NEBOSH CC Construction Site Hazards

Question 1

What is the most common cause of fatal injuries on UK construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Falls from height

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A person with sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to carry out the inspection

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To provide a formal documented system for controlling high-risk activities

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Elimination of the hazard

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including vibration white finger

Answer

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).

NEBOSH Construction Certificate Practice Test

NEBOSH Construction Certificate Practice Test

NEBOSH CC Construction Site Hazards