and can provide valuable insight into practical and effective control measures.

Question 18: What is the employer's duty regarding first aid provision?

Only a first aid box is required
Employers must provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel appropriate to the circumstances (Correct answer)
First aid is only required in construction
First aid is optional for small businesses

Correct answer: Employers must provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel appropriate to the circumstances

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel. What is 'adequate' depends on the nature of the work, the number of employees, and the proximity of emergency services.

Question 19: What does 'Workplace Exposure Limit' (WEL) mean?

The maximum noise level allowed in a workplace
The maximum concentration of a hazardous substance in workplace air, averaged over a reference period (Correct answer)
The maximum number of hours an employee can work
The limit on the number of workers in a confined space

Correct answer: The maximum concentration of a hazardous substance in workplace air, averaged over a reference period

A Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) is the maximum concentration of an airborne substance, averaged over a reference period (usually 8 hours TWA or 15 minutes STEL), to which employees may be exposed by inhalation. WELs are listed in HSE's EH40.

Question 20: What is an 'emergency control measure'?

A control measure implemented after regular controls have failed and an emergency situation has arisen (Correct answer)
A control measure only used during fire drills
A control measure that is always in place
A temporary control used while waiting for PPE to arrive

Correct answer: A control measure implemented after regular controls have failed and an emergency situation has arisen

Emergency control measures are actions and procedures activated when normal controls fail or an emergency situation arises. They include emergency shut-offs, spill kits, emergency ventilation, evacuation procedures, and first aid arrangements.

Question 21: What is the purpose of 'gap analysis' in safety management?

Identifying gaps in the workforce due to absenteeism
Measuring the gaps between safety barriers
Analysing the time gap between inspections
Comparing the current state of safety management against a desired standard to identify areas needing improvement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Comparing the current state of safety management against a desired standard to identify areas needing improvement

Gap analysis compares the current state of the safety management system against a desired standard (e.g., ISO 45001, HSG65, legal requirements, best practice). The identified gaps form the basis for an improvement plan, with actions prioritised by risk and impact.

Question 22: What is a 'dynamic risk assessment'?

A risk assessment that is filed electronically
A risk assessment carried out by a team
A continuous, on-the-spot assessment of changing risks during work (Correct answer)
A risk assessment that uses computer software

Correct answer: A continuous, on-the-spot assessment of changing risks during work

A dynamic risk assessment is a continuous process of identifying, assessing and managing risks in real time, particularly when conditions change or are unpredictable. It is commonly used by emergency services, lone workers and those in changing environments.

Question 23: How does the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) define occupational health?

The treatment of injuries sustained during work activities
The enforcement of personal protective equipment policies
The prevention of work-related illness and promotion of physical and mental wellbeing (Correct answer)
The monitoring of workplace accident rates and near misses

Correct answer: The prevention of work-related illness and promotion of physical and mental wellbeing

Occupational health focuses on preventing work-caused illness and promoting the overall physical and mental wellbeing of workers, not just treating injuries after they occur.

Question 24: What is meant by 'duty of care' in health and safety?

A voluntary commitment with no legal backing
A duty that only applies during working hours
A common law obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid acts or omissions that could foreseeably cause harm to others (Correct answer)
A legal duty that only applies to the care sector

Correct answer: A common law obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid acts or omissions that could foreseeably cause harm to others

Duty of care is a common law concept that requires individuals and organisations to take reasonable steps to avoid acts or omissions that they can reasonably foresee might cause harm to others. In health and safety, it underpins the employer-employee relationship.

Question 25: What is an 'environmental permit'?

A certificate awarded for good environmental performance
A permit required under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations for activities that could pollute the environment (Correct answer)
A licence to sell environmental products
Planning permission for a new building

Correct answer: A permit required under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations for activities that could pollute the environment

Environmental permits are required under the Environmental Permitting Regulations for activities that could release substances to air, water or land. They set conditions on emissions, monitoring, reporting and operational practices. Operating without a required permit is a criminal offence.

Question 26: Why is it important to identify who might be harmed during a risk assessment?

To ensure control measures protect everyone who could be affected, including vulnerable groups (Correct answer)
To decide who should carry out the risk assessment
To reduce the number of people in the workplace
To allocate blame after an accident

Correct answer: To ensure control measures protect everyone who could be affected, including vulnerable groups

Identifying who might be harmed ensures that control measures are designed to protect all affected parties, with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as young workers, pregnant women, disabled people, and members of the public.

Question 27: What are the four types of safety sign and their colours?

Red, orange, purple and pink
All safety signs must be white with black text
Black, white, grey and brown
Red (prohibition/fire), yellow (warning), blue (mandatory), green (safe condition/first aid) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Red (prohibition/fire), yellow (warning), blue (mandatory), green (safe condition/first aid)

Safety signs follow an international colour-coding system: Red = prohibition and fire equipment; Yellow/amber = warning of hazards; Blue = mandatory actions; Green = safe conditions, escape routes and first aid. Shape also varies: circle, triangle, circle, rectangle respectively.

Question 28: What does the 'circular economy' concept mean?

An economy based on circular trade routes
An economic model that keeps resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling, minimising waste (Correct answer)
An economy where money circulates faster
An economy where products are made in circular shapes

Correct answer: An economic model that keeps resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling, minimising waste

The circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development that designs out waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible (through reuse, repair, remanufacturing, recycling), and regenerates natural systems. It contrasts with the traditional linear 'take-make-dispose' model.

Question 29: What is a 'chemical hazard'?

A hazard related to chemistry lessons only
Any substance stored in a chemical cupboard
Any substance that has a strong smell
A substance that can cause harm through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or injection, such as solvents, acids, dusts or fumes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A substance that can cause harm through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or injection, such as solvents, acids, dusts or fumes

Chemical hazards include any substance that can cause harm to health through various routes of entry into the body: inhalation (breathing in), ingestion (swallowing), skin absorption or contact, or injection. Examples include solvents, acids, alkalis, dusts, fumes, and gases.

Question 30: What is the 'Swiss Cheese Model' of accident causation?

James Reason's model showing how accidents occur when holes (failures) in multiple layers of defence align, allowing a hazard to result in harm (Correct answer)
A model about food safety hazards
A model showing the hierarchy of control measures
A model for prioritising which incidents to investigate

Correct answer: James Reason's model showing how accidents occur when holes (failures) in multiple layers of defence align, allowing a hazard to result in harm

James Reason's Swiss Cheese Model illustrates how accidents occur. Each layer of defence (procedures, training, equipment, supervision) has weaknesses (holes). An accident happens when the holes in multiple layers align, allowing a hazard to pass through all defences and cause harm.

IOSH Managing Safely Assessment

The IOSH Managing Safely assessment evaluates managers and supervisors on their ability to recognize workplace hazards, assess and control risks, understand health and safety responsibilities, investigate incidents, and protect the environment.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

iosh.com — Test delivery, eligibility, fees, renewal, time limit, score validity, exam format, exam information · verified Oct 2026