NEBOSH CC Construction Site Hazards — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most common cause of fatal injuries on UK construction sites?
- Falls from height (Correct answer)
- Being struck by a moving vehicle
- Electrocution
- Collapse of a structure
Correct answer: Falls from height
Falls from height consistently account for the highest proportion of fatal injuries in UK construction, typically around 40-50% of all construction fatalities. This is why the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are particularly significant for the construction industry.
Question 2: A construction site uses a mobile tower scaffold. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, who is competent to inspect this equipment?
- A person with sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to carry out the inspection (Correct answer)
- Any worker on site
- Only a chartered structural engineer
- The scaffold manufacturer only
Correct answer: A person with sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to carry out the inspection
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require inspections by a competent person — defined as someone with sufficient training, practical and theoretical knowledge, and experience. For tower scaffolds, this typically means someone who has completed a PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association) course.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a permit-to-work system on a construction site?
- To provide a formal documented system for controlling high-risk activities (Correct answer)
- To replace the need for risk assessments
- To satisfy planning permission requirements
- To record working hours for payroll
Correct answer: To provide a formal documented system for controlling high-risk activities
A permit-to-work system provides a formal, documented procedure for authorising and controlling high-risk work such as hot work, confined space entry, electrical isolation, and work on live systems. It ensures all precautions are in place before work begins and that there is a clear handback process.
Question 4: What does the hierarchy of control require as the first consideration when managing construction site hazards?
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
- Use of personal protective equipment
- Provision of training
- Implementation of safe systems of work
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
The hierarchy of control prioritises measures in order: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls (including safe systems of work), and finally PPE as a last resort. Elimination removes the hazard entirely and is always the most effective control measure.
Question 5: Construction workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration from prolonged use of breakers and grinders. What condition can prolonged exposure cause?
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including vibration white finger (Correct answer)
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Work-related upper limb disorder from repetitive motion only
- Dermatitis
Correct answer: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including vibration white finger
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) includes vascular symptoms (vibration white finger — blanching of fingers in cold), neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness), and musculoskeletal effects. Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, the daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s2 A(8) and the limit value is 5 m/s2 A(8).
Question 6: What is the minimum standard of welfare facilities that must be provided on a construction site under CDM 2015 Schedule 2?
- Toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, changing rooms, and rest facilities (Correct answer)
- Toilets only
- Toilets and drinking water only
- Whatever the principal contractor considers adequate
Correct answer: Toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, changing rooms, and rest facilities
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 specifies minimum welfare facilities including: sanitary conveniences, washing facilities (with hot and cold water, soap, and towels), drinking water, changing rooms and lockers, and rest areas with seating and facilities for preparing hot drinks and warming food.
NEBOSH CC Construction Site Hazards
What is the most common cause of fatal injuries on UK construction sites?