NEBOSH Risk Assessment

Question 1

What are the five steps of risk assessment according to the HSE?

Accepted Answer

Identify hazards, decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate risks and decide on controls, record findings, and review and update

Answer

The HSE five-step risk assessment: 1) Identify hazards (what could cause harm), 2) Decide who might be harmed and how, 3) Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions (is current control adequate?), 4) Record significant findings, 5) Review the assessment and update when needed. This structured approach ensures systematic hazard management.

Question 2

How is risk typically calculated in a risk matrix?

Accepted Answer

Risk = Likelihood of harm × Severity of harm

Answer

A risk matrix plots likelihood (probability that harm will occur) against severity (magnitude of harm if it does). The product gives a risk rating (low/medium/high/very high). This helps prioritize which risks require most urgent and extensive control. Risk matrices use numerical scales (1–5 or 1–3) for both dimensions.

Question 3

What is the purpose of 'dynamic risk assessment'?

Accepted Answer

Real-time risk assessment conducted during rapidly changing situations (emergency services, dynamic construction sites) when pre-planned assessments cannot cover all eventualities

Answer

Dynamic risk assessment is the continuous real-time process of identifying, assessing, and managing hazards in rapidly evolving situations. Used by emergency services, live event staff, lone workers, and on construction sites where conditions change. Workers must be trained to recognize hazard changes and make safe decisions.

Question 4

Who should be involved in conducting a workplace risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Managers, supervisors, and the workers who actually do the work — workers have the most detailed knowledge of actual hazards

Answer

Effective risk assessments require worker involvement because workers have first-hand knowledge of actual conditions, task details, and practical hazards that management may not be aware of. Involving workers also increases ownership and compliance with resulting control measures.

Question 5

What factors should be considered when assessing the risk to 'vulnerable groups' in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant workers, young persons, workers with disabilities, lone workers, and migrant workers may have increased susceptibility or reduced ability to protect themselves — risk assessments must specifically address them

Answer

Specific risk assessment provisions apply to: new and expectant mothers (reproductive hazards, physical demands), young persons (inexperience, prohibition on certain hazards), workers with disabilities (access, task modification), lone workers (emergency response, supervision), and migrant workers (language barriers, cultural differences, unfamiliarity with local standards).

NEBOSH IGC Practice Test

NEBOSH IGC Practice Test

NEBOSH Risk Assessment