Health and Safety Foundations Flashcards

What is the difference between a 'hazard' and a 'risk' in health and safety?

Answer: A hazard is the potential to cause harm; a risk is the likelihood and severity of harm occurring from the hazard

A hazard is a source of potential harm (e.g., a wet floor, a chemical, moving machinery). Risk is the combination of the likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of that harm. Risk assessment combines both: identifying hazards, then evaluating the risk from each.

What does the 'hierarchy of controls' represent?

Answer: A ranked order of control measures from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE

The hierarchy of controls ranks measures from most effective (elimination of the hazard entirely) through substitution, engineering controls (isolation, guarding), administrative controls (safe systems of work, training, supervision), to the least effective — PPE. Higher-order controls reduce risk for everyone automatically; PPE depends on individual behavior.

What is the purpose of a 'safe system of work'?

Answer: To provide a formal procedure that eliminates or minimizes risks by defining how work is to be done safely

A safe system of work (SSOW) is a formal integrated set of procedures resulting from systematic examination of a task. It defines the safest way to perform the task, identifies hazards, prescribes controls, and specifies the sequence of operations — reducing risk for all involved.

Which document gives a worker legal right to stop work if they believe there is an imminent risk of serious injury?

Answer: The right to refuse dangerous work — recognised under ILO conventions and incorporated in UAE Federal Law No. 8 and Saudi Labour Law

ILO Convention No. 155 and national implementing legislation (including UAE Labour Law and Saudi Labour Law) recognise workers' right to remove themselves from imminent danger without being penalised for doing so. This right is a fundamental worker protection principle.

What is the main purpose of a workplace health and safety inspection?

Answer: To proactively identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and failures in control measures before they cause harm

Proactive inspections are a fundamental element of active health and safety monitoring. They identify hazards and control failures before incidents occur, allowing corrective action. Inspections are scheduled and systematic, examining the workplace, equipment, working practices, and documentation.

Under UAE Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 (Labour Law), what must an employer provide to workers in high-heat environments?

Answer: Adequate rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, water, and adherence to the summer outdoor work ban period

UAE Federal Law and annual Ministerial Orders mandate a summer outdoor work ban (typically 12:30–15:30 from June 15 to September 15), provision of shaded/air-conditioned rest areas, potable water, and worker education on heat illness prevention. Violations result in significant penalties.