Foundations of Health and Safety Flashcards

Which of the following is considered a MORAL argument for managing health and safety in the workplace?

Answer: Preventing pain and suffering to workers and their families

The moral argument centres on the ethical duty to prevent harm, pain, and suffering to workers and their families. Legal compliance and financial savings are separate arguments.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, what is the general duty of employers under Section 2?

Answer: To ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees

Section 2(1) of HSWA 1974 places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.

What is the key distinction between criminal and civil law in the context of health and safety?

Answer: Criminal law deals with offences against the state and can result in fines or imprisonment, whilst civil law deals with disputes between individuals for compensation

Criminal law prosecutes offences against society (enforced by HSE/local authorities), resulting in fines or imprisonment. Civil law allows injured parties to claim compensation through the courts.

Which ILO Convention specifically addresses the Occupational Safety and Health framework?

Answer: ILO Convention 155

ILO Convention 155 (1981) concerns Occupational Safety and Health and the Working Environment, requiring member states to formulate a coherent national policy on OSH.

A worker suffers a serious injury at work. Which of the following represents the FINANCIAL argument for better health and safety management?

Answer: The employer may face increased insurance premiums, lost productivity, and compensation claims

Financial arguments include direct costs (compensation, fines, increased insurance) and indirect costs (lost production, damage to reputation, investigation time, recruitment of replacement staff).

Under HSWA 1974 Section 7, what is the general duty placed on employees?

Answer: To take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions

Section 7 requires employees to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their acts or omissions, and to cooperate with the employer on health and safety matters.