SSSTS Risk Assessment 2

Question 1

What is a dynamic risk assessment, and when might a site supervisor need to carry one out?

Accepted Answer

A continuous, real-time assessment of changing conditions, used when site conditions change unexpectedly and the formal written assessment no longer covers the situation

Answer

A risk assessment that is updated annually

Answer

A risk assessment for moving vehicles only

Answer

A risk assessment completed after an accident

Question 2

What information should be recorded when documenting a risk assessment for a construction activity?

Accepted Answer

The hazards identified, who is at risk, existing controls, risk rating, additional controls needed, responsible person, and review date

Answer

Only the name of the assessor

Answer

Only a description of the activity

Answer

Only the date of the assessment

Question 3

A risk assessment identifies that a task involves manual handling of heavy blocks. What should the supervisor consider under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992?

Accepted Answer

Whether the task can be avoided, and if not, whether mechanical aids can be used, and if manual handling is unavoidable, how to reduce the risk of injury

Answer

Manual handling is always acceptable if workers are strong enough

Answer

Manual handling regulations only apply to loads over 50kg

Answer

Only female workers need protection from manual handling risks

Question 4

What is a COSHH assessment and when is it required on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

An assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, required whenever workers may be exposed to hazardous substances such as cement dust, solvents, or silica

Answer

An assessment of construction costs

Answer

An assessment of site security

Answer

A check on the quality of concrete

Question 5

How should a supervisor assess the risk of working at height on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Consider the Work at Height Regulations 2005: avoid working at height where possible, use the safest means of access (scaffold, MEWP), assess weather conditions, check edge protection, and ensure rescue plans are in place

Answer

Working at height does not require a specific risk assessment

Answer

Only scaffold work needs assessment

Answer

Risk assessment is only needed above 3 metres

Question 6

What is a risk matrix and how does it help in prioritising control measures?

Accepted Answer

A tool that plots likelihood of harm against severity of harm to produce a risk rating, helping to prioritise which risks need the most urgent attention

Answer

A mathematical formula used only by engineers

Answer

A list of all possible accidents

Answer

A tool used only for financial risk