Site Safe Hazard Identification NZ 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'task analysis' in hazard identification?
- To break down a task into steps and identify hazards at each step (Correct answer)
- To determine how quickly a task can be completed
- To assign the most qualified worker to a task
- To calculate the cost of completing a task
Correct answer: To break down a task into steps and identify hazards at each step
A task analysis systematically breaks a task into its component steps, identifies the hazards associated with each step, and determines appropriate controls for each hazard.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'residual risk'?
- The risk remaining after control measures have been applied (Correct answer)
- The original risk before any controls are applied
- The risk of a control measure failing
- The risk that only exists during certain weather conditions
Correct answer: The risk remaining after control measures have been applied
Residual risk is the level of risk that remains after control measures have been implemented. It should be at an acceptable level; if not, additional controls are needed.
Question 3: What is 'SWMS' and when is it used in NZ construction?
- Safe Work Method Statement — used for high-risk construction work to detail how tasks will be carried out safely (Correct answer)
- Standard Worker Management System — used for scheduling shifts
- Site Weather Monitoring System — used to track weather conditions
- Safety Warning and Marking Standards — used for site signage
Correct answer: Safe Work Method Statement — used for high-risk construction work to detail how tasks will be carried out safely
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that sets out the high-risk construction work activities, the hazards involved, and the control measures to be used. It is prepared before the work begins.
Question 4: What environmental hazard is particularly relevant to outdoor NZ construction sites?
- UV radiation from the sun causing skin cancer and sunburn (Correct answer)
- Earthquakes causing flooding
- Polar bear encounters
- Acid rain dissolving building materials
Correct answer: UV radiation from the sun causing skin cancer and sunburn
New Zealand has high levels of UV radiation due to its position relative to the ozone layer. Outdoor workers are at significant risk of sunburn and skin cancer, making UV protection essential.
Question 5: What role does a 'site induction' play in hazard identification?
- It familiarises workers with site-specific hazards, controls, and emergency procedures before they start work (Correct answer)
- It is a social welcome for new workers
- It tests workers' physical fitness for the job
- It assigns workers to their project teams
Correct answer: It familiarises workers with site-specific hazards, controls, and emergency procedures before they start work
A site induction ensures workers are aware of the specific hazards on the site, the control measures in place, emergency procedures, and their responsibilities before they commence work.
Question 6: What is the difference between a 'hazard' and a 'risk'?
- A hazard is a source of potential harm; a risk is the likelihood and consequence of that harm occurring (Correct answer)
- They are the same thing
- A hazard is more dangerous than a risk
- A risk can exist without a hazard
Correct answer: A hazard is a source of potential harm; a risk is the likelihood and consequence of that harm occurring
A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm (the source of danger), while risk is the combination of how likely the harm is to occur and how severe it could be. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to effective risk management.
Site Safe Hazard Identification NZ 5
What is the purpose of a 'task analysis' in hazard identification?