SSSTS Risk Assessment & Method Statement Review 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a Method Statement and how does it relate to a risk assessment?
- A Method Statement sets out the sequence of work and the safe system of work; together with the risk assessment it forms a RAMS document (Correct answer)
- A Method Statement is the same document as a risk assessment
- A Method Statement replaces the risk assessment for low-risk activities
- A Method Statement is only required for high-rise construction
Correct answer: A Method Statement sets out the sequence of work and the safe system of work; together with the risk assessment it forms a RAMS document
A Method Statement describes how a specific task will be carried out safely, step by step, including the sequence of operations and the control measures. Combined with the risk assessment, it forms a RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) document that guides safe working.
Question 2: When should a risk assessment be reviewed?
- When there is reason to believe it is no longer valid (e.g., changes in conditions, after an accident) and at suitable intervals (Correct answer)
- Only after a fatal accident
- Only when requested by the HSE
- At the start of the project and never again
Correct answer: When there is reason to believe it is no longer valid (e.g., changes in conditions, after an accident) and at suitable intervals
Risk assessments must be kept up to date. Reviews are required when there is reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid — for example, when working methods change, new hazards arise, after an accident, or when there are significant changes in the workforce.
Question 3: What is a 'generic' risk assessment and when is it acceptable?
- A risk assessment for typical activities that can be adapted for site-specific conditions; acceptable as a starting point but must be reviewed and amended for actual site conditions (Correct answer)
- A fully adequate risk assessment that requires no amendment
- A risk assessment prepared by HSE for national use
- An assessment that applies only to a specific site
Correct answer: A risk assessment for typical activities that can be adapted for site-specific conditions; acceptable as a starting point but must be reviewed and amended for actual site conditions
Generic risk assessments cover typical hazards for common activities and are provided by trade associations or employers as a starting point. They must always be adapted to reflect the actual hazards and conditions on the specific site before use.
Question 4: What is the role of workers in the risk assessment process?
- Workers should be consulted as they have practical knowledge of hazards not obvious to managers or safety professionals (Correct answer)
- Workers have no formal role in risk assessment
- Risk assessments must be produced only by a safety professional
- Workers only need to sign the risk assessment to confirm they have read it
Correct answer: Workers should be consulted as they have practical knowledge of hazards not obvious to managers or safety professionals
Workers have valuable insight into the practical hazards of their tasks. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to consult employees on health and safety matters including risk assessments. Worker input improves assessment quality.
Question 5: What does RAMS stand for?
- Risk Assessment and Method Statement (Correct answer)
- Risk Analysis and Management System
- Regulatory Assessment for Managing Safety
- Risk Awareness and Monitoring Scheme
Correct answer: Risk Assessment and Method Statement
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. This combined document identifies the hazards of a specific task, evaluates the risks and specifies the safe system of work to be followed, including the sequence of operations and control measures.
Question 6: What should a site supervisor do if a subcontractor's method statement does not adequately address a site-specific hazard?
- Reject the method statement and require it to be revised before work commences (Correct answer)
- Accept it and tell workers verbally about the unaddressed hazard
- Add a note to the method statement without the subcontractor's agreement
- Allow work to start and address the hazard if it arises
Correct answer: Reject the method statement and require it to be revised before work commences
A method statement that fails to address a site-specific hazard provides an inadequate safe system of work. The supervisor must reject it and require the subcontractor to revise it to properly address all significant hazards before any work starts.
SSSTS Risk Assessment & Method Statement Review 2
What is a Method Statement and how does it relate to a risk assessment?