NEBOSH Incident Investigation 4

Question 1

What is a 'responsible person' for RIDDOR reporting purposes?

Accepted Answer

The employer, self-employed person, or person in control of the premises where the work-related incident occurred

Answer

Under RIDDOR 2013, the 'responsible person' who must make the report is typically the employer of the injured person, a self-employed person if they are injured by their own work, or the person in control of the premises where the incident occurred. This ensures that the person with the duty to manage safety is also the one who reports failures.

Question 2

How does the domino theory differ from the Swiss cheese model in explaining accident causation?

Accepted Answer

The domino theory presents causation as a linear chain of sequential events, while the Swiss cheese model shows it as a failure of multiple independent defensive layers that normally prevent hazards from reaching people

Answer

Heinrich's domino theory (1931) presents a linear, sequential chain where one factor leads to the next. Reason's Swiss cheese model (1990) is more sophisticated, showing multiple independent layers of defence with latent weaknesses, where an accident requires the simultaneous failure of several layers. The Swiss cheese model better reflects complex modern organisations.

Question 3

When investigating an incident, why is it important to interview witnesses as soon as practicable?

Accepted Answer

Because memory of events deteriorates rapidly over time, and early interviews capture the most accurate and detailed recollections before they are influenced by subsequent discussions, media, or rationalisation

Answer

Human memory is most accurate shortly after an event and deteriorates significantly with time. Witnesses may also be influenced by conversations with others, media reports, or unconscious rationalisation. Early interviews capture the freshest and most reliable accounts. However, interviews should still be conducted sensitively, as witnesses may be distressed.

Question 4

Which of the following is a reportable occupational disease under RIDDOR 2013?

Accepted Answer

Occupational dermatitis where the worker's work involves significant or regular exposure to a known skin sensitiser or irritant

Answer

RIDDOR 2013 Schedule 3 lists specific reportable occupational diseases linked to specified work activities. Occupational dermatitis is reportable when associated with work involving exposure to known skin sensitisers or irritants. Other reportable diseases include carpal tunnel syndrome (from vibrating tools), occupational asthma, and hand-arm vibration syndrome.

Question 5

In a bow-tie analysis, what are 'escalation factors'?

Accepted Answer

Conditions or events that can cause a prevention or mitigation barrier to fail or be less effective, potentially allowing threats to lead to the hazardous event or consequences to escalate

Answer

Escalation factors are conditions that can degrade or defeat the barriers in a bow-tie. For example, lack of maintenance could cause a physical barrier to fail, or inadequate training could cause a procedural barrier to be ineffective. Identifying escalation factors is crucial because it reveals what could undermine the controls that are supposed to prevent or mitigate the event.

NEBOSH IGC Practice Test

NEBOSH IGC Practice Test

NEBOSH Incident Investigation 4