Health and Safety Foundations Flashcards

What is the 'domino theory' of accident causation?

Answer: Accidents result from a sequence of factors (social environment, fault, unsafe act/condition, accident, injury) that fall like dominoes — removing any domino prevents the injury

Heinrich's domino theory (1931) proposed that injuries result from a sequence of five factors (like dominoes). Removing the central 'unsafe act or condition' domino breaks the sequence. The theory shifted focus from blaming workers to understanding and interrupting causal sequences — foundational to modern accident investigation.

What does 'active monitoring' of health and safety performance involve?

Answer: Regular workplace inspections, safety tours, audits, and review of risk assessments before incidents occur

Active (proactive) monitoring checks that safety controls are working before harm occurs. It includes workplace inspections, safety observations, monitoring of environmental conditions (noise, air quality), reviewing risk assessments, and auditing safety systems. It contrasts with reactive monitoring (analyzing accidents after the fact).

What is the purpose of health and safety training for workers?

Answer: To ensure workers have the knowledge and skills to work safely, comply with procedures, and recognize and report hazards

Effective H&S training equips workers with the competence to recognize hazards, understand and follow safe procedures, use equipment safely, respond to emergencies, and fulfill their own legal duties. Without adequate training, even the best written procedures will fail in practice.

What does an 'improvement notice' issued by a health and safety inspector require?

Answer: The duty holder must remedy a specified contravention within a given time period, or face prosecution

An improvement notice requires the duty holder to remedy a contravention of health and safety law within a specified minimum period (typically 21 days or more). The duty holder can appeal. Failure to comply with an improvement notice is a criminal offence, escalating to prosecution.

What is the function of a health and safety policy statement?

Answer: To communicate senior management's commitment to safety, define responsibilities, and describe how safety will be managed

A written H&S policy has three parts: a statement of intent (commitment), organization (who is responsible for what), and arrangements (how the policy is implemented through procedures, training, monitoring). It is a legal requirement for employers with 5+ employees under UK law and equivalent regulations.

What is the definition of 'competence' in health and safety management?

Answer: The combination of skills, knowledge, experience, and training required to perform a task safely and effectively

H&S competence requires all four elements: knowledge (understanding hazards, legislation, principles), skills (practical ability), experience (applying knowledge and skills in real situations), and training (formal education and on-the-job development). All four together constitute genuine competence.